French Lilac

French Lilac Double Layer Reversible Knit Hat by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

French Lilac is a unique double layer knit hat designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs that is completely reversible. The hat features two distinct layers—an outside hat and an inside hat—both knit in the round in a seamless, bottom-up construction. This innovative design allows the wearer to reverse the hat to display either the main color or contrast color, making it a versatile accessory. The pattern is available in five sizes ranging from Baby (14 ¾" head circumference) through Large Adult (24¼" head circumference), accommodating children and adults of varying ages.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that make it suitable for experienced knitters. The hat is constructed entirely in the round using a seamless, bottom-up method, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a polished finished garment. The pattern utilizes a provisional cast on technique, which allows for the connection of the two hat layers in a reversible manner. The designer recommends consulting a video tutorial for proper provisional cast on execution to ensure success with this technique.

The reversible construction requires knitting the outside hat first, followed by the inside hat, with both layers worked in continuous rounds. This method creates a sophisticated garment where either side can be worn as the exterior, providing functional versatility and extended wear options.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – Used for textural variation and pattern definition
• Knit through the back loop (Ktbl) – Creates twisted stitches for structural integrity
• Slip, slip, knit together (SSK) – A left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Knit 2 stitches together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease for crown shaping
• Yarn over (YO) – Creates decorative eyelets or lace elements
• Slip 1 stitch as if to purl (Slip 1) – Used for edge definition and stitch manipulation

Materials and Specifications

The French Lilac pattern is designed for Cascade 220 Superwash yarn or similar wool and wool blend yarns in worsted or aran weight. The pattern requires two colors: 80 to 200 yards of the main color and 80 to 200 yards of the contrast color, depending on the selected size. For optimal visual impact, the designer recommends choosing an inside hat color that contrasts sharply with the wearer's hair color, allowing the color to pop when the hat is reversed.

Knitting needles required are US size 8 (5.00 mm) for the main fabric and US size 7 (4.50 mm) for ribbing or other sections, though needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern calls for a gauge of 18.0 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for proper fit across all five size options.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced and is best suited for knitters with solid experience in seamless, in-the-round construction and familiarity with decrease techniques. The reversible double-layer construction and provisional cast on method require confidence with intermediate to advanced skills. Knitters new to these techniques should be prepared to invest time in understanding the construction method before beginning.