Zephyr (EN,FR) in Rowan - Downloadable PDF

Zephyr Hat Knitting Pattern by Lisa Richardson in Rowan Tweed Haze – Downloadable PDF

The Zephyr pattern by designer Lisa Richardson, published by Rowan, is a chunky-weight knitted hat offered as a downloadable PDF. Rated as an intermediate skill level project, this pattern presents knitters with two distinct design options: a two-colour version and a plain version, both worked in the round using double-pointed needles. The result is a cosy, structured beanie-style hat with a thoughtfully shaped crown, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their skills in colourwork and circular knitting techniques.

Design Versions

Two-Colour Version

The two-colour Zephyr hat is worked using Rowan Tweed Haze in two carefully chosen shades. The colourway pairing specified in the pattern is:

• Colour A – Storm 556: 1 x 50gm ball of Rowan Tweed Haze
• Colour B – Setting Sun 555: 1 x 50gm ball of Rowan Tweed Haze

This version introduces a two-colour design element into the construction of the hat, giving knitters the opportunity to practise carrying or alternating yarns while working in the round. The contrast between Storm 556 and Setting Sun 555 creates a visually striking result, balancing cool and warm tones characteristic of the Rowan Tweed Haze yarn range.

Plain Version

The plain Zephyr hat is worked as a single-colour project, also using Rowan Tweed Haze, requiring 1 x 50gm ball. The pattern notes that the plain version is photographed in Rainy 552, a muted, atmospheric shade that highlights the textural quality of the yarn. A key finishing detail exclusive to the plain version is the addition of a Rowan Faux Fur pom pom, which is listed under extras and adds a playful, tactile accent to the top of the hat.

Yarn: Rowan Tweed Haze

Rowan Tweed Haze is a chunky-weight yarn that combines the softness of a haze-style blend with the rustic, speckled character of a tweed. Its lightweight yet warm properties make it well suited to hat knitting, providing excellent stitch definition while remaining comfortable to wear. Each ball weighs 50gm, and both versions of the Zephyr hat require only one or two balls, making this an economical and satisfying quick knit.

Needles and Tools

• Needles: A set of 4 double-pointed 6mm (no 4) (US 10) needles are required for working the hat in the round
• Extras (plain version only): 1 Rowan Faux Fur pom pom for finishing

Double-pointed needles are the traditional tool for knitting small circumferences in the round, such as hat crowns, and are essential for executing the seamless, circular construction of the Zephyr hat. Knitters unfamiliar with double-pointed needles may find this pattern a rewarding introduction to the technique, as the chunky yarn and larger needle size make the stitches easy to handle.

Techniques and Construction

The Zephyr hat is constructed entirely in the round using a set of double-pointed needles, which is a fundamental circular knitting technique. The hat is worked from the brim upward, transitioning into a carefully engineered crown shaping section at the top.

Crown Shaping

The top of the hat features a structured, graduated crown decrease sequence that systematically reduces the stitch count in a series of rounds. The decreases are worked using the K2tog (knit two together) method, which is a standard right-leaning decrease that creates a smooth, tidy finish. The shaping rounds follow a precise pattern, alternating decrease rounds with plain knit rounds to achieve an even, symmetrical crown. The stitch count reduces progress