Cilantro Hat Knitting Pattern

Cilantro Hat in Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint

What is Being Made

The Cilantro Hat is a knitted beanie designed by Amy Christoffers, offered in four finished circumference sizes to fit child, small adult, medium adult, and large adult head sizes. The finished measurements range from 16 inches (40.5 cm) to 24 inches (61 cm) in circumference when stretched. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic, versatile hat suitable for various ages and head sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual and structural interest. The hat is worked sideways in rows rather than in the round, which creates a unique construction method. The top of the hat is shaped using short rows, a technique that creates graduated shaping without wrapping stitches—the knitter simply turns and works back across the row. A provisional cast-on method is used at the beginning, allowing stitches to be picked up later for grafting. The finishing process involves grafting, also known as Kitchener stitch, which seamlessly joins the cast-on and cast-off edges together to complete the hat.

Stitches Used

The Cilantro Hat is worked entirely in Garter Stitch, the most fundamental and versatile knit stitch. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch choice makes the pattern accessible to intermediate knitters while creating a fabric with excellent drape and elasticity, ideal for a hat that needs to stretch comfortably around the head.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint yarn, a premium wool option. One 100-gram ball of Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint in colorway #33302 Cider is required to complete the hat in any size. The yarn is worked on a 24-inch (60 cm) circular needle in size 3 (3.25 mm), or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern also requires a tapestry needle for grafting, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, and optionally a 1- to 2-inch pompom maker for adding a decorative finish to the crown.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished hat will fit properly. The hat construction begins with a provisional cast-on of 40, 50, 60, or 60 stitches depending on the size selected. The main body is created by repeating a 10-row pattern sequence 13 to 16 times (depending on size), with each repeat featuring short rows that gradually decrease the working width. After the body is complete, the provisional stitches are unraveled and returned to needles, then grafted to the cast-off edge to create a seamless, finished hat.

Skill Level and Project Overview

Rated as an Intermediate project, the Cilantro Hat is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle shaping techniques and finishing methods. The combination of sideways construction, short-row shaping, and grafting provides excellent practice for expanding knitting skills while creating a practical, wearable garment.