Berroco Netherfield Hat & Mittens Knitting Pattern

Berroco Netherfield Hat & Mittens

Overview

The Netherfield Hat & Mittens is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Donna Yacino. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a coordinating set featuring a structured hat and adjustable mittens, both worked using stranded colorwork techniques with Berroco Skye yarn.

Hat Construction

The hat is worked from the bottom up in the round using a 16" circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm). The finished hat measures approximately 21" around and 9½" high, making it suitable for average adult sizing. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 168 stitches, establishing a ribbed cuff that measures 2" in depth. This ribbed foundation uses a twisted knit and purl combination (K1tbl, p1) worked in the main color, providing structure and elasticity at the hat's opening.

After the ribbed setup, a single knit round transitions into the main charted pattern. The stranded colorwork design is introduced through Chart A, which incorporates both the main color and a contrasting color. The colorwork section extends to approximately 8½" from the cast-on edge. Once the charted pattern is complete, the knitter continues in stockinette stitch using only the main color for the remainder of the crown shaping and top closure.

Mittens Construction

The mittens are worked in the round using double-pointed needles in two sizes: size 3 (3.25 mm) and size 5 (3.75 mm). Each finished mitten measures approximately 8" around, with an adjustable length to accommodate personal preference. Like the hat, the mittens feature stranded colorwork using two colors from the Berroco Skye palette.

The mitten pattern includes a thumb opening that is held on waste yarn during the main body construction, allowing the knitter to return to those stitches later to complete the thumb separately. This technique ensures a properly fitted thumb that aligns with the hand's natural anatomy. The use of stitch markers—including one in a contrasting color to denote the beginning of each round—helps maintain pattern accuracy throughout the circular knitting process.

Techniques & Stitches

This project employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Stranded colorwork: Both the hat and mittens feature two-color patterning worked from a chart, requiring the knitter to carry yarn colors across the round while maintaining consistent tension.
• Worked in the round: Both garments are constructed circularly using either circular needles (for the hat) or double-pointed needles (for the mittens), eliminating the need for seaming.
• Bottom-up construction: Both pieces begin at the lower edge and progress upward, allowing the knitter to try on the garment and adjust length as needed.
• Ribbed edging: The hat features a twisted ribbed cuff (K1tbl, p1) that provides elastic recovery and a professional finish.
• Stockinette stitch: Used for the main body and crown sections, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Thumb gusset with waste yarn: The mittens use waste yarn to temporarily hold thumb stitches, a common method for achieving a seamless thumb opening.

Yarn & Materials

For the Hat: The pattern calls for Berroco Skye yarn in two colors: 1 ball (50 grams) each of #7603 Cygnus (main color) and #7660 Pegasus (contrasting color).

For the Mittens: Berroco Skye yarn is used in two colors: 1 ball (50 grams) each of #7670 Pavo (main color) and #7643 Aquila (contrasting color).

Needles & Notions for Hat: One 16" circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm), one set of four double-pointed needles in size 5 (3.75 mm), one stitch marker, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Needles & Notions for Mittens: One set of four double-pointed needles each in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm), three stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of round), waste yarn for holding thumb stitches, and a tapestry needle.

Gauge & Pattern Notes