Autumn Gingham

Autumn Gingham Knit Hat by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

The Autumn Gingham is a knitted hat designed by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished hat with a 20-inch (50.5 cm) circumference and 8 inches (21 cm) total depth, making it a versatile size suitable for various head measurements. The hat features a classic construction with decreases at the crown that create distinctive points, adding visual interest to the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting pattern employs several fundamental techniques accessible to newer knitters. The pattern uses the Long Tail cast-on method to establish the initial 86 stitches, a reliable and popular foundation technique. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic appearance. Crown decreases are worked to shape the top of the hat, forming the characteristic pointed details that require thorough blocking to achieve a polished finish. The pattern calls for working in the round using either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs), techniques essential for seamless hat construction.

Stitches and Construction

• Stockinette Stitch: The main fabric stitch, worked in the round to create a smooth, flat surface
• Long Tail Cast-On: Used to cast on 86 stitches for the hat's foundation
• Crown Decreases: Shaping decreases worked at the top of the hat to form the crown points
• Finishing: Weaving in ends with a darning needle to complete the hat

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: SilkerSpun® Sport weight yarn held doubled throughout the project. The pattern requires 173 yards total, achieved by holding two skeins of sport weight yarn together as one. This doubling technique creates a thicker, more substantial fabric while maintaining the sport weight yarn's characteristics.

Needles: The pattern uses two needle sizes to create a ribbed or textured edge. US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles are used for the initial cast-on and lower sections, while US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles are used for the main body. This needle size progression allows for a fitted cuff and a more relaxed fit through the crown.

Gauge: In stockinette stitch, the pattern achieves 18 stitches and 24 rows over a 4-inch (10 cm) square. Knitting a gauge swatch before beginning ensures proper fit and finished dimensions.

Additional Tools and Finishing

Beyond needles and yarn, the pattern requires six place markers for tracking decreases and pattern repeats, a cable needle for any cable work or stitch manipulation, and a darning needle for weaving in ends. The designer emphasizes thorough blocking to smooth the points created by the crown decreases and to bloom the fabric, enhancing the hat's final appearance and drape.