Sunset Beach Hat in Schachenmayr Journey

Sunset Beach Hat in Schachenmayr Journey – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Sunset Beach Hat is a relaxed, cosy knitted hat pattern designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 48–52 cm. Published by Schachenmayr and available as a free downloadable PDF, this beginner-friendly project is worked entirely in a single, satisfying stitch that creates a beautifully textured, reversible fabric. The finished hat features a distinctive cross-shaped gathered crown and a turned-back brim, giving it a casual, stylish silhouette perfect for everyday wear.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single knitted hat worked flat in rows and then seamed. The design is straightforward and well-suited to knitters who are new to the craft, as it relies on just one stitch pattern throughout. Once the knitting is complete, a simple finishing technique divides the top edge into four equal sections, which are each sewn together individually to form a cross or plus-sign shape at the crown — a charming detail that gives the hat its unique, structured top. The lower edge is folded outward by approximately 5 cm to create a neat, double-layered brim.

Techniques Used

• Casting on – 62 stitches are cast on to begin the hat.
• Flat knitting in rows – the entire hat body is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round.
• Binding off (casting off) – all stitches are bound off after the body is complete.
• Seaming – the cast-on edge and the bound-off edge are sewn together to form the body of the hat into a tube.
• Crown finishing – the top edge is divided into four equal parts, and each section is sewn together individually to create a cross shape at the top of the hat.
• Brim folding – the lower edge is turned outward by approximately 5 cm to form a folded cuff.
• Blocking – the finished piece is pinned into shape and left to dry under damp cloths for a professional result.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (Kraus rechts) – every row is knitted as a knit row. This is the sole stitch pattern used throughout the hat. Garter stitch creates a thick, squishy, ridged fabric that lies flat, does not curl at the edges, and is fully reversible — making it ideal for a hat with a folded brim where both sides of the fabric may be visible.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 34 rows to 10 x 10 cm in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the hat fits the intended head circumference of 48–52 cm. The hat body is knitted to a length of approximately 45 cm from the cast-on edge before binding off.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Schachenmayr Journey in colourway Silber-Natur (shade 00190)
• 150 g (3 balls) are required
• Yarn composition: 44% cotton, 36% polyacrylic, 20% polyamide
• Yardage: approximately 90 m per 50 g ball
• Weight category: Aran

Schachenmayr Journey is a multi-fibre blend that combines the breathability and softness of cotton with the durability and structure provided by polyacrylic and polyamide. This blend makes the finished hat both comfortable against the skin and resilient enough for regular use. The Silber-Natur colourway offers a soft, neutral tone that suits a wide range of styles and seasons.

Needles and Notions

• Milward knitting needles, 6 mm – straight needles for flat knitting in rows
• 1 blunt-tipped wool s