Classic Elite Yarns Versailles Hat Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Versailles Knit Cap

What Is Being Made

The Versailles is a lace-topped knit cap designed by Meg Myers, originally published in the Ava 9227 printed collection. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a sophisticated hat featuring a delicate lace crown combined with a textured lace body. The finished hat measures 18 inches in circumference and approximately 6½ inches tall, making it a classic, wearable design suitable for various occasions.

Construction Techniques

The Versailles cap employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it an engaging intermediate project:

• Top-Down Construction: The hat is worked from the crown downward, beginning with a small cast-on at the top and expanding outward as stitches are increased
• Seamless, Worked in the Round: The entire hat is constructed in continuous rounds using circular knitting methods, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish
• Lace Patterning: The design features two distinct lace sections—an intricate lace-topped crown and a textured lace body pattern that work together to create visual interest and an elegant drape

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches combined into charted lace patterns. The Crown section is worked over 22 rounds using a Crown Inc chart, during which stitches are increased from the initial 12 cast-on stitches to 108 stitches. This expansion creates the cap's crown shaping and measures approximately 2¾ inches when complete. The Body section continues with a Textured Lace pattern worked for approximately 3¾ inches, ending on round 1, 3, or 4 of the pattern repeat before binding off all stitches in pattern. The pattern includes standard abbreviations such as m1 (make 1 increase), s2kp (slip 2 stitches together), and BO (bind off).

Yarn and Materials

The Versailles is designed to be worked with Ava by Classic Elite Yarns, a premium blend consisting of 86% wool, 9% viscose, and 5% metallized polyester. One 50-gram ball, which provides approximately 128 yards, is sufficient to complete the project. The yarn's fiber composition creates a fabric with warmth, subtle sheen, and elegant drape ideal for a refined lace hat.

Needles and Tools

This project requires a set of four double-pointed needles (dpn) and one 16-inch circular knitting needle, both in size US 6 (4 mm), or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additionally, a removable stitch marker is essential for tracking the beginning of round throughout the construction process.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches and 37 rounds equaling 4 inches in the Textured Lace Pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is recommended to ensure the finished hat meets the specified measurements. Once complete, finishing involves weaving in all ends and lightly blocking the hat while gently pulling the lace top open to enhance the lace pattern definition and ensure proper fit.