East Bethel Cap Hat Knitting Pattern

East Bethel Cap in Blue Sky Fibers American Scenic

What is Being Made

The East Bethel Cap is a classic knitted hat designed by Bobbi Intveld as part of Blue Sky Fibers' 20th anniversary collaboration with Long Island Yarn and Farm. This is a made-in-America cap knit in the round, finished with a circumference of 18 inches and a height of 8½ inches. The pattern is offered as a complimentary downloadable PDF and is suitable for knitters at the advanced beginner skill level.

Techniques Used

This cap is constructed using circular knitting, a technique that creates a seamless, tubular fabric by working in continuous rounds rather than flat rows. The pattern begins on a 16-inch circular needle and transitions to double-pointed needles when the decreasing stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle. The crown of the cap features strategic decreasing to shape the top, with decreases worked at regular intervals across multiple rounds to gradually reduce the stitch count from 70 stitches down to 14 stitches, creating a fitted, tapered crown.

Stitches Used

The East Bethel Cap employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for beginner to intermediate knitters. The pattern uses knit stitches as the primary stitch for the stockinette body, creating a smooth, classic fabric. A ribbed cuff is worked using alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1 ribbing) for the first five rounds, which provides stretch and helps the cap maintain its shape around the head. Knit two together (k2tog) decreases are used throughout the crown shaping section to systematically reduce stitches and form the cap's tapered top.

Materials and Yarn

The East Bethel Cap is designed to be knitted in Blue Sky Fibers American Scenic, an exclusive, limited-edition yarn created for this 20th anniversary collaboration. This yarn is composed of 50% US Alpaca, 30% US Merino, and 20% Silk, offering a luxurious blend that combines the warmth and softness of alpaca with the durability of merino and the subtle sheen of silk. One hank of American Scenic, which provides 3 ounces and 100 yards of yardage, is sufficient to complete the cap. The recommended needle size is 10½ (6.5mm) for both the 16-inch circular needles used for the body and the double-pointed needles used for the crown decreases. The pattern calls for a gauge of 15 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.