Berroco Donnely Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Donnely Knit Hat

What is Being Made

The Berroco Donnely is a classic knit hat designed by Brenda York, featured in Berroco Booklet #346. This easy-level knitting project creates a finished hat measuring approximately 20 inches around with an 11-inch height when unstretched, making it a versatile size suitable for most wearers. The hat is an ideal project for knitters seeking a straightforward yet textured accessory.

Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the brim and progresses upward toward the crown. The pattern employs seamed construction and is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which simplifies the knitting process for those less experienced with circular needles or double-pointed needles. After the flat pieces are completed, seaming joins the edges together. The hat features strategic shaping at the top through decreasing rows that gradually reduce the stitch count, creating the crown closure.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this hat is Fisherman Rib, a textured stitch pattern that creates a thick, elastic fabric with excellent stretch and recovery. Fisherman Rib is worked over an even number of stitches using a repeating pattern of purled stitches alternated with knit stitches worked into the row below, creating a deeply textured appearance. The pattern begins with a single purl row before establishing the Fisherman Rib pattern, which is maintained consistently until the hat reaches its full length. Decreasing rows at the crown use basic knit two together and purl two together decreases to shape the top, followed by a gathered closure using a tapestry needle to draw remaining stitches tight.

Materials

This project requires 2 hanks of Berroco Inca Tweed yarn (100 grams per hank) in colorway #8901 Playa. Knitters will need straight knitting needles in size 10 (6.00 mm) or the size necessary to achieve proper gauge. A tapestry needle is essential for seaming and finishing the hat. The recommended gauge is 14 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in Fisherman Rib stitch, making accurate gauge checking crucial before beginning the project to ensure the finished hat achieves the intended measurements.