Barnwood Hat

Barnwood Hat by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

The Barnwood Hat is a knitted hat designed by Alicia Plummer, available in three sizes to fit child, teen, and adult head circumferences ranging from 18 to 22 inches (45 to 55.8 centimeters). This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished hat suitable for various age groups, with the construction method working from the brim upward to create a complete, wearable garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Barnwood Hat employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its construction and visual appeal:

• Alternate Cable Cast On: The pattern uses an alternate cable cast-on method to create the foundation stitches. This technique, referenced through Woolly Wormhead's instructional resources, produces a sturdy and elastic edge suitable for hat brims.
• Make 1 Increase (M1): Increases are incorporated throughout the pattern to shape the hat. This technique creates new stitches without leaving visible holes, making it ideal for structured shaping.
• Blocking: The pattern notes emphasize that blocking plays an important role in finishing the hat, particularly for enhancing lacework elements and achieving proper dimensions.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Barnwood Hat is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch, which forms the main fabric of the garment. The pattern incorporates lacework elements that add visual interest and texture to the design. Gauge is measured at 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch on US size 8/5 mm needles and properly blocked.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Barnwood Hat is designed to be worked with DK weight yarn. The suggested yarn is Magnolia DK/MCN by Western Sky Knits, which provides 250 yards (229 meters) per 3.99 ounces (113 grams). Yardage requirements vary by size: the child size requires 125 yards (114 meters), the teen size requires 150 yards (137 meters), and the adult size requires 175 yards (160 meters).

Two needle sizes are required for this pattern:

• US 6/3.75 mm needles (smaller diameter) for the cast-on and initial brim work
• US 8/5 mm needles (larger diameter) for the main body of the hat, where the gauge is established

Needles can be worked as either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working in the round. Additional notions include 2 place markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

The Barnwood Hat is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of cable cast-on, increases, and lacework elements requires solid foundational skills, while remaining accessible to knitters ready to expand their technical abilities.