Autumn Whirlpool with earflaps

Autumn Whirlpool Hat with Earflaps

What Is Being Made

The Autumn Whirlpool is a knitted hat with earflaps designed by Natalie Pelykh. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted hat available in three sizes with brim circumferences of 18-19 inches (46-48 cm), 19.5-20.5 inches (50-52 cm), and 21-22 inches (54-56 cm). The hat features integrated earflaps for added warmth and coverage, making it an ideal accessory for autumn and cooler seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Autumn Whirlpool employs cable knitting as its primary decorative technique. Cable stitches create twisted, rope-like textures that add visual interest and dimension to the finished hat. The pattern incorporates multiple cable crossing techniques worked over the main fabric, requiring knitters to use a cable needle to manipulate stitches and create the characteristic twisted effects. This intermediate-level project assumes familiarity with cable work and the ability to read cable charts and abbreviations.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses the following cable stitches and abbreviations:

• 2/1 RCP (Right Cable Purl): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then purl 1 stitch from cable needle
• 2/1 LCP (Left Cable Purl): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, purl 1 stitch, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• 2/2 RCP (Right Cable Purl): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then purl 2 stitches from cable needle
• 2/2 LCP (Left Cable Purl): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, purl 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• 4-st RC (4-stitch Right Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• 4-st LC (4-stitch Left Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle

These cable combinations create the textured whirlpool pattern that gives the hat its distinctive name and visual appeal.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Autumn Whirlpool is designed for 4-ply yarn, also known as fingering or sock weight yarn. The pattern provides three yarn options, all 100% merino wool:

• Madelinetosh Merino Light: 100% merino, 384 meters per 100 grams
• Madelinetosh Tosh Sock: 100% merino, 361 meters per 100 grams
• Malabrigo Yarn Sock: 100% merino, 402 meters per 100 grams

Yardage requirements vary by size: 40 grams for the smallest size, 60 grams for the medium size, and 80 grams for the largest size. The pattern calls for circular needles in two sizes: US 1 (2.25 mm) for the ribbed sections and US 3 (3.25 mm) for the main pattern, or needles sized to obtain the specified gauge. Additional materials include 3 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and cable crossings.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 34 stitches and 42 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters when worked in the main pattern on US 3 (3.25 mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper hat size and ensuring the cable pattern displays as intended.