Second Hand Rose Cap

Second Hand Rose Cap by Sharon Mooney

What is Being Made

The Second Hand Rose Cap is a knitted hat designed to fit large children through adults with a head circumference of 20" to 24". This intermediate-level knitting project creates a colorful cap featuring two coordinating colors from Universal Yarns' eco-conscious yarn line, combining green and blue hues in a single finished garment.

Craft and Project Type

This is a knitting project that uses circular knitting techniques. The pattern (K319) was designed by Sharon Mooney and is available as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for knitters who prefer digital patterns. The difficulty level is rated as intermediate, indicating it requires foundational knitting skills and familiarity with circular needle work.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Second Hand Rose Cap employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for hat construction:

• Circular knitting: The pattern utilizes 16" circular needles to knit the body of the cap in the round, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous rounds of stockinette stitch
• Double pointed needle work: As the crown decreases and stitches become too few for circular needles, the pattern transitions to double pointed needles to complete the top shaping
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases (abbreviated as "Dec" in the pattern) shape the crown of the hat, creating the fitted cap structure
• Stitch markers: A split ring stitch marker helps track the beginning of rounds during circular knitting
• Bind off: The pattern concludes with a bind off technique to secure the final stitches

Stitches Used

The Second Hand Rose Cap is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the cap, created by alternating knit and purl rows (or in circular knitting, knitting every round). This stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric texture typical of fitted hats
• Knit stitch (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of stockinette when worked in the round
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): This decrease stitch is used to shape the crown of the cap, reducing stitch count to create the fitted top

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Second Hand Rose Cap pattern calls for specific materials that emphasize sustainable, eco-conscious yarn choices:

• Yarn: Two skeins of Universal Yarns "Renew Wool" in different colors—color 105 (green, designated as "A" in the pattern) and color 104 (blue, designated as "B"). Each skein contains 270 yards and weighs 3.5 ounces, composed of 65% virgin wool and 35% repurposed wool, making this an environmentally responsible fiber choice
• Yarn weight: The pattern uses DK (double knit) weight yarn, a versatile mid-weight that works well for structured hats
• Needles: Size US 6 circular knitting needles (16" length) for the main body and a set of four size US 6 double pointed needles for crown shaping
• Notions: A split ring stitch marker for tracking rounds and a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5.5 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch when working stockinette stitch on circular needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the cap to fit properly within the intended head circumference range of 20" to 24", which accommodates large children and most adults.