Winterwood

Winterwood Nordic-Inspired Knit Hat by Vanessa Ewing

What Is Being Made

Winterwood is a Nordic-inspired knit hat designed by independent designer Vanessa Ewing. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a cozy winter hat available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of 18, 20, or 22 inches (46, 51, or 56 cm). The finished hat features a classic Nordic aesthetic with colorwork detailing and is topped with a decorative pom pom, making it both functional and visually striking for cold weather wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative knitting techniques. The pattern utilizes stranded colorwork (also known as Fair Isle knitting), which involves carrying two yarn colors simultaneously to create patterned motifs typical of Nordic design traditions. Knitters will work in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hats. The pattern also incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the crown of the hat as stitches are reduced toward the top, requiring careful stitch marker placement to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch in the round (abbreviated st st), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the base of the hat. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The colorwork pattern integrates two colors of yarn within the stockinette stitch foundation, with the main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) creating the Nordic-inspired design elements across the body of the hat.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Winterwood is designed for DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category that produces a refined, drapable fabric suitable for fitted hats. The pattern requires:

• Main Color (MC): 95 to 130 yards (110 to 156 meters) depending on size
• Contrasting Color (CC): 30 to 45 yards (82 to 110 meters) depending on size
• A 10% buffer has been added to all yardage amounts for safety

The sample hat was knitted using Cape May Fiber Co DK Merino, a 100% superwash merino yarn offering 231 yards per 100 grams. The main color used is Winter Waves, a tonal deep blue, while the contrasting color is Cranberry Cheesecake, a speckled blend of burgundy and navy with hints of orange and black. Superwash merino provides excellent warmth, breathability, and easy care for a winter hat.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires US Size 5 (3.75mm) and US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in either 16-inch (40 cm) or 24-inch (60 cm) lengths, allowing knitters to choose based on personal preference and hand size. Additionally, a set of US Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) is needed for the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles. The pattern calls for 7 to 9 stitch markers depending on size (6 to 8 in one color plus 1 in a contrasting color) to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the hat. A 6-inch (15.5 cm) diameter pom pom completes the finished hat, adding both decorative appeal and a traditional Nordic touch.

Finished Dimensions

The finished hat circumference ranges from 16¾ inches (42.5 cm) in the smallest size to 21½ inches (54.5 cm) in the largest size, providing a comfortable, slightly negative ease for a secure fit. The finished length when worn ranges from 8¾ to 9¾ inches (22 to 24.75 cm), creating a classic hat depth suitable for covering the ears and forehead during winter months.