Churchmouse Studio Boyfriend Watch Cap in Rowan Felted Tweed Aran

Churchmouse Studio Boyfriend Watch Cap in Rowan Felted Tweed Aran

What Is Being Made

The Boyfriend Watch Cap is a versatile, deeply cuffed knit hat designed to fit head sizes 20–23 inches (51–58 centimeters). This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished cap measuring approximately 18 inches (46 centimeters) around the ribbing when not stretched. The design offers styling flexibility—it can be worn with the cuff turned up for a traditional sailor-style look or left uncuffed and slouchy for a more relaxed appearance. The cap is worked in a heavy worsted-weight yarn, making it a relatively quick knit suitable for gift-giving or personal use.

Techniques Used

This knit cap employs fundamental circular knitting techniques worked in the round using both circular and double-point needles. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff section that establishes the foundation of the hat. Knitters will work increases to shape the crown and transition from the ribbed texture to stockinette stitch. The pattern incorporates standard shaping decreases to form the cap's crown. Finishing techniques include blocking and wet-setting the completed hat to enhance the fabric's appearance and ensure proper fit. The pattern uses slip markers to designate the beginning of rounds and includes a darning needle for weaving in yarn tails on the wrong side.

Stitches Used

• Ribbed Stitch: A 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) creates the deeply cuffed section, providing elasticity and a classic finished edge
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the cap is worked in stockinette stitch, created by knitting all stitches in the round
• Increases: Knit into front then back of the same stitch to add stitches for shaping
• Decreases: Knit 2 together (K2Tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases shape the crown

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Boyfriend Watch Cap is worked in Rowan Felted Tweed Aran, a heavy worsted-weight yarn. The pattern calls for 2 skeins, providing approximately 190 yards (174 meters) total yardage. The sample shown uses Color 728 and Color 734. Knitters may substitute any equivalent heavy worsted-weight yarn of similar yardage and weight.

Needles required include US 8 (5mm) 16-inch (40-centimeter) circular needles and double-point needles for working the main body of the cap at the correct gauge. A US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch (40-centimeter) circular needle (one size smaller) is used for the ribbed cuff section. Additional notions include 3 stitch markers—with 1 in a contrasting color to designate the beginning of each round—and a darning needle for finishing.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of approximately 16 stitches and 18 rounds per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch after blocking. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished size. The cap is finished by soaking in tepid water with no-rinse wool soap for 10–20 minutes, gently squeezing out excess water, rolling in a towel to remove moisture, and laying flat to dry. This wet-blocking process sets the stitches and helps the Rowan Felted Tweed Aran yarn achieve its final appearance and drape.