Dorper Hat in Rowan Moordale - Downloadable PDF

Dorper Hat in Rowan Moordale

What is Being Made

The Dorper Hat is a knitted beanie designed by Chloe Thurlow, featuring a structured crown with a folded brim. The completed hat measures 53.5 cm (21 inches) in circumference and 20.5 cm (8 inches) deep when the brim is folded over, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes and occasions.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several intermediate techniques that elevate it to an advanced beginner skill level. The hat is constructed using the in-the-round knitting method with double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless circular construction. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques, specifically K3tog tbl (knit three together through the back loop), which are used strategically to shape the crown and create a fitted silhouette. The brim features a folded construction, created by knitting a stockinette section followed by a garter stitch transition and ribbing, which naturally folds when worn.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – forms the primary stockinette base
• Purl stitch (P) – creates texture and defines the fold line
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – provides elasticity and structure to the brim
• K3tog tbl (knit three together through the back loop) – used for crown shaping decreases
• Garter stitch – created by alternating knit and purl rounds

Pattern Sequence

The hat is worked in a repeating 19-round pattern that is completed twice before crown shaping begins. The pattern sequence includes 9 rounds of stockinette stitch, followed by a purl round, then 8 rounds of K1, P1 ribbing, and concludes with another purl round. This creates a textured, reversible appearance. After completing the pattern repeat twice, the crown is shaped through six consecutive decrease rounds, reducing from 112 stitches to 32 stitches to create the tapered top.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked with Rowan Moordale yarn in DK (double knitting) weight, with 100 grams required for completion. The yarn is photographed in the colorway Pea 021. Two sets of double-pointed needles are required: a set of 4 needles in 3½mm (UK size 10, US size 4) for the initial ribbed sections, and a set of 4 needles in 4mm (UK size 8, US size 6) for the main body and crown shaping. The recommended tension is 24 stitches and 30 rounds to 10 cm when measured over the pattern using the 4mm needles and slightly stretched.