Whirlwind

Whirlwind Knit Hat by MsYarn Designs

What Is Being Made

The Whirlwind is an advanced knit hat designed by Dawn Hansen for MsYarn Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished hat with an 18-inch circumference and 8-inch height, making it a standard adult-sized hat. The design showcases textured stitch work and shaping techniques suitable for experienced knitters looking to expand their skills.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Malabrigo Worsted yarn, a premium 100% Merino fiber available in 210-yard skeins weighing 100 grams. Only 1 skein is required to complete the hat. The example shown was knit in the colorways Taureg Blue and Mint. Malabrigo Worsted is classified as an aran weight yarn, providing a medium thickness ideal for creating defined stitch definition in textured patterns.

Needles and Notions

The Whirlwind pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and shaping:

• US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles for the ribbed cuff and initial cast-on
• US 8 (5.0mm) circular needles for working the main pattern
• US 8 (5.0mm) double-pointed needles (dpn) for crown shaping when stitches become too few for circular needles
• Cable needle (cn) for executing cable twists
• Stitch marker (m) for tracking round beginnings
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Stitches and Techniques

The Whirlwind employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches to create its textured appearance:

• Knit (k) – the basic stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl (p) – the reverse of knit, used in ribbing and textured sections
• Knit through the back loop (ktbl) – a twisted stitch variation that adds visual interest and structural definition
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for cable preparation and pattern transitions
• 1/1 Ribbing – alternating knit and purl stitches in a single-stitch pattern, creating the elastic cuff
• Cable twists – created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them in front or back, and working stitches in a specific order to create crossed stitch effects

Pattern Structure and Shaping

The hat is constructed in the round using circular needles, beginning with a cast-on of 96 stitches. The pattern features a ribbed cuff worked in 1/1 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2 repeat) that provides elasticity and a polished finish. The main body incorporates cable and textured stitch work across 12-round pattern repeats, with the pattern repeated twice for adequate length. Crown shaping transitions the work from circular needles to double-pointed needles as stitches are decreased, a standard technique for closing the top of a hat seamlessly.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in pattern using the larger US 8 (5.0mm) needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of 18 inches circumference and 8 inches in height. Knitters should always swatch and measure gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Difficulty Level

Classified as advanced, the Whirlwind is designed for knitters with solid foundational skills. The combination of cable work, twisted stitches, gauge-dependent shaping, and the transition from circular to double-pointed needles requires confidence with multiple techniques and the ability to read and follow complex stitch patterns.