Climbing Vines Cap in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino - Free

Climbing Vines Cap in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino

What Is Being Made

The Climbing Vines Cap is a fitted knit hat designed by Frank Wilmot, available in two sizes: Medium with an 18" circumference and Large with a 20" circumference. Both sizes measure 7" to 7¾" from the top of the crown to the edge of the brim when laid flat. This cap features a sophisticated cable and twist stitch pattern that creates a climbing vine aesthetic, making it an elegant accessory suitable for advanced knitters seeking a challenging and visually striking project.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. The construction begins with a ribbed brim worked in the round using circular needles, then transitions to the main body pattern featuring cable stitches and left twist stitches. The cap is worked primarily in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs), which allows for seamless construction. The pattern includes shaping through strategic decreases near the crown to create the fitted cap silhouette. A cable needle may be used to complete the left twist or 1x1 left cable stitches, though the pattern notes this is conditional based on knitter preference.

Stitches Used

The Climbing Vines Cap incorporates a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches. The brim is constructed using a combination of purl and knit stitches in a ribbed pattern. The body features the signature Left Twist stitch (LT), which is worked by knitting through the back loop of the second stitch without dropping it from the needle, then knitting the first stitch normally before dropping both stitches. This creates a twisted cable effect. Additional stitches used throughout include knit 2 together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) for decreasing, as well as purl 2 together (P2tog) for decreases on wrong side rows. These decreases are strategically placed to shape the crown of the cap.

Materials and Yarn

The Climbing Vines Cap is designed to be worked in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn. Each skein contains 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and provides 220 yards (200 meters) of yardage. The pattern calls for two skeins total: one skein in color 11 (Avocado) for Color A and one skein in color 12 (Moss) for Color B. This two-color combination creates visual depth and enhances the climbing vine motif throughout the design.

Needles and Gauge

Needle requirements vary by size. For the Medium cap, knitters use US 7 (4.5 mm) circular and double-pointed needles for the main body, paired with US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles for the brim. For the Large cap, the needle sizes increase to US 8 (5.0 mm) circular and double-pointed needles for the body and US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles for the brim. A yarn needle for weaving in ends and a cable needle (if needed) complete the tool requirements.

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct fit. The Medium cap should be blocked to 22 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the body pattern, while the Large cap should measure 20 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the body pattern. Blocking the finished cap ensures accurate measurements and helps set the cable and twist stitches for optimal appearance.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate to Expert skill level, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with cable work, twist stitches, and working in the round with circular needles and DPNs. The combination of stitch techniques and the need to manage two yarn colors requires attention to detail and solid foundational knitting skills.