Sardinia

Sardinia Knit Hat by Bristol Ivy

What is Being Made

Sardinia is a knitted hat designed by Bristol Ivy, featuring a distinctive sideways construction method. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted hat available in five sizes, with finished circumferences ranging from 13 inches to 23 1/4 inches and heights from 8 1/4 inches to 10 1/4 inches. The hat is suitable for a range of head sizes and can be customized with an optional pompom.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The Sardinia hat employs a sideways knitting approach, meaning the hat is constructed horizontally rather than in traditional top-down or bottom-up orientation. This method allows for unique shaping possibilities and visual interest. The crown features decorative bind offs combined with short-row shaping, a technique that creates three-dimensional depth and structure without increasing stitch count. After the short rows are bound off, stitches are picked back up to continue the pattern, demonstrating an intermediate-level construction method that requires attention to detail and understanding of stitch manipulation.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Garter Stitch – Used for the brim to create a textured, elastic edge that frames the face
• Stockinette Stitch – A single row of stockinette stitch transitions between the brim and main body
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch – Comprises the majority of the hat, creating a bumpy textured surface as the primary visual feature
• Short Rows – Employed in the crown shaping to create contoured depth and structure

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for Masham Worsted by Lorna's Laces, a yarn blend composed of 70% British Wool and 30% Masham Wool, offering durability and warmth. One skein in the Northbrook colorway is sufficient, though the pattern provides flexibility with yardage requirements: 70 yards for the smallest size (13" circumference) up to 120 yards for the largest size (23 1/4" circumference). An additional 30 yards of worsted weight yarn is recommended if adding an optional pompom. Worsted weight yarn is a medium-weight category ideal for hats, providing structure while remaining breathable.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires one 24-inch circular needle or a set of straight needles in US size 8 (5 mm), or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Since the hat is worked flat rather than in the round, straight needles or a circular needle used in flat rows are both suitable options. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a stitch marker for tracking pattern sections, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, and an optional 2 1/2-inch pompom maker for adding a decorative finish.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

The required gauge is 15 1/2 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in reverse stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern is worked flat, beginning with a provisional cast-on that allows for seamless joining later. The construction sequence progresses from the garter stitch brim, through a single stockinette row, into the reverse stockinette body, and concludes with short-row crown shaping and decorative bind offs. This intermediate-level design requires familiarity with provisional cast-ons, short-row techniques, and picking up stitches, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills seeking to expand their technical repertoire.