Dunkelipa

Dunkelipa Knit Hat by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

The Dunkelipa is a classic knit hat designed by Becky Herrick and published by Sugar Tree Designs. This is a unisex, versatile hat featuring a plain black colorway with textured knit and purl patterning throughout the crown. The hat is available in four sizes ranging from 15.5 inches to 22.25 inches around the brim, accommodating head circumferences from approximately 45 to 62 centimeters. The design includes approximately 8.25 to 9.75 inches of length from brim to crown, making it suitable for various head shapes and hat preferences.

Techniques Used

The Dunkelipa employs a bottom-up construction method, beginning with a garter stitch brim that is worked flat on straight needles or DPNs. After the flat brim section is completed, the work transitions to circular knitting, with stitches joined to work in the round. The crown features a diamond pattern texture that continues evenly before strategic crown decreases are introduced. These decreases are thoughtfully integrated directly into the existing texture pattern rather than worked as separate decrease rows, creating a seamless visual transition from the patterned body to the crown shaping.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for the flat brim section at the base of the hat
• Knit and purl stitches – combined to create the diamond pattern texture throughout the crown
• Decreases – integrated into the diamond pattern during crown shaping to close the top of the hat

Materials

This pattern calls for Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn, a 100% wool fiber available in 140-yard skeins weighing 50 grams each. The colorway specified is pumpernickel, a deep black shade. Yardage requirements vary by size: 114 yards for the smallest size, 132 yards for the second size, 165 yards for the third size, and 187 yards for the largest size. Most knitters will need between 1 and 2 skeins depending on their chosen size. The pattern specifies US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles sized to achieve the correct gauge, along with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows per 4-inch (10 centimeter) square when measured over the diamond pattern. This worsted-weight yarn and needle size combination creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a hat. Approximately 1 inch of negative ease is recommended, meaning the finished hat circumference should be about 1 inch smaller than the wearer's head measurement for a comfortable, secure fit.

Difficulty Level

The Dunkelipa is rated as an intermediate knitting project. Knitters should be comfortable with basic techniques including working flat and in the round, reading stitch patterns, and executing decreases. The combination of garter stitch, textured patterning, and integrated crown shaping makes this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond beginner patterns while remaining accessible to those with some foundational experience.