Heathcliff Hat in Berroco Mercado - 400-6 - Downloadable PDF

Heathcliff Hat – Knitting Pattern by Alison Green in Berroco Mercado

The Heathcliff Hat (Version 2) is a knitted hat pattern designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a stylish, cozy hat with a folded brim and an optional pompom topper. It is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters ready to cast on right away.

Finished Measurements

The completed Heathcliff Hat measures approximately 18 inches in circumference and 9 inches in height, with the brim folded back and not including the optional pompom. This sizing makes it a well-proportioned adult hat suitable for everyday cold-weather wear.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Mercado, a worsted-weight yarn, in the colorway #4148 Oceano. You will need 2 hanks (each 100 grams) to complete the project. Berroco Mercado is a richly textured yarn well suited to stitch definition, making it an excellent choice for showcasing the cable work featured in this design.

• Yarn: Berroco Mercado, 2 hanks, color #4148 Oceano
• Yarn Weight: Worsted
• Circular Needles: 16-inch circular needles in sizes US 8 (5.00 mm) and US 9 (5.50 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
• Double-Pointed Needles: One set of 4 double-pointed needles, size US 9 (5.50 mm), for working the crown decreases in the round
• Cable Needle (cn): Required for working the cable stitches throughout the hat
• Tapestry Needle: For finishing and weaving in ends
• Optional: A 4-inch pompom maker for creating the decorative pompom topper

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches, measured over the chart pattern using the larger (size US 9) needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to swatch and check gauge before beginning to ensure the hat reaches the intended finished measurements.

Techniques and Construction

The Heathcliff Hat is worked entirely in the round, beginning with a folded brim on the smaller circular needles before transitioning to the larger needles for the body of the hat. The construction method is straightforward for an intermediate knitter, progressing from the brim upward through the body and finishing with crown shaping worked on double-pointed needles.

The use of two needle sizes is a deliberate design choice: the smaller needles create a tighter, neater brim that folds back cleanly, while the larger needles allow the cable chart to open up with proper drape and definition through the body of the hat.

Stitches and Skills Used

• Knitting in the round on both circular and double-pointed needles
• Cable stitches worked from a chart using a cable needle
• Chart reading – knitters should be comfortable following a stitch chart
• Crown decreases – shaping the top of the hat by reducing stitch count in the round
• Folded brim construction – a classic technique that adds warmth and a polished, structured look
• Optional pompom making using a 4-inch pompom maker for a playful finishing touch

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated Intermediate. Knitters should have prior experience working in the round, reading stitch charts, and working basic cable techniques. Those comfortable with these skills will find the Heathcliff Hat a satisfying and manageable project that produces a beautifully textured, wearable result.

Pattern Format

The Heathcliff Hat in Berroco Mercado is