Dorper Hat Knitting Pattern

Dorper Hat by Chloe Thurlow

What Is Being Made

The Dorper Hat is a knitted beanie-style hat designed by Chloe Thurlow and published by Rowan. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat measuring 53.5 cm (21 inches) in circumference and 20.5 cm (8 inches) deep with a folded brim. The design includes a decorative pompom accent secured to the crown, making it a classic, versatile hat suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Dorper Hat employs several intermediate knitting techniques that place it at an advanced beginner skill level. The hat is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, which requires competency with circular knitting methods. The pattern incorporates ribbed knitting for the brim section, which creates elasticity and a fitted appearance. Crown shaping is achieved through strategic decreases using K3tog tbl (knit three together through the back loop), a technique that requires understanding of decrease placement and stitch manipulation. The pattern also involves changing needle sizes mid-project—transitioning from smaller to larger needles—to create intentional gauge variations and textural interest. Additionally, the pattern requires pompom construction and attachment, adding a finishing skill component.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout the body of the hat
• Purl stitch (P) – creates textural contrast and is used in ribbed sections and patterned rounds
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – alternating knit and purl stitches that form the elastic brim and create definition
• K3tog tbl (knit three together through the back loop) – a centered decrease used repeatedly during crown shaping to gradually reduce stitch count from 112 stitches down to 16 stitches

Pattern Structure and Repeats

The Dorper Hat follows a structured 19-round pattern repeat that is worked twice. The pattern sequence includes 9 rounds of stockinette knit, followed by 1 purl round, then 8 rounds of K1, P1 ribbing, and concludes with 1 final purl round. This creates a balanced textural design. After completing the pattern repeats, the crown shaping begins with seven strategic decrease rounds that reduce the stitches in a controlled manner.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed for Rowan Moordale yarn, a 100-gram skein (the sample shown was photographed in the colorway Pea 021). Two sets of double-pointed needles are required: a set of 3½mm (US 4, size 10/9) needles for the initial cast-on and ribbed brim section, and a set of 4mm (US 6, size 8) needles for the main pattern and crown shaping. The pattern specifies using 4 double-pointed needles per set, with stitches distributed evenly across three needles while the fourth needle is used for working rounds.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 30 rounds to 10 cm measured over the pattern when slightly stretched, using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving correct tension is emphasized as critical for proper hat shape and size. The finished hat requires pressing as described in the pattern information page and standard finishing techniques. A 6 cm diameter pompom is constructed and securely attached to the top of the completed hat to finish the design.