Gladwyne Hat

Gladwyne Hat by Stacked Woolens

What is Being Made

The Gladwyne Hat is a slouchy knit hat designed by Meridith Shepherd that combines the softness of cashmere with the elegance of vintage lace. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat available in two sizes: 19" and 21" circumference, making it a versatile accessory suitable for winter fashion.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses lace weight yarn, specifically calling for 1 ball of Filatura di Crosa Superior or 160 (200) yards of comparable lace weight yarn. The yarn is worked held double for the hat band and then held single for the main body, allowing crafters to achieve the desired drape and texture. Additional materials include US 5 (3.75 mm) 16" circular needles and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs), US 2 (3.00 mm) 16" circular needles, and stitch markers to track the beginning of each round.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Gladwyne Hat employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated appearance:

• Garter Stitch – Used for the hat band, created by alternating knit and purl rounds to form five distinct garter ridges that provide structure and a finished edge
• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch used in the hat body, worked in the round to create a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Yarn Overs (yo) – Decorative increases that create the lace pattern characteristic of the design
• Centered Double Decrease (s2kp) – A slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over technique that decreases stitches while maintaining a centered decrease line, essential for the lace motif
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease used in conjunction with yarn overs to create balanced lace elements
• Knit Front and Back (kfb) – An increase technique used to expand the stitch count from 216 to 240 stitches as the hat transitions from band to body

Gauge and Construction

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 30 rounds equaling 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch when blocked on the larger needle. The hat begins with 108 (120) cast-on stitches worked on smaller needles with yarn held double, creating a sturdy ribbed band. After working the garter stitch band, crafters switch to the larger needles and single-strand yarn to begin the lace body, which features repeating yarn over and centered decrease motifs that create the vintage lace aesthetic.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate, the Gladwyne Hat requires familiarity with circular needle knitting, lace techniques including yarn overs and centered decreases, and the ability to work seamlessly in the round. This project is well-suited for knitters who have completed basic garments and are ready to explore decorative stitch patterns.