Berroco Earnshaw Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Earnshaw Knit Hat

What is Being Made

The Berroco Earnshaw is a classic knit hat designed by Brenda York. This seamless, crown-down hat features a finished circumference of approximately 20 inches and a height of 9½ inches (not including an optional pompom). The design incorporates two-color stranded colorwork in the upper portion, creating visual interest while maintaining the structured shape of a traditional winter beanie.

Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create a polished, professional finish:

• Seamless Construction: The hat is worked in the round from the bottom up, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, tubular garment.
• Worked in the Round: Using circular needles and double-pointed needles, the knitter works continuously in circular rows, which is ideal for creating fitted garments like hats.
• Stranded Colorwork: Two yarn colors are carried simultaneously across the fabric, creating the decorative pattern shown in the included chart. This technique adds visual depth and texture to the hat's design.
• Crown Shaping: Strategic decreases are worked in a structured pattern to gradually reduce stitches and shape the crown, creating a fitted top that sits properly on the head.

Stitches Used

The Earnshaw hat employs fundamental knitting stitches that create both structure and texture:

• Ribbing (k1, p1): The cast-on edge begins with alternating knit and purl stitches worked for 1 inch. This elastic ribbing creates a snug, comfortable cuff that holds the hat securely in place.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side.
• Central Double Decrease (CDD): Used throughout the crown-shaping section, this decrease technique removes two stitches while maintaining a centered, vertical line of decreases that creates the hat's tapered crown.
• Stranded Pattern: The colorwork section is worked from a provided chart, with stitches knitted in alternating colors to create the design.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Mercado, a yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for both the ribbing and colorwork sections. One hank each of two colors is required: #4160 Ciruela (C1) and #4101 Crema (C2), with each hank weighing 100 grams.

Needles and Notions: The project requires a 16-inch circular needle in sizes 8 (5.00 mm) and 9 (5.50 mm), allowing the knitter to adjust needle size to achieve the correct gauge. A set of four double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.50 mm) is used for the final crown decreases when stitches become too few for the circular needle. Additional notions include one stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. An optional 3-inch pompom maker can be used to create a finishing touch for the hat's crown.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.