Vemdalen Hood

Vemdalen Hood by Amy LaRoux

What is Being Made

The Vemdalen Hood is a playful hooded scarf designed for warmth in cold weather environments. Named after a Swedish skiing village, this knit accessory combines a structured hood with an extended scarf component, making it ideal for outdoor activities, lodge wear, or any chilly setting. The finished hood measures approximately 15 inches high by 10.5 inches deep, while the scarf extends 60 inches in length and 4 inches in width, not including decorative pom poms.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs circular needle construction techniques to create both the hood and scarf sections. The pattern utilizes multiple yarn weights strategically to achieve different textural effects and visual interest. The hood section is worked using super bulky weight yarn to create a plush, dimensional appearance, while the scarf body is constructed with worsted weight yarn in both main and contrasting colors. The combination of these different yarn weights requires knitters to transition between needle sizes throughout the project, demonstrating intermediate-level construction skills.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern works at a gauge of 12 stitches per inch, which is typical for projects using bulkier yarn weights. While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the construction involves standard knitting techniques compatible with circular needle work. The pattern includes finishing techniques such as bind-off methods and button attachment, as well as pom pom creation using a pom pom maker tool.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Yarn weights and yardage:

• Super bulky weight yarn (#6): Approximately 88 yards, preferably wool fur yarn for the hood section
• Worsted weight yarn (#4) in main color: Approximately 300 yards
• Worsted weight yarn (#4) in contrasting color: Approximately 100 yards

Suggested yarn brands shown in pattern:

• Erika Knight Fur Wool Yarn (2 skeins, color 001 Flax) for the super bulky weight component
• Cascade 220 Heathers Yarn (2 skeins, color 2442 Fog Hatt) for the main worsted weight
• Malabrigo Worsted Yarn (1 skein, color 627 Milonga) for the contrasting worsted weight

Needles and notions:

• US size 11 circular needles, 35 inches
• US size 15 circular needles, 35 inches
• US size 19 needle for bind-off
• Two stitch markers
• One button, approximately 1.25 inches in diameter
• Pom pom maker sized for 3-inch diameter pom poms
• Darning needle for finishing

The use of wool fur yarn for the hood section creates a distinctive textured appearance, while the combination of yarn weights allows knitters to achieve both bulk and drape in different areas of the finished garment.