Ealhswith Hat

Ealhswith Hat by Ruth Nguyen

What is Being Made

The Ealhswith Hat is a knitted hat with a finished circumference of 20 inches and 8 inches in height. Designed by Ruth Nguyen as an intermediate-level knitting project, this hat features a distinctive cable panel worked sideways as a decorative band treatment. The design complements the separately published Ealhswith Mittens, though the hat stands as an independent garment. The finished hat is embellished with three 5/8-inch buttons for a stylized Celtic aesthetic.

Techniques and Construction

The Ealhswith Hat employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance. The primary construction method involves working a sinuous cable panel sideways as an elegant band treatment around the hat. The pattern utilizes both flat knitting and circular knitting methods, combining different needle sizes to achieve varied stitch densities and textures. Stockinette stitch forms the base fabric on larger needles, while garter stitch is worked on smaller needles for textural contrast. The cable panel is worked flat according to a Band Chart, which spans one repeat of 20 stitches and 16 rows.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): Used on the larger US 6 (4mm) needles as the primary fabric stitch
• Garter Stitch: Worked on the smaller US 2 (2.75mm) needles for textural variation
• Cable Stitches: Featured in the sideways-worked cable panel, requiring a cable needle for manipulation

Materials and Gauge

The Ealhswith Hat is designed to be worked in Peace Fleece DK yarn, a 4-ply weight blend composed of 75% Navajo Rambouillet and Domestic Wool with 25% Texas Mohair. One skein of Peace Fleece in the colorway Kamchatka Seamoss (4 ounces/350 yards) provides sufficient yardage for completion.

Knitting needles required include US 2 (2.75mm) straight needles, a 16-inch US 6 (4mm) circular needle, and a set of five US 6 (4mm) double-pointed needles. A cable needle is essential for working the cable panel. Additional notions include a yarn needle for finishing and three 5/8-inch buttons.

Gauge is critical for proper fit. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 32 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger US 6 (4mm) needles. On smaller needles, 28 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in garter stitch. One complete repeat of the Band Chart measures 2 inches in height on the larger needles.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Ealhswith Hat requires familiarity with cable knitting techniques, working with multiple needle sizes, and managing both flat and circular knitting methods. Knitters should be comfortable reading charts and working with double-pointed needles or circular needles for small circumference knitting.