Herbie Chevron Hat and Mittens in Juniper Moon Farm Herriot -

Herbie Chevron Hat and Mittens by Pamela Wynne

Hat Overview

The Herbie Chevron Hat is a knitted accessory designed in three adult sizes (S, M, L) featuring a striking chevron pattern created through colorwork. The hat showcases a classic construction method combining ribbed edging with patterned crown shaping. Finished brim circumferences range from 19 inches (48 cm) for size S to 24 inches (61 cm) for size L, making this design versatile for various head sizes.

Hat Construction and Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques executed in the round. The hat begins with a cast-on of 104 to 136 stitches depending on size, worked on smaller needles to create a snug ribbed cuff. The foundation uses a 2x2 ribbing pattern (knit 2, purl 2 repeat) worked for 4 inches from the cast-on edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance at the brim.

Once the ribbed section is complete, knitters transition to larger needles and begin the main chevron pattern using the provided Hat Chart. The chart features an 8-stitch repeat that cycles 13 to 17 times around the circumference depending on size. The colorwork incorporates two colors from Juniper Moon Farm Herriot yarn: the main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC), creating the distinctive chevron design. The pattern repeats through rounds 1–12 a total of three times before transitioning to crown decreases in rounds 13–21.

The crown shaping uses decreases to taper the hat toward the top, a standard technique for achieving proper fit and silhouette. Knitters will use stitch markers to track pattern repeats and maintain consistency around the circular construction. A 1½-inch pompom maker is used to create a finished topper, adding both visual interest and a traditional decorative element.

Hat Stitches and Gauge

The primary stitches used in the Herbie Hat include:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl (p) – used in the ribbed cuff for texture and elasticity
• Decrease (dec) – employed in the crown shaping section
• Slip stitch (sl) – used as part of decrease techniques
• Make one (M1) – an increase method for shaping

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The target gauge is 23 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) when working the chevron pattern in the round using the larger needles. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to match this gauge, ensuring the finished hat dimensions are accurate.

Hat Needles and Materials

The Herbie Hat requires two needle sizes to accommodate different sections. A US size 3 (3.25 mm) 16-inch circular needle is used for the ribbed cuff, while a US size 5 (3.75 mm) 16-inch circular needle works the main chevron pattern. A set of double-pointed needles (dpn) in the larger size facilitates the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles.

Yarn requirements are minimal and efficient: one hank each of Juniper Moon Farm Herriot in color #03 Bullrush (main color) and color #01 Talc (contrasting color). Additional notions include a stitch marker, waste yarn for provisional techniques if needed, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Mittens Overview

Accompanying the hat, the Herbie Mittens are a coordinating knitted accessory available in three adult sizes (S, M, L). These mittens feature the same chevron pattern as the hat, creating a cohesive set. Hand circumferences range from 7 inches (18 cm) for size S to 9¼ inches (23.5 cm) for size L, accommodating various hand sizes while maintaining the characteristic chevron design.

Mittens Construction and Techniques

The mittens are constructed using circular knitting methods on double-pointed needles, a standard approach for seamless hand coverings. Like the hat, the mittens incorporate two colors of Juniper Moon Farm Herriot yarn to create the chevron pattern throughout. The construction follows a similar intermediate skill level, combining basic stitches with colorwork and shaping techniques.

The