Berroco Cavilleri Hat & Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Cavilleri Hat & Cowl

What is Being Made

The Berroco Cavilleri Hat & Cowl is a coordinating set of two knitted accessories designed by Shannon Cook. This intermediate-level knitting project includes both a hat and a cowl, allowing crafters to create a matching pair. The hat is sized to fit head circumferences of 19–22 inches and measures approximately 15½ inches around by 8¾ inches high when blocked and unstretched.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished pieces. Cable work is a primary technique featured in the design, specifically the C6B (cable 6 back) stitch, which involves slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them to the back of the work, and then knitting across to create the characteristic twisted rope effect. The pattern also incorporates slip-stitch colorwork or texture, using slip stitches held in the back to create raised or contrasting visual elements without the complexity of traditional colorwork. Ribbed edging provides structure and elasticity, particularly in the hat's brim, which is worked in a combination of knit-through-back-loop and purl stitches to create a neat, fitted edge. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, which is a fundamental technique for creating seamless hats and cowls.

Stitches Used

The Cavilleri pattern utilizes a focused selection of fundamental and intermediate stitches:

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary stitch used throughout the body of the hat, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing – combining knit-through-back-loop (K1tbl) and purl (p1) stitches in alternating patterns for the brim and structural elements
• Cable stitches – specifically C6B (cable 6 back), which creates six-stitch cables by crossing three stitches over three stitches
• Slip stitches – both Sl1p (slip 1 purl-wise) and Sl3p (slip 3 stitches purl-wise) with yarn held in back of work, used to create texture and visual definition
• Skp (slip, knit, pass) – a left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Knit and purl stitches – the foundational stitches used in various combinations throughout the pattern

Materials and Gauge

The Cavilleri Hat & Cowl is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool yarn, and the pattern recommends using the specific yarn called for in the instructions to achieve the best results. The pattern is worked on two sizes of circular needles: a smaller circular needle for the ribbed brim and a larger circular needle for the main body. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rounds equal 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needle in the round, measured on an unblocked swatch. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and finished measurements. A cable needle is required for working the cable stitches, and stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and structural sections. The pattern also calls for the long tail cast-on method to begin the hat brim.

Pattern Overview

The hat construction begins with a cast-on of 102 stitches on the smaller circular needle using the long tail method. The brim is worked in a set-up ribbing pattern for 1¾ inches, establishing stitch markers that will be slipped throughout the pattern to maintain alignment. Once the ribbed brim reaches the specified length, crafters switch to the larger circular needle and establish the main pattern, which incorporates cable work, slip-stitch texture, and ribbed sections. The pattern is worked in the round, with chart-based instructions guiding the placement of cables and textured elements. This intermediate project combines classic knitting techniques with thoughtful design to create a sophisticated, wearable accessory.