Berroco Pico PDF

Berroco Pico Knit Hat by Amy Christoffers

Project Overview

The Berroco Pico is an intermediate-level knit hat designed by Amy Christoffers, featuring a classic construction with stranded colorwork detailing. This one-size hat measures approximately 19 inches around the brim and 20 inches around the hat body, with a finished height of 9 inches. The design showcases the versatility of worsted-weight yarn in a structured, wearable accessory.

Construction Techniques

This hat is worked bottom-up, beginning at the brim and progressing toward the crown. The construction is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hat construction. The design incorporates stranded colorwork, a traditional technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create patterned sections. This method allows the knitter to follow a chart while maintaining consistent tension and integrating the design elements seamlessly into the hat structure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The hat employs fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and visual interest. The ribbed brim is worked in k1, p1 ribbing (knit one, purl one), which provides elasticity and helps the hat conform to the wearer's head. The main body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch, a smooth, classic stitch pattern that provides an ideal canvas for the stranded colorwork chart. This combination of ribbing and stockinette creates both functional stretch and a polished appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Pico pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn in worsted weight. The design uses three coordinating colorways from this yarn line: one hank each of #6285 Oceanic Mix, #62184 Emerald Mix, and #6201 Winter White, with each hank weighing 100 grams. This combination of colors creates a sophisticated palette suitable for the stranded colorwork sections.

Needles and Notions

• 16-inch circular needles in size 6 (4.00 mm) for the ribbed brim
• 16-inch circular needles in size 7 (4.50 mm) for the main hat body
• One set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 7 (4.50 mm) for crown decreases when the hat becomes too small for circular needles
• One stitch marker to denote the beginning of rounds
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 28 rounds equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger size 7 needles and following the colorwork chart. For the ribbed brim sections worked on smaller needles, the gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rounds equals 4 inches in k1, p1 ribbing. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as this ensures the finished hat will meet the intended measurements and fit properly.