Snowhow

Snowhow Knit Hat by Helena Granholm

What is Being Made

Snowhow is a beginner-friendly knit hat pattern designed by independent designer Helena Granholm. This downloadable PDF provides instructions for creating a classic winter hat worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs). The hat features a decorative main body section followed by a shaped crown that tapers smoothly to a finished opening.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners while incorporating elegant stitch work. The construction begins with circular needles for the main body and transitions to double-pointed needles when the circumference becomes too small for comfortable circular needle work. The pattern uses yarn overs and decreases to create visual interest and shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The main body features a 14-stitch pattern repeat worked over 10 rounds, combining knit and purl stitches with yarn overs and decreases to create a textured, lacy effect. The specific stitch sequence includes:

• Yarn overs (YO) for creating decorative openings that progress diagonally across the fabric
• Knit two together (K2tog) decreases paired with yarn overs for balanced shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases used in the crown shaping for a polished finish
• Knit and purl stitches forming the foundational texture
• 1x1 ribbing for the crown edge (measured at 30 stitches and 34 rows per 10 cm when unstretched)

The main body pattern is repeated twice after the initial 6 rounds, then transitions to crown decreases that reduce stitches from 96 to progressively smaller circumferences.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern recommends two yarn options, both luxury blends in 4-ply weight:

• Yabuc yarn: A premium blend of 65% baby wool, 25% yak, and 10% cashmere, providing warmth and softness. This yarn is supplied at 25 grams with 200 meters or 218 yards per ball.
• Silk mohair alternative: A luxurious option containing 70% kid mohair and 30% silk, also available at 25 grams with 220 meters or 240 yards per ball.

Needles required include circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) in a size that achieves the specified gauge. The pattern emphasizes using the correct needle size to obtain proper gauge after blocking, which is essential for fit and drape.

Gauge and Sizing

Accurate gauge is critical for this pattern. The main body pattern should measure 24 stitches and 34 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked in the stitch pattern. The 1x1 ribbing, when measured unstretched, should achieve 30 stitches and 34 rows per 10 centimeters. Knitters are advised to always block their gauge swatch before beginning the hat to ensure the finished garment achieves the intended dimensions and fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent introduction to hat knitting in the round. While it incorporates yarn overs and decreases, these techniques are fundamental skills within reach of newer knitters. The transition from circular needles to DPNs may require some practice, but the pattern provides clear guidance on when to make this change based on working circumference.