Sarum Beanie

Sarum Beanie by Tess Young

What is Being Made

The Sarum Beanie is a knitted hat designed by independent designer Tess Young, inspired by the Prisoners of Conscience stained glass window created by Gabriel Loire of Chartres in Salisbury Cathedral's Trinity Chapel during the 1980s. This beginner-level knitting project features a distinctive slightly pointed top that references Salisbury Cathedral's spire, the tallest in Britain. The hat design incorporates stacked lancet shapes derived from the cathedral's architectural and artistic elements, making it both a functional accessory and a wearable tribute to historical and geographical inspiration.

Design Inspiration and Concept

The Sarum Beanie draws its aesthetic from multiple sources connected to Salisbury and its surrounding area. The lancet shapes are informed by the stained glass window's architectural forms, while the color palette is influenced by the striking blues found in the Gabriel Loire window, which possess remarkable luminosity. The name references Old Sarum, located just north of modern-day Salisbury, which has hosted human settlement from Neolithic times through the Roman period and beyond. The slightly pointed crown serves as a visual nod to Salisbury Cathedral's iconic spire.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs colorwork techniques using 4 ply yarn to create the patterned fabric. The colorwork method allows for the incorporation of the striking blue tones inspired by the stained glass window while maintaining structural integrity. The combination of multiple colors in 4 ply weight creates a fabric that is both warm and stable, making it practical for layering and portable storage.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch details are referenced in the pattern, the Sarum Beanie is constructed using standard knitting stitches appropriate for a beginner-level project. The hat features a shaped crown that tapers to the characteristic pointed top, which requires shaping techniques suitable for hat construction. The colorwork is integrated throughout the body of the hat, creating the visual pattern inspired by the lancet window designs.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn Weight: 4 ply (fingering weight), which provides excellent stitch definition for colorwork and creates a fabric with both warmth and stability
• Yarn Type: The pattern utilizes multiple colors of 4 ply yarn to achieve the striking blue colorway inspired by the stained glass window
• Needles: Appropriate needles for 4 ply yarn are required; specific needle sizes and types are detailed in the pattern materials section

Finished Hat Characteristics

The completed Sarum Beanie creates a warm, stable fabric suitable for year-round wear or seasonal layering. Its compact, packable nature makes it ideal for keeping in a bag when uncertain about weather conditions. The colorwork pattern and pointed crown make it a distinctive accessory that combines practical functionality with artistic inspiration drawn from cathedral architecture and regional history.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner difficulty project, the Sarum Beanie is accessible to knitters new to colorwork techniques. The straightforward construction combined with the engaging design makes it an excellent introduction to working with multiple colors in knitting.