Fearne

Fearne Knit Hat by Katya Frankel

What Is Being Made

Fearne is an intermediate-level knit hat designed by Katya Frankel. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a fitted hat available in four sizes to accommodate head circumferences of 18, 20, 22, and 24 inches (46, 51, 56, and 61 cm). The finished brim circumference ranges from 15 ¼ inches to 22 ½ inches (38.5 to 57 cm) unstretched, offering a tailored fit for different head sizes.

Construction Techniques

Fearne is knit in the round from the bottom up, a popular method for creating seamless hats with a continuous circular construction. The pattern incorporates slipped stitches throughout the design, which create texture and visual interest while maintaining structural integrity. The use of slipped stitches combined with cabling techniques produces a sophisticated stitch pattern that works from the brim upward to the crown.

The hat features cables as a primary design element, adding depth and dimension to the finished piece. Intermediate knitters will work with basic cabling techniques, stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), and simple shaping through decreases and increases. The pattern requires standard finishing techniques to complete the hat professionally.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stocking stitch – the foundational stitch used throughout, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Slipped stitches – used decoratively and structurally throughout the pattern
• Cable stitches – intermediate-level cables that create textured pattern elements
• Knitting in the round – worked on circular needles to create a seamless construction
• Simple decreases and increases – used for shaping the hat to fit the crown

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 skein of Fyberspates Scrumptious DK in the colorway Water. This yarn is a luxury blend of 45% silk and 55% wool, offering both softness and warmth. With 220 meters (approximately 240 yards) per 100-gram skein, this yardage is sufficient to complete the hat in any of the four available sizes.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need a 3.5mm (US5) circular needle in 16-inch (40 cm) length for working in the round. Additional notions include a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch using 3.5mm (US5) needles. The stitch pattern gauge is 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match these specifications.

Difficulty Level

Fearne is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle cabling and more complex stitch patterns. The pattern assumes familiarity with knitting in the round, reading stitch patterns, working cables, and executing simple shaping techniques. This makes it an excellent project for advancing knitters looking to develop their skills with texture and dimensional stitch work.