Knotted Pine

Knotted Pine Knit Hat by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Knotted Pine is a textured beanie hat designed by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This knit hat features a heavily textured construction with high-relief cables and a unique crown design. The pattern is available in three sizes accommodating head circumferences of 20, 22, and 24 inches (51, 56, and 61 centimeters). The hat is designed with negative ease for a comfortably snug fit, making it ideal for outdoor activities and cooler weather wear.

Techniques Used

The Knotted Pine hat employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure. The hat is worked from the bottom up, a common construction method that allows for easy adjustments and a natural progression through the pattern. The crown features a surprising and innovative construction method that sets this design apart from traditional beanie patterns. Once the main body is complete, the crown is grafted across the top using a grafting technique, which creates a seamless join. The final step involves folding the crown inward in an envelope style, adding both visual interest and functional texture to the finished hat. This combination of techniques results in a hat with substantial texture and visual depth.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in Knotted Pine is twisted stockinette, which creates a subtle texture and refined appearance. Complementing this base stitch are high-relief cables that form the distinctive textured elements of the hat. These cable stitches are worked using a cable needle, which is essential for manipulating stitches to create the crossed, three-dimensional cable pattern. The combination of twisted stockinette and cables creates the heavily textured beanie that gives the hat its name and character.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Quince & Co Lark yarn in the Honey colorway. This yarn is composed of 100% American Wool and is classified as worsted weight, though the pattern specifies a DK weight gauge for a refined drape. Each 50-gram skein contains 134 yards of yardage. Total yardage requirements are 230 yards for the smallest size, 250 yards for the medium size, and 270 yards for the largest size (approximately 210, 230, and 290 meters respectively).

The pattern requires two sets of needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. US 5 / 3.75 millimeter needles are used for the ribbing or initial cast-on, while US 6 / 4.0 millimeter needles are used for the main body where the gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in twisted stockinette is achieved. Both needle sizes can be worked as double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working small circumferences in the round.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the Knotted Pine pattern requires several additional notions and tools. Seven stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the hat. A cable needle is essential for executing the high-relief cable stitches that define the hat's texture. A darning needle is required for two finishing techniques: grafting the crown stitches together seamlessly and weaving in yarn ends for a polished final product.

Difficulty Level and Project Suitability

Knotted Pine is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it accessible to newer knitters while still offering interesting techniques and a sophisticated final result. The pattern is described as perfect for autumn and outdoor activities, including walking through the woods, cutting wood, and sipping hot beverages on the porch during crisp autumn weather. The snug fit and textured construction provide both warmth and visual appeal for seasonal wear.