Stormy Seas Hat and Cowl Set

Stormy Seas Hat and Cowl Set by Kelly Menzies

Project Overview

The Stormy Seas Hat and Cowl Set is a coordinating knit collection designed by Kelly Menzies, originally published in Let's Knit! Magazine in November 2016. This intermediate-level knitting project comprises two separate garments that can be made together as a set or individually: a fitted hat and a generous cowl, both worked in soft DK weight yarn.

Hat Details

Finished Dimensions: The hat features a circumference of approximately 51 cm (20 inches) with a height of approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches), creating a classic, close-fitting silhouette suitable for various head sizes.

Construction and Techniques: The hat is constructed using circular knitting needles in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting techniques including knit and purl stitches, yarn overs for textural interest, and decreases such as knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) to shape the crown. A stitch marker assists in tracking the beginning of each round during the circular knitting process.

Cowl Details

Finished Dimensions: The cowl is generously sized with a circumference of approximately 118 cm (46.5 inches) and a height of approximately 28 cm (11 inches), making it suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a loose, draped collar.

Construction and Techniques: Like the hat, the cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, maintaining continuity in the knitting method across both pieces. The cowl incorporates the same fundamental stitches and techniques as the hat, with yarn overs and decreases creating textural stitch patterns throughout the fabric.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn Requirements: The complete set requires 550 meters (604 yards) of DK weight yarn. The pattern was photographed using Drops Cotton Merino in shade 26, Storm Blue, which requires five 50-gram balls. DK weight yarn is a versatile, medium-weight yarn that works well for garments requiring drape and definition of stitch patterns.

Needles and Tools: Both the hat and cowl are worked on 4mm (US 6) circular needles, with double-pointed needles of the same size available as an alternative for the hat's crown shaping. A row counter is optional but helpful for tracking progress through the pattern repeats.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows over a 10 cm by 10 cm (4 inch by 4 inch) square when measured in the pattern stitch on 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished garments to match the specified dimensions.

Pattern Format and Instructions

The Stormy Seas pattern is provided in both written and chart format, offering flexibility for knitters who prefer either method. Complete stitch abbreviations are included, covering essential techniques such as make one (m1) increases, place marker (pm) instructions, and repeat (rep) notation to guide knitters through the pattern sequences.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting, basic stitch techniques, and pattern reading. The combination of simple stitches with strategic increases and decreases provides an engaging project that builds confidence in round knitting and stitch pattern work.