Iola Hat

Iola Hat by Triona Murphy

What Is Being Made

The Iola Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Triona Murphy. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished hat with a brim circumference of 18.5 inches (47 cm), sized to fit head measurements of approximately 20–23 inches (51–58.5 cm). The hat measures 8 inches (20.5 cm) in length from the cast-on edge to the crown, making it a classic-length hat suitable for everyday wear.

Design Features

The Iola Hat showcases a distinctive cable pattern worked entirely in twisted stitches. The design features strong vertical lines created by the cable work, with a striking crown that provides visual interest. The pattern itself is described as easily memorized, making it accessible for knitters working on the intermediate skill level despite the cable techniques involved.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs several specialized knitting techniques:

• Twisted Cable Pattern: The primary stitch pattern uses twisted cables, which create the distinctive vertical lines throughout the hat. The gauge for this pattern is 26 stitches and 33 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm).
• Twisted Rib: The brim is worked in twisted rib before transitioning to the main cable pattern. Knitters are advised to adjust the length of the twisted rib section if their row gauge differs slightly from the pattern specifications, ensuring the finished hat length matches the intended 8-inch measurement.
• Cable Abbreviations: The pattern includes specialized cable stitches abbreviated as 1/1/1 TC (twisted cable) and TCDD, with video tutorials available for reference.
• Crown Shaping: The hat features a shaped crown that tapers to the top, typical of traditional hat construction.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK, a 100% merino wool yarn. One 100-gram skein provides 231 yards (211 meters) of yarn, which is sufficient for this project. The recommended colorway is Nessie, though substitutions of similar DK-weight merino wool are possible if gauge is maintained.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need a US #5 (3.75 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches in length, plus a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for working the crown decreases. Additional notions include a removable stitch marker, two cable needles for managing the twisted cable stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Achieving proper gauge is critical for the Iola Hat pattern. Knitters must check both stitch gauge and row gauge before beginning, as the pattern notes emphasize that row gauge accuracy directly affects the finished hat length. The specified gauge is 26 stitches and 33 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in the Twisted Cable Pattern. If row gauge is slightly off, knitters can adjust the length of the twisted rib section before beginning the main cable pattern to compensate and achieve the intended 8-inch finished length.