Murrine Hat and Cowl

Murrine Hat and Cowl by Irina Anikeeva

Project Overview

The Murrine Hat and Cowl is a coordinating set of knitted accessories designed by Irina Anikeeva. This intermediate-level knitting project features two separate pieces that can be made individually or as a matching pair. The designs incorporate charted colorwork patterns and are worked in worsted weight yarn, making them accessible for knitters with some experience in color work and circular knitting techniques.

Hat Construction and Specifications

The Murrine Hat is constructed from the brim to the crown using circular knitting methods. The finished hat measures 20 inches (50 cm) around the brim with a height of 8 inches (20 cm) from the base of the ribbing to the top center of the crown. The hat is designed to fit average adult head sizes ranging from 20 to 23 inches (50 to 57.5 cm) in circumference. After blocking, the hat measures 16 inches (40 cm) long.

The hat is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles. Construction begins with smaller needles for the ribbed brim, then transitions to larger needles for the main charted pattern section. The design includes a shaped crown that tapers toward the top center.

Cowl Construction and Specifications

The Murrine Cowl is a separate coordinating piece worked from the bottom up in the round. The finished cowl measures 23 inches (57.5 cm) in circumference and stands 8 inches (20 cm) tall after blocking. This height makes it suitable for layering as a neck warmer or wearing as a traditional cowl.

Techniques and Stitches

• Circular Knitting: Both the hat and cowl are worked in continuous rounds using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming.
• Ribbed Brim: The hat features a ribbed brim worked on smaller needles to create elasticity and a fitted edge.
• Charted Colorwork Pattern: The main body of both pieces incorporates a charted pattern worked with two colors, requiring color work skills such as stranding or other colorwork techniques.
• Crown Shaping: The hat includes decreases worked toward the crown to create the tapered top.
• Provisional Cast On: The cowl uses a provisional cast on technique, allowing for a seamless join when the two ends are grafted together.

Yarn and Materials

The Murrine Hat and Cowl pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in two colors. Approximately 93 yards (85 meters) of yarn total is required for the hat: 60 yards (55 meters) of Main Color (MC) and 33 yards (30 meters) of Contrast Color (CC). The cowl yardage is included in this total.

Essential tools and notions include US 7/4.5 mm and US 8/5 mm circular needles, one set of US 8/5 mm double-pointed needles for the hat crown, stitch markers, waste yarn, a crochet hook size 7/4.5 mm for the provisional cast on, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on the larger needles in the charted pattern after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as needed to match the specified gauge.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Murrine Hat and Cowl requires competency in circular knitting, reading charted patterns, working with two colors, and executing shaping decreases. Knitters should have experience with basic colorwork techniques and be comfortable working in the round before attempting this design.