Stoneway

Stoneway Knit Hat by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

Stoneway is a bottom-up knit hat designed as a fun and fast project suitable for fall and winter wear. The pattern offers three sizes with brim circumferences of 18 inches, 20½ inches, and 24 inches, making it adaptable for various head sizes. The hat features a slouchy silhouette that can be customized for even more drape by adjusting needle sizes during the body sections.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level knitting pattern combines several techniques to create visual interest and texture. The hat is constructed from the bottom up, beginning with a ribbed brim worked in the round. The main body incorporates simple lace and easy cables, providing a balance between decorative stitch work and straightforward knitting. The pattern is provided in both written and charted formats, allowing knitters to follow their preferred method of instruction.

The construction method uses a long tail cast on with the smaller needle size to establish the foundation. Stitches are then joined in the round with careful attention to avoid twisting. The ribbed brim section is worked by repeating knit and purl stitches in alternation for 4 to 5 rounds depending on the size chosen.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) — the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) — used in the ribbed brim and throughout the pattern for texture
• Yarn Over (YO) — creates the openwork lace elements
• Knit two together (K2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used in lace and cable sections
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) — a left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Knit into front and back (Kfb) — an increase that creates two stitches from one

Materials and Gauge

Stoneway is designed for bulky yarn or doubled worsted weight yarn, requiring 100 to 150 yards total. The recommended yarn is Knit Picks Biggo in Cobblestone Heather. Two needle sizes are required: US 10 (6.00 mm) needles for the main body and US 8 (5.00 mm) needles for the ribbed brim. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14.0 stitches over 4 inches. Knitters should verify gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit, and may adjust needle sizes if a different drape or slouch level is desired.