Barclay Hat Knitting Pattern

Barclay Hat in Malabrigo Rasta

What is Being Made

The Barclay Hat is a knitted beanie designed to fit a head circumference of 19 inches (48 cm) with an approximate length of 7½ inches (19 cm). This is a classic pull-on style hat worked seamlessly in the round from the brim upward, creating a finished garment without seams.

Techniques Used

This hat employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The piece is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a continuous spiral of fabric. The primary decorative technique features slipped stitches that create horizontal dashes across the body of the hat, adding visual texture and interest to an otherwise simple stockinette construction.

The pattern incorporates float carrying, where yarn is held on the right side of the work as stitches are slipped. This technique requires even tension to maintain consistent appearance without pulling floats too tightly, which could distort the fabric.

Crown shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases worked in the round. The decreases are spaced evenly and worked at regular intervals to create a smooth, fitted crown that tapers to a small opening. The remaining stitches are then gathered and secured, completing the hat.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundation stitch creating smooth stockinette fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in the ribbed brim to create elasticity
• Slip stitch (sl) – worked purlwise with yarn in front to create the signature dash pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used throughout crown shaping

Materials and Tools

This project requires Malabrigo Rasta yarn in the colorway #429 Cape Cod Gray. One hank of 5.3 ounces (150 grams) is sufficient, providing approximately 90 yards (82 meters) of wool fiber. Rasta is a bulky-weight yarn that works up quickly.

The needles required include size 13 and 15 circular needles (9mm and 10mm) measuring 16 inches (40 cm) in length, plus one set of four size 15 double-pointed needles (dpn) for working the crown when stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle. A single stitch marker is needed to denote the beginning of each round.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is rated as beginner skill level with easy yarn work. The gauge is 9 stitches and 16 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) over the dash pattern using the larger needle. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure proper fit.