Mismatch hat

Mismatch Hat by Juliet Bernard

What is Being Made

The Mismatch hat is an adult-sized slouch beanie designed by independent designer Juliet Bernard. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat measuring 50cm in circumference by 24cm in height. The design draws inspiration from a Maori ceremonial robe featuring mismatched stripe patterns that Juliet Bernard observed at the British Museum, which she adapted specifically for this slouch beanie construction.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project features Fair Isle as its primary decorative technique. Fair Isle colorwork involves knitting with two colors per round, creating intricate patterned designs by carrying the non-working yarn across the back of the work. The pattern instructions reference a video tutorial to guide knitters through completing the Fair Isle sections successfully. The hat is worked in the round using circular or double-pointed needles, which is the standard construction method for seamless hat knitting.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Mismatch hat pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques:

• K (knit stitch) - the basic knit stitch
• P (purl stitch) - creates the ribbed texture at the hat's base
• K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) - a decrease stitch for crown shaping
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) - an alternative decrease stitch worked by slipping the next 2 stitches and knitting through the back loop
• M1 (Make 1 stitch) - an increase stitch created by picking up the loop between the next 2 stitches

The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in K2, P2 ribbing (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches) repeated for 10 rounds, which creates an elastic edge that fits snugly around the head. An increase row follows the ribbing to shape the hat body.

Materials Required

This pattern requires DK weight yarn in two colors: one ball each of Garnet and Rose, both from Willow and Lark Poetry yarn line. Knitters will need 4mm needles, available as either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DP needles), depending on personal preference for working in the round. The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches by 26 rows over 10cm in stockinette stitch, which knitters should achieve before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions. The cast-on requires 100 stitches.