548 Bricklayer Set - Hat and Gloves Knitting Pattern for Men and Women in Valley Yarns Berkshire

548 Bricklayer Set - Hat and Gloves Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The 548 Bricklayer Set is a coordinated knitting pattern designed by Emma Welford that includes both a hat and mitts (gloves) for men and women. This set features a striking colorwork design inspired by bricklaying patterns, combining two complementary colors in a sophisticated two-color knit. The pattern demonstrates how swapping yarn colors between the hat and mitts creates visual interest while maintaining consistent yarn requirements across both pieces.

What Is Being Made

• Hat: A finished depth of 9 inches with a brim measuring 19 to 22 inches in circumference
• Mitts (Gloves): Fingerless mitts measuring 7 inches around and 6 inches in length

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several intermediate construction methods that add visual and textural depth to the finished pieces:

• Bottom-Up Construction: Both the hat and mitts are worked from the bottom upward, allowing knitters to try on pieces as they progress and easily adjust length if needed
• Worked in the Round: The primary body of both pieces is knitted circularly, creating seamless garments using circular needles and double-pointed needles
• Flat Knitting with Grafting: The mitts feature sideways garter stitch tops that are first worked flat, then the ends are grafted together—a technique that creates a professional finish without visible seams
• Picked-Up Stitches: After completing the flat sections, stitches are picked up along one edge to begin the body of the mitts, demonstrating an efficient construction method

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Bricklayer Pattern Stitch: The signature colorwork pattern that gives this set its name, worked using slipped stitches and only one color per row for manageable two-color knitting
• Garter Stitch: Used for the brim bands on the hat and the sideways tops of the mitts, providing textural contrast and a fun alternative to traditional ribbing
• Slipped Stitches: Incorporated into the colorwork technique to create the bricklayer effect while simplifying the color changes

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire, a premium blend of 85% wool and 15% alpaca. Each skein weighs 100 grams and yields 141 yards.

• Hat: 1 skein each in color 16 Burgundy (main color) and color 17 Wine (contrasting color)
• Mitts: 1 skein each in color 17 Wine (main color) and color 16 Burgundy (contrasting color)
• Note: Colors are swapped between the hat and mitts in the sample, but yarn requirements remain identical if you prefer to match your set with the same color combination throughout

Needles: US size 8 (5.00 mm) needles in both 16-inch circular and double-pointed needle formats, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge

Gauge and Difficulty

Gauge: 4.25 stitches and 5 rows equal 1 inch when worked in the Bricklayer pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished measurements to be accurate.

Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner. While this pattern introduces colorwork and multiple construction techniques, the use of slipped stitches rather than traditional stranded colorwork keeps it accessible to knitters progressing beyond basic skills. Familiarity with circular needle knitting, picking up stitches, and grafting will enhance the knitting experience.

Pattern Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it convenient for digital access and printing for reference while knitting.