Otis Hat in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK - ZB328-00009-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Otis Hat in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK – Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Otis Hat is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern offers two distinct versions of a classic beanie-style hat: one finished with a generous pompom and one without. Both versions are worked in the round from the brim upward, making this a satisfying project for knitters who are comfortable with double-pointed needles and simple stitch patterns.

What Is Being Made

• Version 1 – Otis Hat with Pompom: A snug, close-fitting beanie with a folded brim option and a large 6 cm pompom sewn to the crown. The pattern is photographed in colorway Silver 231 (A) with the pompom worked in Dark Burgundy 230 (B).
• Version 2 – Otis Hat without Pompom: Identical in construction to Version 1 but finished without the pompom for a cleaner, more minimalist look. This version is photographed in Vermilion 229.

The finished hat measures 36.5 cm in circumference and 28 cm in height, making it a cozy, deep-fitting style that sits comfortably over the ears.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a luxuriously soft double knitting weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. This yarn's alpaca content gives the finished hat exceptional warmth and a beautiful drape without excessive weight – ideal for accessories worn close to the face. Three colorways are referenced in the pattern:

• Silver 231 – used as Color A for the main hat body in the pompom version
• Dark Burgundy 230 – used as Color B for the pompom
• Vermilion 229 – used for the no-pompom version as shown in photography

Needles

The pattern requires a set of four double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size 4 mm. Stitches are distributed evenly across three of the four needles, with the fourth used as the working needle throughout the project.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is important for matching the stated finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 33 stitches and 31 rounds to 10 × 10 cm, measured over the main stitch pattern using 4 mm needles. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before casting on to ensure an accurate fit.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round using a set of four double-pointed needles – the entire hat is worked in continuous rounds with no seaming required
• Twisted rib stitch pattern – the main body fabric is created using a two-round repeating pattern of twisted knit and twisted purl stitches, giving the fabric excellent elasticity and a refined, textured appearance
• Crown shaping with decreases – the top of the hat is shaped through a series of structured decrease rounds, using a special four-stitch decrease technique worked over five stitches
• Pompom making – a 6 cm pompom is created separately in Color B and sewn securely to the crown of the hat (Version 1 only)
• Folded brim – the lower edge of the hat can optionally be turned back once or twice to create a classic folded brim
• Steaming and finishing – all pieces are steamed according to the Rowan information page guidelines before final assembly

Stitches Used

• Twisted knit stitch (1 M re verschr) – a knit stitch worked through the back loop, creating a tighter, more defined stitch
• Twisted purl stitch (1 M li verschr) – a purl stitch worked through the back