Elodie Hat

Elodie Hat by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Elodie Hat is a chic knitted beanie that draws inspiration from 1920s cloche hats and vintage bandana or turban-style headwraps. This intermediate-level knitting project features a snug, fitted design with a distinctive construction method and adjustable styling options. The hat can be worn with the gathered section positioned at the back or side, offering versatility in how it frames the face and head. Available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of 20 inches (51cm), 21 inches (53.5cm), or 22 inches (56cm).

Construction Technique

The Elodie Hat employs an innovative strip-based construction method that differs from traditional top-down or bottom-up hat knitting. The hat is initially knit as a flat strip, which is then sewn together to form the headband base. Once the headband is complete, stitches are picked up from the edge to begin working the crown section, which is finished to complete the hat. This technique allows for precise placement of the cable pattern and creates the characteristic horizontal texture that defines the hat's aesthetic.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Elodie Hat showcases horizontal cable work as its primary decorative element. The pattern utilizes C1F (cable 1 front) cable stitches, which involve slipping stitches to a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like textures across the hat's surface. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, classic knit background that allows the cables to stand out visually. Additional techniques include Ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases, which are commonly used in shaping and finishing sections of the hat.

Yarn and Materials

The Elodie Hat is designed for fingering weight yarn, classified as 4-ply. The pattern shows the hat knit in Cascade Yarns Heritage, a high-quality yarn composed of 75% superwash merino wool and 25% nylon. One skein of Heritage provides 437 yards (400 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces), though the hat requires only 250–270 yards (229–247 meters) of yarn, approximately 60–62 grams (2.12–2.19 ounces). The pattern was photographed in colorway #5613 Tutu and #5601 Night, though any compatible fingering weight yarn can be substituted.

Knitting needles required include US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles and double point needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The gauge for this project is 28 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, making accurate gauge swatching essential for proper fit.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Elodie Hat requires solid foundational knitting skills. Knitters should be comfortable with cable stitches, picking up stitches, and seaming techniques. The strip-based construction method adds complexity compared to simpler hat patterns, making this design suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette and shaping.