Hat and Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Spago and Worsted Merino Superwash - 2700 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern No. 2700: Striped Hat and Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Spago and Worsted Merino Superwash

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn presents a coordinating striped hat and cowl set worked in two contrasting yarns: the textural Plymouth Yarn Spago in color 1000 Browns and the smooth Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash (WMSW) in color 01 Natural. The interplay between a chunky, rustic yarn and a refined worsted-weight merino creates bold, eye-catching stripes with rich textural contrast. Both pieces are designed to be worn together as a set, making this an ideal intermediate-level project for knitters who want to explore multi-yarn colorwork without the complexity of cutting and weaving in dozens of ends.

About the Hat

The hat is worked in the round from the brim upward and is available in two sizes: a smaller size with a 21¾-inch circumference and a larger size with a 23¼-inch circumference, with the larger size given in parentheses throughout the pattern. This sizing makes it suitable for a range of adult head sizes.

Construction and Structure

The hat begins with a 1x1 ribbed brim worked on US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles using Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash. The cast-on is 108 (116) stitches, joined in the round and worked for 6 rounds of 1x1 rib (knit 1, purl 1 alternating). This ribbed edge provides a snug, stretchy fit at the brim that helps the hat stay in place.

After the ribbing, the hat transitions into the 8-round stripe sequence, which is repeated 5 full times plus an additional partial repeat of rounds 1 through 5. This structured stripe sequence alternates between the two yarns and two needle sizes, creating the dimensional striped effect that defines the design.

Crown Shaping

Crown decreases are worked using k2tog (knit two together) decreases and kfb (knit front and back) increases as part of the stripe sequence structure. The decreases are integrated into the stripe rounds, gradually reducing the stitch count. As the crown narrows, knitters switch to US Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) to accommodate the reduced stitch count comfortably. The hat is finished by cutting the yarn, removing the marker, drawing the yarn through the remaining 13 (14) stitches, pulling tight, and fastening off. All ends are woven in.

About the Cowl

The cowl is a simple, elegant tube measuring 10 inches in height and 24 inches in circumference. It is worked entirely in the round with no shaping required, making it a straightforward project once the stripe sequence is understood. One of the standout features of this cowl is that it is fully reversible — it can be worn with either the knit side or the purl side facing out. The stripes are described as more prominent on the purl side, giving the wearer two distinct looks from a single accessory.

Construction and Structure

The cowl is cast on with 120 stitches using US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles and Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash, joined in the round with a stitch marker placed to mark the beginning of rounds. Like the hat, it begins with a 1x1 rib, worked for 7 rounds to create a neat, stable edge. The body of the cowl is then worked through 6 full repetitions of the 8-round stripe sequence, totaling 48 rounds of striped fabric. Once all 48 rounds are complete, the cowl is finished using the smaller circular needle and WMSW.

The Stripe Sequence

The 8-round stripe sequence is the heart of both designs and is what creates the bold, dimensional striping effect. Understanding this sequence is key to successfully completing either piece:

• Round