Childs Hat, Scarf & Mittens in Plymouth Encore Worsted - F214 -

Child's Hat, Scarf & Mittens in Plymouth Encore Worsted

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn's Design Studio provides instructions for creating a coordinated set of three accessories sized for children ages 4 to 12. The set includes a fitted hat, matching scarf, and mittens, all worked in Plymouth Encore Worsted yarn using a two-color striped pattern throughout.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is available in three child sizes: 4-6 years, 7-8 years, and 10-12 years. Each size includes specific stitch counts and length measurements to ensure proper fit for the intended age range.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern requires two 100-gram balls of Plymouth Encore Worsted yarn in two coordinating colors. The recommended colorway features Purple (color 1384) and Gold (color 1014), creating a classic striped effect throughout all three pieces. Plymouth Encore Worsted is a durable, machine-washable worsted weight yarn suitable for children's garments.

Needles Required

• Hat: US size 6 and US size 8 needles
• Mittens: US size 5 and US size 7 needles
• Scarf: US size 9 needles

Gauge and Tension

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished sizes. The pattern specifies different gauges for each piece to accommodate the varying stitch patterns and needle sizes:

• Hat: 18 stitches equals 4 inches over stockinette stitch using size US 8 needles
• Mittens: 20 stitches equals 4 inches over stockinette stitch using size US 7 needles
• Scarf: 16 stitches equals 4 inches over stockinette stitch

Color Pattern Technique

All three pieces are worked using the same two-color striping pattern throughout. The color sequence is worked as follows: cast on with color A, then work 4 rows in color A, followed by 2 rows in color B, 2 rows in color A, and 2 rows in color B. This four-row and two-row sequence repeats twice across each piece, creating a balanced, coordinated striped design.

Hat Construction

The hat begins with a smaller needle size (US 6) and features a 2x2 ribbed cuff that measures 4 inches in length. The ribbing provides stretch and helps the hat stay securely on the child's head. After completing the ribbed cuff, the knitter switches to the larger needles (US 8) and works in stockinette stitch for an additional 3.5 to 5 inches, depending on size.

The crown shaping uses a series of strategic decreases worked over 14 rows. Beginning with a knit 7, knit 2 together repeat pattern, the decreases gradually reduce the stitch count with each subsequent decrease row. The pattern continues with knit 6, knit 2 together; knit 5, knit 2 together; and so on, until only a few stitches remain. The final stitches are pulled tight using a yarn needle threaded through the remaining loops, and the side seam is sewn closed with the ribbing cuff left unsewn so it can fold upward.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in ribbing and reverse stockinette sections
• 2x2 Ribbing: A reversible pattern alternating knit 2, purl 2 across each row, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Smooth, flat fabric created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count by one with each application
• Purl 2 together (p2tog): A decrease worked on wrong-side rows

Mittens and Scarf

While the pattern excerpt focuses primarily on the hat instructions, the mittens are worked on US sizes 5 and 7 needles with a gauge of 20 stitches over 4