Viking hat

Viking Hat by Evvash – Stranded Colorwork Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Viking Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat featuring traditional stranded colorwork design. This downloadable knitting pattern from independent designer Evvash creates a finished hat with authentic Nordic-inspired visual appeal, combining multiple yarn colors in a coordinated colorwork technique.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The hat is constructed using the stranded colorwork technique, a classic method where two or more yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create intricate patterned designs on the front. Stranded colorwork requires careful tension management and attention to color placement, making this pattern suitable for knitters with intermediate experience.

Stitches and Construction

The pattern is worked primarily in Stockinette stitch, the foundational knit stitch that creates the smooth, flat fabric base for the colorwork design. The gauge is 20 stitches by 28 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in Stockinette stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished hat size and fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Viking Hat pattern calls for Aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that works up at a moderate pace. The recommended yarn is Drops Nepal, a blend of 65% wool and 35% alpaca, chosen for its warmth, durability, and color-holding properties ideal for stranded colorwork.

Yarn quantities required:

• Orange (Drops Nepal 2920) – 1 skein
• Light grey (Drops Nepal 0500) – 1 skein
• Dark grey (Drops Nepal 0506) – 2 skeins

Each skein contains approximately 82 yards (75 meters) per 1.75 ounces (50 grams). The pattern notes that yarn substitution is possible provided the replacement yarn matches these yardage and weight proportions.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters), or alternatively US 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles. Circular needles are commonly preferred for hat knitting as they accommodate the crown decreases smoothly. Additional essential tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and a scissors for cutting yarn.

The pattern recommends (but does not require) a row counter to track progress through each row and a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, both helpful accessories for maintaining accuracy in colorwork patterns.

Pattern Support and Quality

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF by Evvash. The designer emphasizes precision and thoughtful construction in pattern development. Knitters who encounter difficulties, require clarification, or believe they have identified an error are encouraged to contact the designer at pattern@evvash.com for assistance.