Tonette Hat and Wrist Warmers in Viking Nordlys - Downloadable PDF

Tonette Hat and Wrist Warmers in Viking Nordlys

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from Viking of Norway provides instructions for creating a coordinated set consisting of a knitted hat and matching wrist warmers. The design, created by Gerd Auestad, offers a complete accessory ensemble suitable for small/medium and large sizes. Both pieces are worked using the same yarn and complementary techniques, making them ideal companion projects.

Hat Construction

The hat is constructed using a classic top-down approach. The pattern begins with casting on 132 to 148 stitches depending on size, then establishes a knit one, purl one ribbed edge that measures approximately 9 centimeters. This ribbed foundation provides elasticity and helps the hat maintain its shape. The main body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, finished appearance suitable for everyday wear.

Wrist Warmers Construction

The wrist warmers are designed with practical functionality, including a thumbhole for comfortable wear. The pattern provides separate instructions for left and right wrist warmers to ensure proper fit. Each wrist warmer is worked in stockinette stitch and includes shaping details. The thumbhole is created by setting aside stitches on a holder, then casting on new stitches to maintain stitch count while creating the opening. The pattern specifies working 48 stitches, transferring 11 to 12 stitches to a stitch holder for the thumb, and casting on 8 to 9 stitches across the gap, resulting in 60 stitches total for continued work.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout both the hat and wrist warmers, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Ribbed Stitch: Knit one, purl one ribbing used for the hat's edge to provide stretch and definition
• Thumbhole Shaping: Stitch holder technique for creating the functional thumbhole opening in the wrist warmers
• Decreasing: Shaping decreases are incorporated into the wrist warmer pattern for proper fit
• In-the-Round Knitting: Both pieces are worked circularly, as indicated by the "rnd" (round) references in the pattern

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern uses Nordlys yarn from Viking of Norway, a durable blend consisting of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon. The yarn is classified as 4-ply weight, offering a balance between drape and structure. The pattern requires 1 to 1 skein of Nordlys in White no. 900 for the hat and 1 to 1 skein for the wrist warmers, totaling 2 skeins at 100 grams each for the complete set. The superwash wool content makes these pieces easy to care for, while the nylon blend adds durability and resilience to the finished garments.

Needles and Tension

The pattern recommends using needles in sizes 2½ mm and 3 mm. The smaller needles are used for the ribbed edge, while the larger needles are used for the main body in stockinette stitch. Proper tension is essential for success: 28 stitches in stockinette stitch on 3 mm needles should measure approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) across. Achieving correct tension ensures that the finished pieces fit properly and drape as intended by the designer.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The techniques involved—including in-the-round knitting, ribbing, stockinette stitch, and thumbhole shaping—require familiarity with fundamental knitting skills but are not overly complex. The coordinated nature of the two pieces allows knitters to practice consistent technique across a small project set.