Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa Hat by Verena Cohrs

What is Being Made

The Picos de Europa Hat is a textured knit hat designed by Verena Cohrs and inspired by the natural forms of twigs and branches. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a warm, cozy hat available in three sizes: Small (44cm / 17" circumference), Medium (51cm / 20" circumference), and Large (58cm / 23" circumference). The finished hat comfortably fits head sizes up to approximately 49cm (19¼"), 56cm (22"), and 63cm (24¾") respectively. The design showcases natural yarns beautifully while providing excellent insulation and visual interest through its textured construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction ideal for hats. The pattern features twisted rib stitch work, which adds elasticity and texture to the finished piece. Chart-based colorwork or texture patterns are included, with charts worked from right to left and from bottom to top in the traditional method. The combination of these techniques creates the twig and branch-inspired visual effect that defines the hat's aesthetic appeal.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Picos de Europa Hat utilizes twisted rib stitch as a primary construction element. This stitch choice provides both structural integrity and visual texture, making it ideal for a hat that needs to maintain its shape while displaying natural yarn characteristics. The twisted rib construction is worked on smaller needles to achieve the proper gauge and ensure a snug, comfortable fit around the head.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Gregoria Fibers Heritage 1ply DK weight (100% wool; 125 meters / 136 yards per 50g skein). Yardage requirements are 75 meters / 82 yards for size Small, 100 meters / 109 yards for size Medium, and 125 meters / 136 yards for size Large. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in purple.
• Needles: Circular needles in two sizes—smaller needles for the twisted rib sections and larger needles for the main hat body. Specific needle sizes are referenced in the pattern gauge information.
• Additional Notions: Cable needle for cable techniques, darning needle for weaving in ends, and blocking tools including blocking mats and pins for finishing.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this hat to fit correctly. When worked in the round in twisted rib on the smaller needle and after blocking, the gauge is 17 stitches by 30 rounds per 10cm (4 inches). On the larger needle, the gauge is 16 stitches by 25 rounds per 10cm (4 inches). Knitters should always swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure the finished hat meets the intended measurements.