Azurite Hat and Mittens Knitting Pattern

Azurite Hat and Mittens Set in Berroco Gimlet

What Is Being Made

The Azurite is a coordinating hat and mittens set designed by Alison Green. This intermediate-level knitting project allows you to create a complete accessory ensemble using Berroco Gimlet yarn. The set includes a fitted hat available in two sizes and matching mittens available in three sizes, making it versatile for different head and hand measurements. The full set can be completed with just 3 balls of yarn, making it an efficient project for knitters looking to create matching winter accessories.

Hat Specifications

The hat portion is designed to fit heads measuring approximately 18 or 21 inches in circumference, with a finished height of 7¾ or 9 inches respectively. The hat is constructed using a 16-inch circular needle in size 10 (6 mm) and double-pointed needles of the same size for working the crown decreases. The hat features a structured construction that begins with picking up stitches around a band edge, creating a polished, finished appearance.

Mittens Specifications

The mittens are offered in three size options to accommodate various hand sizes, ranging from 7 to 8¼ inches around the hand. The upper forearm circumference ranges from 9½ to 10½ inches, and the mittens measure 13¾ inches in total length. The mittens are worked using double-pointed needles in two different sizes: size 8 (5 mm) and size 10 (6 mm), allowing for ribbed cuffs and stockinette stitch body sections with appropriate gauge control.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular knitting: The hat is worked in the round using a 16-inch circular needle, eliminating the need for seaming and creating seamless, professional results.
• Small circumference knitting: Both the hat crown and mittens utilize double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles for working decreases and narrow sections.
• Picking up stitches: The hat construction involves picking up and knitting stitches around the side edge of a band, a technique that creates a finished, integrated look.
• Cable work: The pattern incorporates cable stitches, as evidenced by the inclusion of a cable needle in the required notions.
• Stitch markers: Strategic use of stitch markers, including a different-colored marker for the beginning of round, helps maintain pattern accuracy during circular knitting.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout both the hat and mittens, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Cable stitches: Decorative cable patterns are incorporated into the design, adding visual interest and texture to the finished pieces.
• Ribbing: Ribbed sections are worked on the mittens using the smaller needle size (size 8), providing stretch and a fitted finish at the cuffs and forearm areas.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Berroco Gimlet yarn, a worsted-weight option offered by Berroco, Inc. The yarn is available in the colorway #10735 Side Car. The pattern requires 1 to 2 balls of yarn for the hat (depending on size) and 2 balls for the mittens, with 3 balls total providing enough yardage to complete the full coordinating set in any size combination.

Needles and Notions

For the hat, you will need a 16-inch circular needle in size 10 (6 mm), one set of double-pointed needles in size 10 (6 mm) for the crown, stitch markers including one in a contrasting color for marking the beginning of round, a cable needle for working cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. For the mittens, you will need two sets of double-pointed needles in sizes 8 (5 mm) and 10 (6 mm), stitch markers, a cable needle, a tapestry needle, and waste yarn to hold stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 21 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles (size 10 / 6 mm), measured after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly with a fitted accessory set like this. The pattern recommends