Sandleford

Sandleford Knit Hat by The Ticcy Knitter

What is Being Made

The Sandleford is a downloadable knitting pattern for a colorwork hat designed by The Ticcy Knitter. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted, two-color hat available in four sizes to accommodate head circumferences ranging from 48cm to 58.5cm (approximately sizes S, M, L, and XL). The hat features a ribbed brim and a patterned crown, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes and ages.

Techniques Used

The Sandleford pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate knitters. The construction begins with a cable cast-on method to create a secure foundation edge. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous colorwork. The pattern incorporates two-color knitting (often called stranded colorwork), where two yarn colors are carried and worked simultaneously to create the decorative pattern. The crown is shaped through decreasing stitches to taper the hat to a close fit at the top, which can be accomplished using either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or the Magic Loop method for knitters who prefer to avoid DPNs.

Stitches Used

The Sandleford pattern utilizes basic knit stitches as its foundation:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P): Combined with knit stitches to create the 1x1 ribbed brim, which provides elasticity and a finished edge
• 1x1 Ribbing: Created by alternating one knit stitch with one purl stitch across the row, worked for the first 3cm to 4cm depending on size

The main body of the hat features a charted pattern that is worked in stockinette stitch (knit stitch in the round) using two contrasting yarn colors to create the design motif.

Materials and Equipment

Yarn: The pattern recommends John Arbon Textiles KBN minis DK weight yarn in two colors. DK (double knit) weight yarn is a medium-weight option that works well for hats, providing good stitch definition for colorwork. The specific colors suggested are colour number 71 for the background color and colour number 121 for the pattern color. Yardage requirements vary by size: sizes S and M require 50g of background yarn and 25g of pattern yarn, while sizes L and XL require 75g of background yarn and 50g of pattern yarn.

Needles: The pattern calls for two sets of 4mm (US 6) circular needles in 16"/40cm length—one set for the ribbed brim and one set for the main pattern work. Additionally, 3mm (US 2-3) circular needles in the same 16"/40cm length are used for the initial ribbing. For crown decreasing, 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) are recommended, though the Magic Loop method offers an alternative for knitters who prefer it.

Additional Equipment: A darning needle (also called a tapestry needle) is needed for weaving in yarn ends and securing the hat after completion. A stitch marker helps track the beginning of each round during in-the-round knitting.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 30 stitches and 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square when worked in stockinette stitch with the 4mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the hat fits properly across all four available sizes. Cast-on stitch counts range from 110 stitches for size S up to 140 stitches for size XL, with corresponding adjustments to ribbing depth and yarn quantities.