Casco Cap

Casco Cap by Kristen TenDyke

What is Being Made

The Casco Cap is an intermediate-level knit hat designed by Kristen TenDyke, available in four sizes: Baby, Child, Adult Small, and Adult Large. The finished hat circumferences range from 16 inches (40.5 cm) for the baby size to 21.25 inches (54 cm) for the adult large size. This downloadable PDF pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate skills and creates a structured, fitted cap with distinctive earflaps.

Techniques Used

The Casco Cap employs a distinctive construction method that begins with working the earflaps separately before incorporating them into the main hat body. Once the earflaps are completed, stitches are cast on for the front and back sections of the cap, then all pieces are joined together to work in the round. This technique allows for seamless construction and ensures proper shaping of the hat. The pattern requires working with both double-pointed needles and circular needles to accommodate the different stages of construction.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the intermediate skill level indicates the use of standard knitting stitches beyond basic knit and purl. The pattern likely incorporates shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to create the proper hat fit and earflap structure. The use of multiple colors (main color, contrast color 1, and contrast color 2) suggests colorwork or stranded knitting techniques may be featured in the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Casco Cap is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, classified as CYCA #4 Medium. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Baby size: 50 yards main color, 50 yards contrast color 1, 25 yards contrast color 2
• Child size: 60 yards main color, 60 yards contrast color 1, 30 yards contrast color 2
• Adult Small size: 75 yards main color, 75 yards contrast color 1, 37 yards contrast color 2
• Adult Large size: 90 yards main color, 90 yards contrast color 1, 45 yards contrast color 2

The pattern is demonstrated using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, a premium blend yarn containing 55% wool, 33% acrylic, and 12% cashmere. Each 50-gram ball yields approximately 98 yards (90 meters). The colors shown in the pattern photography are #610 Ruby for the main color, #041 Dark Grey for contrast color 1, and #101 Ecru for contrast color 2. Knitters can substitute other worsted weight yarns of similar fiber content and yardage.

Needles and Tools

The Casco Cap pattern calls for US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles in two configurations: a set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles (dpns) and a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle. The pattern notes recommend using needles one size smaller than those required to obtain gauge if working with the circular needle option, allowing for flexibility in needle choice based on individual gauge and preferred knitting method.