Tonka Bay Toque in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok - 201614 - Downloadable PDF

Tonka Bay Toque – Knitted Hat Pattern by Virginia Sattler-Reimer for Blue Sky Fibers

The Tonka Bay Toque is a knitted hat pattern designed by Virginia Sattler-Reimer as part of the Blue Sky Fibers Classic Series. It is worked in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted, a 100% Fine Highland Wool yarn, and is specifically described as a great first hat project, making it an ideal choice for knitters who are just beginning to explore hat construction.

What Is Being Made

The Tonka Bay Toque is a classic, relaxed-fit beanie-style hat featuring a loose fit, a high crown, and festive tassels. It is knitted in the round on circular needles, transitioning to double pointed needles as the crown shaping decreases. The finished hat has a single size with a circumference of 21½ inches and a height of 8½ inches, offering a generously sized, cozy fit suited to a wide range of adult head sizes.

Design Details and Texture

What gives the Tonka Bay Toque its distinctive character is the thoughtful combination of stitch patterns across the body of the hat. Bands of seeded stockinette stitch alternate with garter stitch ridges, creating a fabric that has both visual interest and structural integrity. These two textures work together to produce a hat that is neither plain nor overly complex — perfect for a beginner who wants a finished object that looks polished and intentional.

• Seeded stockinette stitch — a variation of standard stockinette that incorporates a seed stitch element, adding subtle surface texture and preventing the fabric from rolling at the edges
• Garter stitch ridges — created by knitting every row (or every round in a specific sequence when working in the round), producing horizontal ridges that add structure and visual definition
• Tassels — a decorative finishing detail worked in a contrast color, adding a playful, festive touch to the crown of the hat

Techniques Used

The Tonka Bay Toque is knitted entirely in the round, which means there are no seams to sew up at the end — a technique that is both beginner-friendly and produces a clean, professional result. Key techniques involved in completing this project include:

• Knitting in the round on a 16-inch circular needle for the body of the hat
• Transitioning to double pointed needles as the stitch count decreases during crown shaping
• Crown decreases to shape the top of the hat
• Tassel making using a contrast color yarn for the decorative finish
• Gauge swatching in seeded stockinette stitch to ensure correct sizing

Stitches Used

• Seeded stockinette stitch — the primary stitch pattern used across the body of the hat
• Garter stitch — used in ridge formations to add texture and structure
• Standard knit and purl stitches as the foundation of all stitch patterns
• Decrease stitches for crown shaping

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in seeded stockinette stitch, measured using the largest needles. Achieving the correct gauge is important for matching the finished measurements of 21½ inches in circumference and 8½ inches in height.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Tools

This pattern is designed specifically for Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted, a worsted weight yarn made from 100% Fine Highland Wool, sold in 50g/123-yard hanks. The pattern notes that Woolstok is warm, but never scratchy, making it a comfortable choice for a hat worn close to the face and ears. Two colors are used:

• Color