Djævlehue with short rows

Djævlehue with Short Rows

What Is Being Made

This is a downloadable knitting pattern for the Djævlehue, a traditional Danish infant hat with a distinctive silhouette. Designed by Dieuwke Schack-Mulligen, this pattern offers a modern construction method that eliminates seaming by using wrap-and-turn short rows to shape the crown. The finished hat features the characteristic djævlehue edge and includes optional ties to secure the hat in place on a baby's head. A single row of decorative eyelets along the bottom edge adds a subtle lace detail that frames the wearer's face.

Construction and Techniques

The Djævlehue with Short Rows is worked sideways from the center back, a construction method that allows for elegant shaping without traditional seaming. The crown shaping is accomplished using wrap-and-turn short rows, a technique that creates smooth, graduated increases and decreases to form the traditional djævlehue silhouette. This approach is more sophisticated than conventional methods and contributes to the hat's refined appearance.

The hat is constructed in a single piece that begins at the center back and expands outward. Strategic increases and decreases shape the distinctive djævlehue edge profile as you work outward. Once the main body is complete, the cast-on edge is sewn together with the bind-off edge to close the hat. For added functionality and security, optional ties can be worked or attached in the same yarn color as the main hat.

Stitches and Details

• Wrap-and-turn short rows: Used for crown shaping to create smooth transitions without seaming
• Eyelet row: A single row of eyelets positioned along the bottom edge of the hat for decorative lace detailing
• Crochet cast-on without a crochet hook: The pattern employs this specialized cast-on technique for a particular edge quality
• Seaming: The cast-on and bind-off edges are joined together to complete the hat structure

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn, with an approximate yardage requirement of 400 meters (approximately 440 yards) per 100 grams. The pattern is worked on 2.5 mm (US 1.5) straight or circular needles that are at least 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length.

For the optional ties, the pattern calls for six 60-centimeter (24-inch) lengths of DK weight yarn in the same color as the main working yarn. Waste yarn in a matching color is also required for the construction process. The downloadable PDF format provides complete instructions and abbreviations for all techniques used throughout the pattern.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with short rows and other shaping techniques. The wrap-and-turn short row method requires attention to detail but creates a professionally finished result without visible seams on the crown.