Illilouette Hat & Mitts Knitting Pattern

Illilouette Hat & Mitts in Juniper Moon Farm Herriot

What Is Being Made

The Illilouette Hat & Mitts set consists of two coordinated knitted accessories inspired by Illilouette Falls. The collection includes a slouchy hat designed to frame the face with elegant visual interest, paired with fingerless mitts that keep hands warm while leaving fingers free for activities like knitting, sipping coffee, or using your phone. Both pieces feature the same distinctive zig-zag lace pattern that flows throughout the design, creating a cohesive and sophisticated accessory set.

Finished Measurements

• Hat circumference: 18¾ inches (47 cm), sized to fit a 22-inch (56 cm) head
• Mitts circumference: 7¼ inches (18.5 cm)

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant appearance. The design utilizes circular knitting worked in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hats and mitts. The pattern incorporates lace knitting with a flowing zig-zag motif that adds visual depth and interest to the garments. Gusset shaping is used to create a custom fit, particularly for the thumb area of the mitts. The pattern also demonstrates increases using the make-one technique to shape the gussets smoothly and invisibly within the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Illilouette design combines several fundamental and decorative stitches. Twisted rib (knit through back loop alternating with purl) creates the elastic cuff sections that provide stretch and recovery for a secure fit. Garter stitch serves as the gauge reference and structural base. The signature element is the zig-zag lace pattern worked from charts, which creates the flowing visual movement that inspired by the falls. Make-one increases are used for seamless shaping without creating visible holes, while slip markers help organize lace sections and track pattern repeats throughout the rounds.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for 2 hanks of Juniper Moon Farm Herriot in color #1013 Blood Red Heather, a beautiful deep red colorway that showcases the lace pattern beautifully.

Needles: The project requires two sizes of circular needles for gauge control and proper fabric texture. US 2 (2.75 mm) 24-inch circular needles are used for the ribbed cuff sections, while US 5 (3.75 mm) 24-inch circular needles are used for the main lace pattern sections. Double-pointed needles in both sizes (US 2 and US 5) are needed for the final decreasing rounds when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles.

Notions and Finishing: Additional materials include stitch markers to separate lace sections and track pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and 4 buttons for embellishment or closure options on the mitts.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 23 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch using the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the slouchy hat drapes properly while the mitts fit securely around the wrists.