The True Queen Hat and Mitts

The True Queen Hat and Mitts by Fyberspates

Overview

The True Queen Hat and Mitts is a coordinating knitted accessory set designed by Jeni Hewlett. This intermediate-level knitting project features a diamond Fair Isle patterned hat paired with matching mittens, creating a cohesive winter accessory collection. Both pieces are worked primarily in the round, minimizing finishing work and allowing crafters to complete the set efficiently.

Hat Construction and Design

The hat showcases a classic diamond Fair Isle colorwork pattern, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their stranded colorwork skills. The design is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and reduces finishing time. The hat is available in three sizes to fit different head circumferences: Child (46cm/18¼in), Teen/Adult Small (51.5cm/20¼in), and Adult Medium/Large (56.5cm/22¼in). The finished head circumference ranges from 41cm (16in) for the child size to 49cm (19½in) for the adult large size. The length from brim to crown varies by size, ranging from 17.5cm (7in) to 22cm (8½in).

Mittens

The mittens complement the hat with coordinating Fair Isle colorwork. Like the hat, the mittens are designed to be worked in the round, maintaining design consistency across the accessory set.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suited to intermediate crafters:

• Fair Isle Colorwork: The primary technique used throughout both the hat and mittens, involving stranded colorwork with two colors worked simultaneously to create the diamond pattern
• Working in the Round: Both pieces utilize circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for seamless construction
• Stitch Markers: Used to track pattern repeats and size increases
• Tension Gauge: Critical for Fair Isle work, with a specified gauge of 26.5 stitches and 27 rows over 10cm (4in) when working the colorwork pattern

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, which provides an ideal balance of drape and stitch definition for Fair Isle colorwork. Specific needle requirements include:

• 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) circular knitting needles, 40cm long, for ribbed edgings
• 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) circular knitting needles, 40cm long, for the main colorwork sections
• 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) double-pointed needles for working small circumferences in the round
• 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) double-pointed needles for colorwork sections when transitioning to smaller circumferences
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Optional pompom for hat crown embellishment

Skill Level and Suitability

Classified as an intermediate project, The True Queen Hat and Mitts is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic colorwork. The Fair Isle technique requires managing two colors simultaneously, making this pattern an excellent stepping stone for crafters developing their stranded colorwork proficiency. The minimal finishing required makes this an efficient project for creating a complete accessory set.