Inishmore Cap - Felted Version

Inishmore Cap – Felted Version by Cheryl Andrews

What Is Being Made

The Inishmore Cap – Felted Version is an adult medium Irish-inspired knitted hat designed by Cheryl Andrews. This design draws inspiration from the Aran Island of Inishmore, capturing the spirit of traditional Irish knitwear. The cap features a structured brim that holds its shape without interior bracing, making it a practical and stylish accessory. The felted construction adds durability and a distinctive finished texture to the garment.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its final form. The cap begins with a knit-on cast on, establishing the foundation for the brim. The brim is worked back and forth on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing the designer to create a structured edge that maintains its shape without requiring additional interior support. The main body of the cap is subsequently worked in stockinette stitch, the most fundamental knit stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The project culminates in a felting process, which transforms the knitted fabric through controlled washing and agitation, creating a denser, more durable material with a distinctive felted appearance and texture.

Stitches Used

• Knit-on cast on: The method used to create the initial stitches on the needle
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the cap, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Felting: A finishing technique that permanently alters the fabric structure through controlled washing

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Inishmore Cap requires worsted weight wool yarn, with approximately 220 yards needed to complete the project. The sample was knitted using Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted, a premium yarn blend consisting of 85% wool and 15% mohair, available in 4-ounce skeins with 190 yards per skein. This fiber composition provides warmth, elasticity, and a luxurious feel ideal for felting projects.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two size 10 circular needles—one measuring 16 inches and the other of any length. This two-needle approach allows for working the brim back and forth while maintaining flexibility for subsequent rounds. The gauge for this project is 15 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured before felting. Gauge is critical in this pattern, as the felting process will alter the final dimensions; knitters can adjust the finished size by moving up or down a needle size or by controlling the intensity and duration of the felting process.

Sizing and Customization

The pattern is designed for an adult medium size. Knitters have flexibility in achieving their desired finished dimensions through two primary methods: adjusting needle size before knitting, or controlling the felting process itself. Felting more intensively will produce a smaller, denser cap, while lighter felting will result in a larger, less compressed garment. This adaptability makes the pattern accessible to knitters seeking different final sizes.