Tête-Bêche

Tête-Bêche Knit Hat by Verena Cohrs

What Is Being Made

Tête-Bêche is a downloadable knitting pattern for a hat designed by Verena Cohrs. The design offers three finished sizes with circumferences of 41.5 cm (16.25"), 46 cm (18"), and 50.5 cm (19.75"), and finished lengths ranging from 18 cm (7") to 23 cm (9") depending on size selection. The hat is designed to be worn with 4-8 cm (1.75-3.25") of negative ease for a close, comfortable fit. This intermediate-level knitting project features a two-color construction with optional pom pom finishing.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Tête-Bêche pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. A provisional cast-on is used as an optional technique, typically created with a crochet hook, allowing for a flexible cast-on edge that can be picked up later. The hat is worked in the round, a fundamental technique for seamless hat construction. The pattern includes options for joining the brim, providing flexibility in finishing methods. Optional blocking tools are recommended for shaping and finishing the completed hat.

Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes two primary stitch patterns, both worked in the round:

• Stockinette Stitch – The main stitch pattern, created by knitting all stitches in each round, producing the smooth, classic stockinette fabric that forms the body of the hat
• 1x1 Rib – A textured stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 2 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches in each round, typically used for the brim or cuff area to create elasticity and a fitted edge

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Tête-Bêche pattern calls for De Rerum Natura Ulysse, a sport-weight yarn composed of 100% French Merino. This yarn provides 185 metres (202 yards) per 50-gram skein. The pattern requires 50 grams each of a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC); the photographed sample uses Bois de Rose for the main color and Quartz for the contrasting color. Yarn requirements may vary slightly depending on whether the hat is made with a joined brim and pom pom, without a pom pom, or with alternative brim construction. Essential notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats when working in the round, and a tape measure for checking finished dimensions. A pom pom maker is optional for creating a decorative pom pom topper.