Hudson Hat and Mittens Knitting Pattern

Hudson Hat and Mittens in Berroco Millstone Tweed

What is Being Made

The Hudson pattern is a coordinating set consisting of a knitted hat and matching mittens designed by Brenda York. This intermediate-level knitting project creates two finished pieces using a single yarn color, making it an ideal coordinating accessory set. The hat is available in two sizes with finished measurements of approximately 19¼" or 22" around and 11" high with the brim unfolded, while the mittens measure approximately 8" or 8½" around and 7½" long.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Both the hat and mittens in this pattern are worked in the round from the bottom up, a common technique in modern knitting that creates seamless, cylindrical garments. The pattern employs cable knitting techniques as a primary design element, with the cable pattern worked either from written directions or by following a stitch chart. This construction method allows knitters to work continuously in rounds rather than flat pieces that require seaming.

The pattern includes specific guidance for managing stitch counts during the shaping process. As decreases are worked to shape the crown of the hat, knitters transition from a 16" circular needle to double-pointed needles (dpns) or preferred small-circumference needles when there are too few stitches to work comfortably on the circular needle. This is a standard technique for completing the top of hats and the fingers of mittens.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout both pieces is Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface. The pattern features a cable pattern repeat of 13 stitches that measures 2¾" wide after blocking. The cable work is created using the C4F (Cable 4 Front) abbreviation, which involves slipping 2 stitches to a cable needle and holding them in front, knitting 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates the characteristic twisted rope-like appearance of cable knitting.

The gauge for this project is 16 stitches and 24 rounds equals 4" in Reverse Stockinette Stitch after blocking, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished measurements. Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning, as accurate gauge ensures the pieces will fit as intended.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Berroco Millstone Tweed yarn in the colorway #11119 Pink Lemonade. The yarn is a worsted-weight option, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The hat requires 2 balls of yarn, while the mittens require 1 ball, allowing knitters to purchase yarn for both pieces together or separately.

For needles and notions, the pattern requires a 16" circular needle in size 9 (5.5 mm) for the hat, and one set of double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.5 mm) for both pieces. Additional supplies include a cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable work, stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and waste yarn to hold stitches temporarily when necessary. The pattern notes that needle size should be selected to obtain the specified gauge, allowing for individual adjustments based on personal knitting tension.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is rated as Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working in the round, reading stitch charts or written directions, and executing cable techniques. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for digital viewing and printing. The pattern includes construction notes and special abbreviations to guide knitters through the process, with recommendations to use the exact yarn specified for best results.