Empty Sky

Empty Sky Hat by Sarah Wylie

What is Being Made

Empty Sky is a knitted hat design by independent designer Sarah Wylie, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted, structured hat available in three sizes: Small (19.5" brim circumference), Medium (21" brim circumference), and Large (22.5" brim circumference). The hat features a crown-to-brim height ranging from 8.25" for the smaller sizes to 9.25" for the largest size, making it suitable for various head sizes and proportions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Empty Sky is constructed using knitting in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The pattern employs magic loop method or double-pointed needles, allowing the knitter to work continuously in circular rows without seams. This construction method is ideal for hats as it eliminates the need for finishing seams at the sides.

The hat incorporates several intermediate-level shaping techniques essential for achieving a proper fit and crown closure. Decreases are strategically placed to shape the crown, including centred double decreases (CDD) that create a visually balanced tapering effect as the hat narrows toward the top. Make one stitches (Mk1) are used for increases where needed in the pattern structure.

Stitch markers play an important role in this construction, with the pattern utilizing four stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and one contrast marker to clearly identify the beginning of each round, helping the knitter maintain orientation throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), worked in the round. This creates the smooth, classic V-pattern texture characteristic of most knitted hats. The pattern incorporates shaping stitches including:

• Centred double decreases (CDD) for crown shaping
• Make one stitches (Mk1) for increases
• Standard knit and purl stitches as the foundation

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Empty Sky is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, a lightweight yarn that creates a refined, fitted hat suitable for various seasons depending on fiber content. The pattern specifies exact yardage requirements for each size:

• Small size: 72 meters / 79 yards for Yarn A and Yarn B combined
• Medium size: 80 meters / 87 yards for Yarn A and Yarn B combined
• Large size: 88 meters / 96 yards for Yarn A and Yarn B combined

The pattern calls for Yarn A: Rowan Felted Tweed and Yarn B: Blacker Shetland 4-ply, or other similar 4-ply yarns that achieve the specified gauge. A small amount of Yarn C in a contrast colour is also required for accent details.

The gauge is critical for proper fit: 23 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch in the round when blocked. This relatively tight gauge creates a durable, structured hat that maintains its shape.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires a 3.5mm / US 4 circular needle at least 32 inches in length for the magic loop method, or the same size double-pointed needles as an alternative. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and one contrast marker to clearly mark the beginning of each round.