Berroco Maitake Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Maitake Hat and Mittens Pattern

Project Overview

The Maitake pattern is a coordinating hat and mitten set designed by Åsa Buchta, offering an intermediate-level knitting project. This downloadable pattern provides instructions for creating a classic winter accessory duo using Berroco Talara yarn. The hat features a pompom finish, while the mittens include adjustable length for a customized fit.

Hat Construction

The hat is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a ribbed cuff and progressing to stockinette stitch. The pattern offers two finished sizes: 16¾ inches (42.5 cm) around and 19¼ inches (49 cm) around, each measuring 9 to 9½ inches (23 to 24 cm) in height, not including the pompom. The ribbed cuff is created using a knit one, purl two pattern that provides stretch and structure at the brim.

Mittens Construction

The mittens follow the same seamless, worked-in-the-round construction method as the hat. Two sizes are available: 7¼ inches (18.5 cm) and 8 inches (20.5 cm) around the hand, with lengths of 9¾ inches (25 cm) and 10½ inches (26.5 cm) respectively. The pattern notes that mitten length is adjustable, allowing knitters to customize the finished garment to their preference. Like the hat, the mittens begin with a ribbed cuff using the knit one, purl two stitch pattern.

Knitting Techniques

Both garments employ fundamental seamless knitting techniques that eliminate the need for seaming. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on pieces as they progress and easily adjust length. Working in the round creates a continuous spiral of stitches, producing a polished, professional finish without visible seams.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the main body of both the hat and mittens, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbed Stitch: A knit one, purl two pattern used for the cuffs of both garments to provide elasticity and a finished edge

Materials Required

Yarn: Berroco Talara, a 50-gram ball weight yarn. The hat requires 2 balls in colorway #7331 Arequipa. Mittens require 1 ball for the smaller size or 2 balls for the larger size.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm), measuring 16 inches (40 cm) in length for the hat. A set of double-pointed needles in size 8 (5 mm) is required for working the smaller circumferences of the hat crown and mitten tops. For mittens, double-pointed needles in both sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) are needed. Additional supplies include stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of round), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a 3-inch (7.5 cm) pompom maker for the hat, and waste yarn for holding stitches during mitten construction.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rounds measuring 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, measured after blocking. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, and the pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper fit.