Blue Sky Fibers Spicer Hat Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Spicer Hat

What Is Being Made

The Spicer Hat is a classic knitted beanie designed by Nancy Ekvall for Blue Sky Fibers. This quick-knit project produces a finished hat with a 19-inch circumference and height of either 8 inches (Regular) or 8½ inches (Long). The hat features a comfortable ribbed cuff and a structured crown with graduated decreases that create a neat, fitted finish at the top. This is an ideal project for knitters seeking a fast, one-skein pattern that delivers a polished, wearable result.

Techniques Used

The Spicer Hat employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, which is then transitioned to double-pointed needles as the stitch count decreases during the crown shaping. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a knit-two, purl-two pattern, which provides elasticity and helps the hat sit securely on the head. The body is worked in stockinette stitch—the most common knit fabric—before transitioning to a series of evenly spaced decrease rounds that gradually narrow the crown. The decreases are accomplished using the knit-two-together technique, which creates a subtle diagonal line as stitches are eliminated. The hat is finished by threading the remaining stitches and cinching them closed, a standard method for closing the crown of a hat.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch that forms the smooth, V-patterned fabric of the hat body
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed texture of the cuff
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used repeatedly throughout the crown shaping to reduce stitches and create the tapered top
• Ribbing (k2, p2): The alternating knit and purl pattern that forms the elastic cuff at the base of the hat

Materials and Gauge

The Spicer Hat is designed to be completed with just one 50-gram hank of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, which contains 123 yards of yarn. Woolstok is spun from 100% Fine Highland Wool, providing warmth and durability. The pattern calls for Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles for the initial rounds and Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles for the crown decreases. A stitch marker is used to denote the beginning of each round, and a tapestry needle is required for weaving in the yarn tail after the hat is complete. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch, which ensures the finished hat will meet the specified measurements and fit appropriately.