Cascade Yarns W Going Vertical Hat Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns W Going Vertical Hat

What is Being Made

The Cascade Yarns W Going Vertical Hat is a knitted accessory designed by Lisa Ellis. This intermediate-level hat features a classic pull-on silhouette available in two sizes: small (to fit 19" head circumference) and medium (to fit 21.5" head circumference). The finished hat measures 7.5" high for the small size and 8.75" high for the medium size, making it suitable for a range of head sizes.

Techniques and Construction

This hat is constructed using circular knitting, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in the round using smaller needles, which provides stretch and a secure fit around the head. The ribbing is created using knit through back loop (Ktbl) stitches alternated with purl stitches, a combination that creates a textured, elastic edge.

After the ribbed cuff is complete, the knitter transitions to larger needles and introduces a two-color stranded knitting pattern in the body of the hat. The colorwork design features vertical stitch patterns created by carrying both the main color and contrast color throughout each round. This stranded knitting technique requires managing two yarn colors simultaneously, alternating between them to create the geometric pattern shown in the provided chart.

The crown of the hat is shaped using knit 2 together (K2tog) decreases, which gradually reduce the stitch count to close the top. The pattern transitions from circular needles to double pointed needles (DPNs) during the final decrease rounds, a standard technique when the remaining stitches become too few for circular needles. A yarn needle is used to weave in ends, and a crochet hook is included in the materials list, likely for securing yarn ends or finishing details.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl (P): Used in the ribbed cuff for texture and elasticity
• Knit through back loop (Ktbl): Creates a twisted stitch in the ribbing for added definition
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the crown

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This hat is designed to use Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino, a premium yarn composed of 100% Superwash Merino Wool. The pattern requires one 100-gram skein (3.5 ounces, 220 yards/200 meters) each of two colors: the main color is #33 (Navy) and the contrast color is #84 (Peridot). The Superwash treatment allows the finished hat to be machine-washed, adding practicality to this luxury fiber choice.

The pattern calls for US 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needles for the ribbed cuff and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles for the body and crown shaping. The larger needle size is used for both 16-inch circular needles and double pointed needles. The gauge is 25 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in pattern using the larger needles and measured unblocked. Additional materials include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round and a yarn needle for finishing.

Skill Level and Pattern Complexity

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this hat is appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic circular knitting and are ready to tackle stranded colorwork. The pattern requires managing two yarn colors simultaneously while following a repeat chart, which demands attention to tension and color changes. The transition from circular needles to double pointed needles during crown decreases adds another technical element that intermediate knitters should be comfortable executing.