Spindrift Hat

Spindrift Hat by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

The Spindrift Hat is an intermediate-level knitted beanie designed to provide warmth and style through cold weather. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat measuring 20.25 inches around when unstretched and 25.5 inches when stretched, with a height of 8.75 inches. The designer, Corrine Walcher, has also created matching fingerless mitts available as a separate pattern.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method involves knitting in the round, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hat construction. The pattern incorporates cable knitting, a decorative technique where stitches are crossed over one another to create twisted, textured patterns. The Spindrift Hat specifically features a twisting cable design interspersed with stockinette stripes, creating visual interest and dimension throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The Spindrift Hat utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work. Core stitches include:

• Knit (K): The basic stitch forming the smooth stockinette sections
• Purl (P): Used to create textural contrast and definition
• Knit two stitches together (K2tog): A decrease stitch for shaping
• Purl two stitches together (P2tog): A purl-based decrease for shaping
• 2/2 Left Cable (2/2 LC): A cable stitch created by slipping two stitches to a cable needle, holding in front, knitting two stitches, then knitting the two held stitches—this creates the characteristic twisting cable pattern

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Spindrift Hat pattern calls for Tempting Ewe Luxe Aran yarn, a premium blend composed of 90% Superwash merino wool and 10% Mulberry silk. This fiber combination provides both warmth and a luxurious feel, making the finished hat exceptionally cozy. The sample shown was knitted in the colorway Kale Chips. One skein provides 270 yards of yarn per 125 gram weight, and the pattern requires approximately one skein for completion.

For needles, the pattern specifies Size 6 US (4.00 mm) circular needles in a 16-inch length, paired with a set of double-pointed needles in the same size. The circular needle accommodates the larger circumference of the hat body, while double-pointed needles are used for the smaller circumference when decreasing toward the crown. Alternatively, knitters may use their preferred method for knitting small circumferences in the round. The pattern recommends adjusting needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 19 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch, knit in the round. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their needle size produces the correct gauge, adjusting up or down as necessary for accurate finished dimensions.