Berroco Bridgham Accessory Knitting Pattern

Berroco Bridgham Hat and Gloves Set

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Bridgham is a coordinated accessory set featuring an intermediate-level knitted hat and matching gloves. The hat is designed to measure approximately 20 inches around with a height of 10 inches, while the gloves fit an 8-inch hand circumference and measure 10 inches in length with adjustable sizing options. This pattern allows crafters to make either the hat or gloves individually, or create the complete matching set using the same color palette.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Berroco Providence yarn, a premium fiber choice that comes in 50-gram balls. The color palette consists of three complementary shades: Federal Hill (MC—main color), Atlantic (CC1—contrast color 1), and Rosecliff (CC2—contrast color 2). To complete the hat alone, knitters need one ball each of the three colors. For the gloves alone, the same yardage applies. When making both the hat and gloves together, the shopping list increases to two balls of the main color Federal Hill and one ball each of the two contrast colors.

Needles and Equipment

The Bridgham pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. A 16-inch circular needle in size 4 (3.50 mm) is used for the hat's initial cast-on and ribbed cuff. Both the hat and gloves utilize a set of double-pointed needles in size 4 (3.50 mm) for working in the round once stitches are distributed. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn to hold thumb stitches during glove construction.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Bridgham demonstrates several intermediate-level knitting techniques that build foundational skills. The hat begins with a long-tail cast-on of 132 stitches on the circular needle, then transitions to working in the round—a technique that eliminates seaming and creates seamless, professional-looking garments. The ribbed cuff uses a through-the-back-loop (tbl) knit stitch paired with purl stitches to create an elastic edge that hugs the head comfortably.

After the ribbed cuff section, the pattern shifts to stockinette stitch, which is worked by knitting every round when working circularly. An increase round strategically places make-one increases to shape the hat and prepare it for the charted colorwork section. The pattern then introduces stranded colorwork—a technique where two colors are carried simultaneously and twisted together every other round to prevent long, loose loops on the wrong side of the work. The chart repeats 35 times around the circumference, creating an all-over pattern design.

The gloves follow similar construction principles, beginning with a ribbed cuff and transitioning to stockinette stitch. Waste yarn is used to hold thumb stitches, allowing the crafter to complete the hand first, then return to pick up and knit the thumb stitches separately—a technique that ensures proper thumb placement and fit.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – The fundamental stitch used throughout the stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (P) – Used in the ribbed cuff to create vertical texture
• Knit through the back loop (K1tbl) – Creates a twisted knit stitch for a refined ribbed edge
• Make-one increase (M1) – A nearly invisible increase method used to shape the hat crown
• Stockinette stitch (St st) – The primary fabric structure, created by knitting all rounds when working circularly
• Stranded colorwork – Two colors worked simultaneously from a chart, with unused colors carried along the inside of the work

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. The standard stockinette gauge is 23 stitches and 30 rounds per 4 inches. When working the charted colorwork sections, the gauge shifts slightly to 27 stitches and 30 rounds per 4 inches due to the density created by carrying two colors. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit. Glove length is noted as adjustable, allowing customization based on individual arm proportions.

Skill Level and Designer Information

The Bridgham is classified as an intermediate-level pattern, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle stranded colorwork and circular needle construction. The design