Berroco Catherine Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Catherine Knit Hat

What is Being Made

The Berroco Catherine is an intermediate-level knit bonnet hat designed by Alison Green. This is a structured bonnet-style hat with finished measurements of approximately 19 inches around at the widest point and 12 inches high. The design features a distinctive construction method that begins with a lengthwise brim, followed by the main bonnet body, and finished with decorative details including a garter stitch band, twisted cords, and tassels at the corners.

Construction Techniques

The Catherine bonnet employs a multi-stage construction technique that sets it apart from typical hat patterns. The brim is worked lengthwise using straight or circular needles, creating a foundation piece. Stitches are then picked up along one long edge of the completed brim, and the bonnet body is worked in rows before transitioning to working in the round. After the main bonnet is complete, additional stitches are picked up along the lower edge to create a garter stitch band. The pattern concludes with the attachment of twisted cords and tassels positioned at the corners of the band, adding both decorative and functional elements to the finished hat.

Stitches and Special Techniques

This intermediate pattern incorporates several advanced stitch techniques that require careful attention:

• Cable Decreases: The pattern features specialized cable decreases including Left Cable Dec (slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, SSK using stitches from cable needle and left-hand needle, then knit remaining stitch from cable needle) and Right Cable Dec (slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back, k2tog, then knit with stitches from cable needle and left-hand needle)
• Complex Decreases: Dec over 4 technique that decreases 3 stitches in a single maneuver using slip, knit together, pass slipped stitch over, and additional stitch manipulation
• Charted Patterns: The brim incorporates a Brim Chart that guides stitch placement and pattern development
• Circular Knitting: The transition from flat to circular knitting when working the bonnet body in the round
• Garter Stitch: Used for the finishing band at the lower edge of the bonnet

Yarn and Materials

The Catherine bonnet is designed to be worked with Berroco Mercado yarn, requiring 2 hanks of 100 grams each in colorway #4128 Cielo. Berroco Mercado is a yarn specifically chosen for this pattern to achieve the intended drape, texture, and finished appearance of the bonnet.

The required needles and notions include size 9 (5.50 mm) knitting needles for the main fabric, a set of four size 9 (5.50 mm) double-pointed needles for working the bonnet in the round, a cable needle for executing the cable decrease techniques, one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and construction stages, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching finishing elements such as the twisted cords and tassels.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when worked over the Brim Chart. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the bonnet fits as designed. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to account for individual tension variations.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Catherine bonnet is appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable techniques, decreases worked over multiple stitches, and the construction complexity of transitioning between different knitting methods. The pattern requires understanding of both flat and circular knitting, familiarity with chart reading, and comfort executing specialized cable and decrease abbreviations.