The pattern is easy to follow, but different yarns lead to quite different sizing requiring adjustments.
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Digital Download
$5.64
Downloadable PDF, English
Product Description
Based on an extant example of a Welsh Wig in the collections of St Fagan's National History Museum dated 1854, the Welsh Wig was a popular nineteenth century choice with working men including soldiers and even polar explorers! The surviving example was a sample for a consignment of hats being sent to the Crimean.
The simple head hugging cap is adorned with a row of 'curls' at the nape of the neck which experiments have shown sit well under other hats and also prevent draughts or rain getting into your collar, very comforting in extreme weather.
Charles Dickens famously describes Mr Fezziwig as wearing a Welsh Wig in 'A Christmas Carol', making it an excellent choice for Dickensian events.
Sizing for this hat is somewhat dependent on your yarn choice, a fine '4ply'/fingering weight (the original hat is actually worked in singles, and in test knitting I found a 2/11.5 nm yarn worked well) in a pure wool or similar will give a very stretchy hat that fits up to a 23 inch head w
Welsh wig
$5.64
Welsh Wig by Sally Pointer
What is Being Made
The Welsh Wig is a historically inspired knitted hat based on traditional headwear from Wales. This downloadable knitting pattern recreates a soft, knitted nightcap-style hat that draws from 19th-century Welsh textile traditions. The design references authentic Welsh knitting heritage, where such wigs were produced as part of the established knitting industry in North Wales during the 1700s and 1800s. This pattern allows modern knitters to recreate a piece of textile history with cultural significance.
Historical Context and Design Inspiration
The term "Welsh Wig" has been used historically to describe several different hat styles across different time periods, making the origins somewhat complex. However, documented evidence from 1797 includes "wigs" listed among the knitted goods—such as stockings, socks, and gloves—that were produced locally in Bala, North Wales, and traded throughout England. Mid-19th century newspaper references confirm the Welsh Wig as a recognizable garment, typically constructed as a soft knitted nightcap. This pattern is based on careful historical research to ensure authenticity.
Knitting Techniques Used
This intermediate-level knitting project employs traditional hand-knitting methods suitable for creating a fitted, comfortable headwear piece. The pattern is designed for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners, making it an ideal project for developing technique skills while working on a historically meaningful garment.
Stitches and Materials
- Yarn Weight: 4-ply and lace weight yarns are used in this pattern, allowing for delicate drape and comfortable wear
- Tools Required: Knitting needles appropriate to the yarn weight specified in the pattern
- Stitch Work: The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for creating a soft, fitted cap structure
Difficulty Level
Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to tackle more structured garment construction. The Welsh Wig project provides an excellent opportunity to build skills while creating an authentic, wearable piece of textile heritage.
Pattern Format
This Welsh Wig pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use and convenient for printing or digital reference while knitting.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Fingering, Lace | 2 Ply |
| Pages: | 1 |
| Designer: | Sally Pointer |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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