Alhambra Hat

Alhambra Hat by Jane Nelson

What Is Being Made

The Alhambra Hat is an advanced-level knitted cap designed by Jane Nelson of IrishKnitCat Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a fitted, crown-decreasing hat available in two sizes: Small/Medium (approximately 20" in circumference) and Large/Extra-Large (approximately 22" in circumference). The hat features a distinctive tesselated tile pattern inspired by Moorish architecture found in southern Spain, combined with strategic crown decreases that form a feathered cross at the top of the hat.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The primary construction method is circular knitting in the round, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern incorporates color work using two contrasting worsted weight yarns worked simultaneously throughout the piece, creating the tesselated tile design characteristic of Moorish geometric patterns. The crown shaping utilizes strategic decreases positioned to form a decorative feathered cross motif at the crown, requiring careful attention to stitch placement and decrease positioning. Knitters must maintain consistent gauge while managing two colors, making this an ideal project for those with prior colorwork experience.

Stitches Used

The Alhambra Hat is constructed primarily in Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric that allows the color pattern to stand out clearly. The colorwork is achieved through stranded knitting techniques, where both yarn colors are carried along the inside of the fabric as stitches are worked. The crown decreases are worked using standard knitting decreases integrated into the stitch pattern to create the feathered cross design at the top of the hat.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern requires two contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn. Each color requires approximately 35 grams (65 to 70 yards). The sample projects were knit using Cascade 220 (100g/220 yards) for the Green & Gold colorway, and a combination of Jamieson Soft Shetland (50g/120 yards) and Harrisville Designs New England Highland (100g/200 yards) for the Purple & White colorway.

Needle requirements vary by size:

• Small/Medium: US 8 (5.0 mm) needles, with a gauge of 20 stitches × 21 rounds = 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch color pattern
• Large/Extra-Large: US 9 (5.5 mm) needles, with a gauge of 18 stitches × 21 rounds = 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch color pattern

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern, as it ensures the hat will fit correctly and the tesselated pattern will display at the intended scale. Knitters should swatch in the round using both yarn colors to verify gauge before beginning the project.