Berroco Lavanda Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Lavanda Knit Hat

What Is Being Made

The Lavanda is a beginner-friendly knit hat designed by Alison Green from Berroco Book #411. This seamless, easy-to-construct hat features a finished circumference of approximately 20 inches and a height of 10 inches (not including optional pompom and braids). The design is suitable for knitters new to hat construction, offering clear instructions for creating a polished, wearable accessory.

Construction Techniques

The Lavanda employs a combination of knitting techniques to create its structure. The hat begins with a worked flat ribbed cuff section, which is then transitioned to worked in the round for the main body and crown shaping. This hybrid approach allows knitters to establish a neat edge before joining for seamless circular knitting. The construction is bottom-up, meaning you cast on at the brim and work upward toward the crown. The design is seamless, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.

Stitches Used

The Lavanda utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for beginner crafters. The ribbing section features a k2, p2 rib pattern, which creates vertical columns of knit and purl stitches that provide stretch and structure at the brim. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), the most basic knit stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns. The crown shaping involves strategic decreases to taper the hat toward the top. Optional braids are created using a three-strand braiding technique worked directly from the ribbed edge.

Yarn and Materials

The Lavanda is designed to be knitted with Berroco Coco yarn, a bulky-weight fiber requiring only 1 ball (100 grams) in the colorway #4912 Prairie. This single-ball requirement makes the project economical and accessible. Knitting needles include 16-inch circular needles in sizes 11 (8.00 mm) and 15 (10.00 mm), allowing you to adjust needle size to achieve proper gauge. A set of size 15 (10.00 mm) double-pointed needles is used for the final crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles. Additional notions include a stitch marker for joining in the round and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. An optional 5-inch faux fur pom-pom can be sewn to the crown for added texture and visual interest.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 14 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished hat meets the intended measurements. The pattern recommends taking time to knit a gauge swatch, as even small variations in tension can affect the final fit and circumference of the hat.

Finishing Details

After completing the crown decreases, all yarn ends are woven in using a tapestry needle for a neat, professional appearance. The hat can be blocked as desired to even out stitches and set the fabric. The optional faux fur pom-pom is sewn securely to the top of the hat. Decorative braids can be created from the corners of the ribbed cuff using a three-strand braiding technique, adding a charming, personalized embellishment to the finished design.