Montreal Hat

Montreal Hat by Tanja Luescher

What is Being Made

The Montreal Hat is a warm, close-fitting knitted beanie designed for cold winter weather. This downloadable knitting pattern by independent designer Tanja Luescher offers two finished sizes: Size S/M with a 49 cm (19.25") circumference and Size L with a 55 cm (21.5") circumference. The hat is knitted in the round using super bulky yarn, creating a dense, insulating garment suitable for harsh winter conditions.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project uses knitting in the round as its primary construction method, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The pattern incorporates cable stitch work, adding textural interest and structural integrity to the design. The use of a cable needle is required to create the cable details that define this hat's aesthetic appeal. The design demonstrates thoughtful construction for a fitted winter hat that requires blocking after completion to achieve the specified finished dimensions.

Stitches Used

The Montreal Hat features stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The gauge is 13 stitches and 16 rounds per 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch in the round after blocking. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design, adding visual texture and depth to the finished hat. The combination of these stitches creates a balanced design that is both visually interesting and structurally sound.

Materials and Tools

The Montreal Hat is knitted using Garnstudio Drops Eskimo yarn, a 100% wool super bulky weight yarn. The pattern calls for 2 balls of the main color (MC) in shade #63 Night Sky and 1 ball of the contrast color (CC) in shade #01 Off White, or alternatively 60–85 meters of main color yarn and 35–40 meters of contrast color yarn in any super bulky yarn of your choice. The designer notes that only 1 ball of main color was needed for Size S/M, though all material was utilized.

Essential knitting tools include an 8 mm (US 11) circular needle measuring 40 cm (16 inches), sized to achieve the specified gauge, though the designer recommends trying larger needles if you knit loosely. A cable needle (or spare double-pointed needle of the same or slightly smaller size) is required for working the cable stitches. One stitch marker completes the tool requirements for this project.

Designer Notes

Tanja Luescher, the pattern designer, created the Montreal Hat as part of the Montreal Set, inspired by a friend living in Canada who requires exceptionally warm accessories for severe winter conditions. The designer notes that gauge and needle size may need adjustment based on individual knitting tension, particularly for knitters who work loosely. This pattern is version 1.2 of the Montreal Hat design and is knitted in Switzerland.