Amaliya Hat

Amaliya Hat by Denise Balvanz

What is Being Made

The Amaliya Hat is an advanced-level knitted hat designed by Denise Balvanz as part of a coordinating collection. This pattern is one piece in a complete set that includes a matching capelet, mittens, and fingerless mitts, allowing crafters to create a unified, coordinated ensemble. The hat features a distinctive honeycomb stitch pattern that adds both visual interest and extra warmth to the finished garment.

Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its honeycomb texture and polished finish. The pattern incorporates slip stitches with yarn in front (sl3wyif), which creates the dimensional honeycomb effect by strategically slipping stitches across multiple rounds. The catch stitch technique is used to create the raised, textured elements that define the honeycomb motif. The pattern is worked in the round, requiring circular knitting skills and careful attention to stitch placement across multiple rounds to maintain pattern continuity. The designer notes that some pattern repeats intentionally extend slightly beyond round endings to preserve the unbroken honeycomb motif, demonstrating advanced shaping and pattern management.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (worked in all odd rounds for smooth sections)
• Slip stitch with yarn in front (sl3wyif) for honeycomb texture
• Catch stitch for dimensional raised elements

Materials

The Amaliya Hat is designed to be worked in aran or worsted weight yarn. The original pattern sample was created using Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill, a 100% wool yarn with 250 yards per 4-ounce skein. The designer used the Garnet colorway for the coordinating set. The complete four-piece collection (capelet, hat, mittens, and fingerless mitts) required four skeins total with yardage left over for swatching, with each individual piece including extra yardage recommendations for gauge swatching. Circular knitting needles appropriate for aran and worsted weight yarn are required for this in-the-round project.