Lombard Vista Cap

Lombard Vista Cap by NichKnit Designs

What Is Being Made

The Lombard Vista Cap is a knitted hat designed by NichKnit Designs, available in three finished sizes: Child/Teen (17" x 8"), Adult Small/Medium (19" x 8.5"), and Adult Large/Extra Large (21" x 9"). This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a classic, fitted cap suitable for various age groups and head sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting pattern employs fundamental circular knitting techniques. The cap is constructed using the magic loop method or double-pointed needles to work in the round, which allows for seamless construction. The pattern begins with a ribbed brim section that provides elasticity and a finished edge, followed by a main patterned section that features a 10-stitch, 4-round repeat sequence. Knitters will switch from smaller needles to larger needles after completing the ribbed brim, a standard technique for creating fitted garments with structured edges.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Lombard Vista Cap utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for beginner-level crafters:

• k (knit) – the fundamental knit stitch
• p (purl) – the reverse of the knit stitch, used in ribbing
• ssk (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease
• ssp (slip, slip, purl) – a left-leaning purl decrease
• sl1 (slip one stitch) – moving a stitch from one needle to another without working it
• tbl (through back loop) – working into the back loop of a stitch for twisted effects
• rnd (round) – one complete circle when working in the round
• CN (cable needle) – a tool used for cable stitch techniques

Materials and Tools Required

The Lombard Vista Cap pattern calls for worsted or Aran weight yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: Child/Teen requires 150–210 yards, while larger adult sizes require proportionally more yardage. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm), which is important for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Knitters will need two sizes of 16-inch circular needles: US size 6 (4.0 mm) for the ribbed brim section and US size 7 (4.5 mm) for the main patterned section. Additionally, US size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) are required for the crown shaping and final decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. A darning needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment.

Construction Method

The cap is constructed from the bottom up using the cast-on method of the knitter's choice. After casting on 90 (100, 110) stitches on the smaller circular needles, knitters join to work in the round while being careful not to twist the stitches. The ribbed brim is created using alternating knit and purl stitches (*k1, p1* repeat), which is worked for 3.25 inches (Child/Teen), 4 inches (Adult S/M), or 4.5 inches (Adult L/XL). This ribbed section provides stretch and a professional finished edge. After the ribbing is complete, knitters switch to the larger needles to begin the main patterned section, which features a repeating 10-stitch, 4-round pattern sequence that creates visual interest and texture throughout the crown of the cap.

This pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF for personal use only and is protected by copyright © 2023 NichKnit Designs.