Clingmans Watch Cap

Clingmans Watch Cap by Jennifer Myrick

What is Being Made

The Clingmans Watch Cap is a classic knitted hat designed by Jennifer Myrick, available in three sizes to fit children ages 3-10 years (18-20" circumference), adults small/medium (20-22" circumference), and adults large (22-24" circumference). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a warm, structured cap suitable for everyday wear.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project worked in the round using circular needles, which is a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments like hats. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous spiral of stitches. The pattern employs a ribbed brim construction followed by patterned sections, combining different stitch techniques to create visual interest and structural integrity.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Clingmans Watch Cap features several key stitches and techniques:

• Knit and Purl Ribbing: The brim begins with a (K2, P3) ribbed pattern repeat, which creates vertical columns of texture that provide stretch and recovery. Ribbing is essential in hat construction as it helps the finished garment conform to the wearer's head.
• P1B (Purl into Stitch Below): This special abbreviation indicates purling into the stitch below the next stitch on the left-hand needle while dropping the original stitch. This technique creates a textured effect and adds depth to the pattern.
• CDDP (Central Double Decrease Purl): This decrease technique involves slipping one stitch knitwise twice, slipping these 2 stitches back to the left needle, then inserting the right needle from left to right into their back loops and slipping them together to the right needle, followed by a purl stitch. This centered decrease is commonly used in shaping and creates a decorative element in the pattern.
• Stitch Marker Usage: A stitch marker is placed at the beginning of the round to maintain pattern alignment throughout the circular knitting process.

Materials and Gauge

The Clingmans Watch Cap is designed to be worked with Cascade Yarns CASCADE 220 HEATHERS, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. Each skein provides 100 grams and 220 yards of yarn. The pattern is shown in color #8836 Stonewash, with an alternative colorway in #7830 Coral also available.

The project requires two sets of needles: Size US 6 (4mm) needles for the ribbed brim and Size US 8 (5mm) needles for the main pattern sections. The gauge is established at 21 stitches and 24 rounds over 4 inches when working the pattern on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is critical for ensuring the finished hat fits the intended size.

Additional notions required include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, a tape measure for checking dimensions during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are comfortable working in the round with circular needles. The special abbreviations and decrease techniques require attention to pattern instructions but are achievable for knitters with foundational skills.