Morganite

Morganite Hat by Imke von Nathusius

What is Being Made

The Morganite is a knitted hat designed by Imke von Nathusius, available in two finished sizes: 53.25 cm (20.75") and 60 cm (23.5") circumference, with a total length of 22.5 cm (8.75"). This is a beginner-friendly knitting project worked in the round, designed to be worn with up to 4 cm (1.5") of negative ease for a fitted silhouette. The hat features a decorative pompom at the crown, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for winter wear.

Techniques Used

The Morganite hat employs several key knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture. The design begins with a twisted rib foundation that establishes structure and ensures a secure fit around the head. From this ribbed base, the pattern transitions into a series of diamond motifs that progressively decrease in size, creating a flowing visual effect that draws the eye upward toward the crown. The diamonds are worked using twisted stitches, which stand out prominently against the surrounding fabric. The background fabric is worked in reverse stockinette stitch, a technique that creates a textured, bumpy surface that allows the yarn's natural qualities to shine through rather than being obscured by the smoother appearance of standard stockinette. This choice of background stitch lets the beauty of the yarn—particularly Moel View Yarn's naturally dyed fibers—become a focal point of the finished hat.

Stitches Used

• Twisted rib: Used for the cuff and lower edge to provide elasticity and a secure fit
• Twisted stitches: Featured throughout the diamond pattern sections for textural definition and visual contrast
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Forms the main body fabric, creating a textured background that showcases yarn color and natural dyes
• Decreases: Used to shape the progressively smaller diamond motifs and to close the crown

Materials

The Morganite pattern is designed to be worked with DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn weight that provides excellent stitch definition for the intricate diamond pattern work. The pattern is worked on circular needles appropriate for DK weight yarn, allowing for seamless in-the-round construction. The pattern includes a chart for visual reference, with both charted and written instructions provided to accommodate different knitter preferences. The designer recommends pairing this pattern with Moel View Yarn, which features beautifully natural dyed colorways that complement the textured reverse stockinette background and twisted stitch details.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Imke von Nathusius. The pattern includes both charted instructions and written row-by-row directions, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the pattern. The chart displays a single pattern repeat and should be worked from right to left and bottom to top, with separate instructions provided for each of the two available sizes.