Shoreditch Hat in Rowan Alpaca Classic (Eng) - Downloadable PDF

Shoreditch Hat in Rowan Alpaca Classic by Georgia Farrell – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Shoreditch Hat is a sophisticated, advanced-level knitting pattern designed by Georgia Farrell and published by Rowan (est. 1978). Released as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB278-00005-ENP), this pattern produces a single, one-size adult hat with a beautifully structured double-thickness folded brim and a textured cable rib body. It is available in three distinct colourways, making it a versatile project for experienced knitters looking to showcase fine yarn and refined technique.

What Is Being Made

The pattern creates a single adult-sized hat designed to fit an average adult head. The hat features a double-thickness folded brim worked in cable rib, which gives the finished piece a polished, structured appearance and extra warmth at the ears. The body of the hat continues in the same cable rib pattern before transitioning into a shaped crown. The overall aesthetic is urban and refined, fitting the Shoreditch name with its blend of classic technique and contemporary style.

Available Colourways

• Colourway 1: Feather Grey Melange 101 – a soft, heathered neutral tone
• Colourway 2: Dark Burgundy 122 – a rich, deep jewel tone
• Colourway 3: Ice Blue 131 – a cool, pale wintry shade

Each colourway requires 2 x 25gm balls of Rowan Alpaca Classic, making this a relatively economical project in terms of yarn quantity.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is Rowan Alpaca Classic, a DK weight yarn. Alpaca Classic is known for its exceptional softness, natural warmth, and subtle sheen, which makes it particularly well-suited to a hat pattern where comfort against the skin is a priority. The alpaca fibre content gives the finished hat a luxurious drape and halo, while the DK weight ensures the cable rib stitches are well-defined and the fabric has good structure without being overly heavy.

Needles Required

• Set of 4 double-pointed 3¼mm (no 10) (US 3) needles, or a 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle no more than 40 cm (16 in) long – used for the brim
• Set of 4 double-pointed 3¾mm (no 9) (US 5) needles, or a 3¾mm (US 5) circular needle no more than 40 cm (16 in) long – used for the main body and crown
• An optional long 3¾mm (US 5) circular needle is also suggested for shaping the crown
• A stitch marker is required to denote the beginning and end of rounds

Tension

• 26 stitches and 33 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern using 3¾mm (US 5) needles
• 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm measured over reverse stocking stitch using 3¾mm (US 5) needles

Achieving the correct tension is especially important for a hat, as even small variations can significantly affect the final circumference and fit. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully before beginning.

Techniques Used

• Working in the round – the entire hat is worked in rounds using either double-pointed needles or a short circular needle, eliminating the need for seaming
• Double-thickness folded brim construction – the brim is worked to 15 cm, then the cast-on edge is folded up and joined to the live stitches by knitting or purling each live stitch together with its corresponding cast-on stitch; this creates a neat, double-layered brim that is both warm and professional in finish
• Cable rib – a repeating six-round sequence