Spicewood

Spicewood Knit Hat by Heather Mitchell

What Is Being Made

Spicewood is a sophisticated knitted hat designed by Heather Mitchell that showcases beautiful cable work throughout. The design features two favorite cables combined in an elegant pattern, with the crown closing into a distinctive floral round that creates the appearance of cabled petals. This intermediate-level knitting project is ideal for winter wear and offers a high-fashion aesthetic suitable for various head sizes and personal styles.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant appearance. The primary technique is cable knitting, which involves crossing stitches over one another to create textured, twisted patterns. The hat is constructed using the circular knitting method, worked from brim to crown in continuous rounds. The pattern includes a floral crown closure that creates petal-like details at the top of the hat. Knitters have the flexibility to use either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or the magic loop method with a longer circular needle, depending on personal preference.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Spicewood pattern utilizes cable stitches as the primary stitch work, combined with stockinette stitch sections to frame and highlight the cables. The pattern is designed with repeats that can be tracked using stitch markers placed every 18 stitches throughout the body of the hat. This strategic marker placement helps knitters maintain pattern accuracy and makes it easier to identify where each cable repeat begins and ends. The floral crown closure requires careful attention to stitch manipulation to create the final petal effect.

Materials Required

• Yarn: DK weight yarn; 155 yards (142 meters) for Medium size or 175 yards (160 meters) for Large size
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle, 16 inches (40 cm), for the ribbed brim; US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, 16 inches (40 cm), or longer circular needle for magic loop method, for the main body and crown
• Additional Notions: Cable needle for crossing stitches, stitch markers to track pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Sizing and Gauge Information

The Spicewood hat is available in two adult sizes: Medium to fit a head circumference of 22 inches (56 cm) and Large to fit a head circumference of 24 inches (61 cm). The pattern is worked at a gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) using US 6 (4.0 mm) needles in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the finished hat fits properly and displays the cable patterns as intended.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are comfortable working with cables and circular needles. The combination of cable work and the floral crown closure requires attention to detail and familiarity with stitch manipulation, but the pattern provides clear guidance throughout the construction process.