Earnshaw Hat Knitting Pattern

Earnshaw Hat in Berroco Mercado

What is Being Made

The Earnshaw Hat is a knitted, crown-shaped hat designed by Brenda York. This intermediate-level project creates a finished hat measuring approximately 20 inches around and 9½ inches high (not including the optional pompom). The hat features colorwork detailing and is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles for a seamless construction.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Mercado yarn, a premium fiber option. The project requires 1 hank each of two colorways: #4160 Ciruela (C1) and #4101 Crema (C2), with each hank weighing 100 grams. The color combination creates visual interest through the charted colorwork section of the design.

Needles and notions include 16-inch circular needles in sizes 8 (5.00 mm) and 9 (5.50 mm), one set of four double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.50 mm), one stitch marker, and a tapestry needle for finishing. An optional 3-inch pompom maker is recommended for adding a decorative pompom to the crown.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Earnshaw Hat employs several fundamental knitting techniques suited to intermediate-level crafters. The hat is worked in the round, a circular knitting method that eliminates the need for seaming. Construction begins with the smaller circular needle and transitions to the larger needle as the fabric expands, then shifts to double-pointed needles when stitches become too few to work comfortably on the circular needle.

The pattern incorporates colorwork using a charted design that introduces the second yarn color partway through the project. This technique requires managing two yarn colors simultaneously while following a stitch pattern chart, adding visual complexity and interest to the finished hat.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (k1, p1): The cast-on edge features alternating knit and purl stitches worked for 1 inch, creating an elastic cuff that helps the hat stay in place.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch, created by knitting all stitches in each round to produce a smooth, V-textured fabric.
• Charted Colorwork: A 19-round chart introduces the second yarn color and creates a patterned section of the hat.
• Central Double Decrease (CDD): This decrease stitch is used repeatedly in the crown shaping to elegantly taper the hat. The CDD is worked multiple times across decrease rounds to systematically reduce stitch count and form the crown.

Shaping and Crown Decreases

The hat features a structured crown shaping sequence that transforms the cylindrical body into a fitted crown. Five decrease rounds progressively reduce the stitch count from 64 stitches down to 6 stitches. Each decrease round is followed by a plain knit round, allowing the fabric to settle between shaping steps. The pattern uses the CDD (central double decrease) technique worked in a repeating sequence across the round, creating a symmetrical, professional-looking crown.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rounds equal to 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished hat measures the intended 20 inches around, making it crucial to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project.