Heather Hat + Wrap in MODE at Rowan Softest Alpaca - Downloadable PDF

Heather Hat + Wrap in MODE at Rowan Softest Alpaca: Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern by Georgia Farrell for Mode at Rowan presents two coordinating accessories — the Heather Hat and the Heather Wrap — both worked in Rowan Extra Softest Alpaca, a luxuriously soft chunky-weight yarn. The designs share a signature textured checkerboard stitch pattern that gives them a cohesive, tactile aesthetic, making them an ideal matching set for cool-weather wear. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is available as a downloadable PDF.

About the Yarn and Materials

Both pieces are knitted in Rowan Extra Softest Alpaca, a chunky-weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The photographed samples are shown in Linen 015, a warm neutral shade. The softness of alpaca fibre makes this yarn particularly well suited to accessories worn close to the face and neck. Needles range from 5mm (US 8) to 5.5mm (US 9), available in straight pairs, circular, and double-pointed needle formats depending on the construction method chosen.

The Heather Hat

Overview and Sizing

The Heather Hat is designed to fit an average adult woman's head with an approximate circumference of 44.5 cm (17½ in). It is a close-fitting beanie-style hat featuring a ribbed brim and a textured checkerboard body, finished with a shaped crown. The pattern offers two construction options: worked flat on straight needles or worked in the round on circular and double-pointed needles, giving knitters flexibility based on their preferred technique.

Tension

The stated tension is 18 stitches and 25 rows/rounds to 10 cm over the checkerboard pattern using 5.5mm (US 9) needles. Achieving correct tension is important for ensuring the hat fits as intended, and knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning.

Construction and Techniques

The hat begins with a cast-on of 82 stitches using 5mm (US 8) needles. The ribbed brim is established immediately and worked until it measures 6.5 cm. The rib pattern used is a structured combination of knit and purl stitches arranged in a repeating sequence, creating a neat, stretchy cuff that sits snugly around the head.

• Brim: Worked in a detailed rib pattern using 5mm needles for approximately 6.5 cm
• Body: Worked from a charted checkerboard pattern beginning at chart row 13, with a 20-stitch repeat worked four times across the round or row
• Crown shaping: Achieved through decrease rounds, beginning with K4, P2, P2tog, P2 repeats, reducing from 82 stitches to 72 stitches and continuing to decrease until the crown is closed; double-pointed needles are introduced as stitch counts reduce

Stitches Used

• Rib stitch — a structured combination of knit and purl columns for the brim
• Checkerboard pattern — worked from a chart, creating the textured body of the hat
• P2tog (purl two together) — a decrease stitch used during crown shaping
• Knit and purl stitches throughout

Needles and Notions for the Hat

• 1 pair 5mm (US 8) straight needles (flat version)
• 1 pair 5.5mm (US 9) straight needles (flat version)
• 5mm (US 8) circular needles, 40 cm length (in-the-round version)
• 5.5mm (US 9) circular needles, 40 cm length (in-the-round version)
• Set of 5.5mm (US 9)