Louet Escalade Hat & Capelet Knitting Pattern

Louet Escalade Hat & Capelet Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Escalade Hat & Capelet is a coordinated two-piece knitting set designed by Angela Tong, featuring a slouchy hat paired with a classic capelet. This pattern combines elegant cable work with seamless construction, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a stylish fall wardrobe addition. Both pieces are worked in the round using Louet Gems Worsted Weight 100% Merino Wool, a premium natural fiber that provides warmth and drape.

Hat Specifications

The hat is designed to fit average adult head sizes ranging from 20 to 22½ inches. The finished hat measures 21 inches in circumference (unstretched) and 8¾ inches tall when blocked. The pattern includes intentional shaping, with the ribbing band constructed at a smaller circumference than the body of the hat to ensure a snug, secure fit. A comfortable slouch is built into the design, providing both style and ease of wear.

Capelet Specifications

Available in two sizes, the capelet features a lower edge circumference of 42 inches for S/M and 48 inches for L, with a blocked length of 14¼ inches and 15¾ inches respectively. The capelet is shaped with a gently decreasing cable pattern that tapers toward the top, creating both visual interest and proper fit across the shoulders.

Knitting Techniques & Stitches

• Seamless, Worked in the Round: Both the hat and capelet are constructed using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, professional finish.
• Cable Patterns: The design features cable stitchwork as the primary decorative element. The hat incorporates a Hat Chart pattern, while the capelet uses a Capelet Chart A pattern, with cables that decrease strategically for shaping.
• Bottom-Up Construction: Both pieces are worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy customization and adjustment of length as needed.
• Ribbing: The hat includes a ribbed band at the base to provide elasticity and ensure the hat stays securely in place.

Yarn & Materials

Yarn: Louet Gems Worsted Weight 100% Merino Wool, 175 yards per 100 gram skein. The model is shown in Medium Grey. Yardage requirements are 1 skein for the hat and 3 skeins (S/M) or 4 skeins (L) for the capelet.

Needles & Notions: The hat requires US 6 [4 mm] circular needle (16 inches) for the ribbing and US 8 [5 mm] circular needle (16 inches) plus a set of double-pointed needles for the body. The capelet uses US 8 [5 mm] circular needles in both 24-inch and 32-inch lengths. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for finishing and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge

Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit. The hat is worked at 20 stitches and 29 rounds = 4 inches in the Hat Chart pattern with larger needles, blocked. The capelet is worked at 18 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches in the Capelet Chart A pattern with larger needles, blocked. Both gauges are measured in the round after blocking.

Designer & Pattern Quality

This pattern is designed by Angela Tong, an accomplished knit designer whose work has been published in numerous magazines, books, and by yarn companies. Tong is also an experienced teacher offering instruction on platforms such as Craftsy.com and Interweave, ensuring that this pattern reflects professional design standards and clear instruction.