Buttoned Hat and Mittens Knitting Pattern

Buttoned Hat and Mittens in Plymouth Yarn De Aire

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn Design Studio creates a coordinated set of a buttoned hat and matching mittens using Plymouth Yarn's De Aire yarn. The hat features an approximate circumference of 22 inches and includes a functional buttonhole detail, while the mittens measure 11 inches long with an 8-inch palm circumference. Both pieces are worked in stockinette stitch on US size 15 double-pointed needles, making this an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters comfortable with circular knitting techniques.

Hat Construction and Techniques

The hat begins with a unique construction method, starting with a narrow ribbed band that is cast on with 7 stitches. The ribbed section is worked in alternating knit and purl rows in a 1x1 ribbing pattern, creating texture and elasticity. A deliberate buttonhole is incorporated into the design using a yarn over and knit two together decrease on the right side, positioned at k3, yo, k2tog, k2. This ribbed band is extended to 23 inches from the cast-on edge before binding off.

After the initial band is complete, stitches are picked up and knit along the side edge of the piece, creating the main body of the hat. This pick-up technique yields 48 stitches that are distributed onto double-pointed needles and joined in the round. The hat body is worked in stockinette stitch in the round, followed by a series of eight strategic decrease rounds using single decreases (ssk) that gradually shape the crown. The decreases progress from 42 stitches down to 3 stitches, creating a fitted, tapered crown. Finally, a button is sewn onto the hat edge to complement the buttonhole feature.

Mittens Construction and Techniques

The mittens are worked from the cuff upward using a top-down approach on double-pointed needles. The cuff begins with 48 stitches distributed across the needles and is worked in 1x1 ribbing for 1.5 inches, providing a snug, elastic finish at the wrist. After the ribbed cuff, the piece transitions to stockinette stitch in the round.

The mittens incorporate a thumb gusset using strategic increases (make one increases placed on either side of a center stitch) that are worked over multiple rounds. The gusset is created by placing markers and increasing one stitch on each side of the marked center stitch every other round, which allows the thumb opening to expand gradually. Once the gusset reaches the desired size, those stitches are placed on a stitch holder for later completion of the thumb.

The hand portion continues in stockinette stitch until the mittens reach the desired length. A wrist decrease section is worked using a combination of knit and knit two together stitches to taper the hand opening, reducing from 48 stitches to 18 stitches. This structured decrease creates a fitted wrist that works well with the ribbed cuff.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the main fabric of both the hat and mittens, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows (or knitting all rounds when working in the round)
• 1x1 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches that create vertical lines and provide elasticity in the hat band and mitten cuff
• Yarn Over (yo): Used to create the buttonhole opening in the hat
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern for shaping
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used extensively in the crown shaping of the hat and the wrist decreases of the mittens
• Make One (m1): An increase technique used to create the thumb gusset in the mittens
• Pick Up and Knit: A technique used to pick up 47 stitches along the side edge of the hat band to create the main hat body
• Circular Knitting: Both pieces are worked in the round on double-pointed needles, creating seamless, tubular fabric

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern uses Plymouth Yarn De Aire, a yarn specifically chosen for its drape and texture. The hat is worked in De Aire color 713, requiring one 100-gram skein. The mittens are worked in