Fern Field Hat

Fern Field Hat by knitforsweet

What is Being Made

The Fern Field Hat is a downloadable knitting pattern for a brimmed hat designed by Natalie Pelykh. This intermediate-level project is available in six sizes, with brim circumferences ranging from 18 inches (46 cm) to 22 inches (56 cm), making it suitable for various head sizes from children to adults. The hat features a structured brim and decorative cable pattern work throughout.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs cable knitting as its primary decorative technique. Cable stitches are created by using a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while working other stitches, then returning to the held stitches to create twisted, rope-like textures. The pattern includes multiple cable crossing variations that add visual interest and texture to the finished hat.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Fern Field Hat utilizes the following cable stitches:

• 2-st RC (2-stitch Right Cross): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 1 stitch, then knit 1 stitch from cable needle
• 2-st LC (2-stitch Left Cross): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to front, knit 1 stitch, then knit 1 stitch from cable needle
• 2/1 RC (2-over-1 Right Cross): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 1 stitch from cable needle
• 2/1 LC (2-over-1 Left Cross): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit 1 stitch, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• 4-st RC (4-stitch Right Cross): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• 4-st LC (4-stitch Left Cross): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle

The pattern is worked primarily in the round using charted instructions, with all rounds indicated on the provided charts for easy reference during knitting.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Fern Field Hat is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using Mondial Superwool, which is composed of 100% merino wool. Each 50-gram ball contains 125 meters of yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 110 grams (approximately 275 meters), the medium sizes require 130 grams (approximately 325 meters), and the largest sizes require 150 grams (approximately 375 meters).

Needles and Gauge

This pattern calls for circular needles in two sizes: US 3 (3.0–3.25 mm) needles and US 4 (3.5 mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 30 rounds measured over 10 by 10 centimeters when working the cable pattern with US 4 needles after blocking. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished hat size.

Pattern Structure

The hat is constructed in the round using charted instructions. The pattern includes a ribbed brim section and cable pattern sections that are worked according to the included charts. Knitters follow the charts round by round, with all rounds clearly marked to guide construction from the cast-on edge through the crown shaping.