Berroco Mika Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Mika Knit Hat

What is Being Made

The Berroco Mika is an intermediate-level knit hat designed by Brenda York. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished hat measuring approximately 20 inches in circumference and 9 inches in height, not including the pompom. The design is one-size-fits-most and features a classic knit construction with decorative colorwork.

Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques. The pattern is worked in the round, which creates a seamless cylindrical fabric ideal for hat construction. The hat uses a bottom-up construction method, beginning with a cast-on at the brim and working upward toward the crown. Stranded colorwork is incorporated into the design, where two colors of yarn are carried simultaneously to create a patterned section. The crown shaping involves strategic decreases that transition the work from circular needles to double-pointed needles as stitch counts diminish.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs essential knitting stitches throughout. The brim begins with a ribbed section using alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib) worked for 5 rounds, which creates elasticity and helps the hat stay securely on the head. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, created by knitting every round when working in the round, producing a smooth, classic fabric. The decorative section features stranded colorwork following a chart pattern with 24 rounds. Crown shaping uses knit two together (k2tog) decreases to gradually reduce stitches and form the hat's top.

Materials

The Berroco Mika pattern calls for Berroco Catena yarn, a worsted-weight option. You will need one 50-gram ball each of two colors: #5470 Onyx (the main color) and #5401 Moonstone (the contrasting color). The pattern requires circular needles in two sizes—16 inches in length in both size 10 (6.00 mm) and size 10½ (6.50 mm)—to accommodate gauge changes and the transition from the ribbed cuff to the stockinette body. A set of four double-pointed needles in size 10½ (6.50 mm) is necessary for the crown decreases when circular needle capacity becomes too large for the remaining stitches. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and a 3-inch pompom maker for creating the decorative top finish. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 22 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle.