Corriedale Hat Knitting Pattern

Corriedale Hat by Chloe Thurlow

What is Being Made

The Corriedale Hat is a beret-style hat designed by Chloe Thurlow using Rowan Moordale yarn. The finished beret measures 88 cm (34¾ inches) in circumference and 28 cm (11 inches) in diameter, making it a classic, generously-sized beret suitable for a range of head sizes.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques:

• Fairisle Colorwork: The hat features fairisle patterning worked entirely in stockinette stitch (knit every round). Two separate fairisle charts (Chart A and Chart B) are used, each with a 4-stitch pattern repeat that is repeated multiple times around each round for consistent, intricate color patterning.
• Circular Knitting: The beret is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, creating seamless construction from cast-on to crown closure.
• Ribbed Cuff: The hat begins with a knit 2, purl 2 ribbed cuff worked over the first round, establishing structure and elasticity at the brim.
• Decreasing Shaping: Strategic decreases (K2tog) are incorporated throughout the pattern to shape the hat from the initial 120 cast-on stitches down to 88 stitches at the widest point, then progressively reduced to 44 stitches at the crown for a proper beret silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Corriedale Hat utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for colorwork and shaping:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch, used throughout the stockinette stitch base and all fairisle rounds.
• Purl (P): Used only in the ribbed cuff round (K2, P2 rib).
• Make One (M1): An increase stitch used in Round 6 to expand stitches from 120 to 220 stitches, creating the fullness of the beret crown.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in multiple rounds (Rounds 20, 24, 38, and 42) to shape the hat and reduce stitch counts progressively toward the crown closure.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Rowan Moordale yarn (100 grams per skein) in three colorways: Feather (001), Beetroot (007), and Ash (010), with one skein of each color required. The yarn is worked on two sizes of double-pointed needles: 3½mm (US 4) needles for the ribbed cuff and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body and fairisle sections. The tension is 25 stitches and 27 rounds to 10 centimeters measured over the fairisle pattern using the 4mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished beret.