Lynx Hat Cowl Knitting Pattern

Lynx Hat and Cowl in Berroco Vintage Handpaint

What Is Being Made

The Lynx is a coordinating set of two knitted accessories designed by Åsa Buchta: a fitted hat and a matching cowl. Both pieces showcase the beautiful variegated colorway of Berroco Vintage Handpaint yarn in the color #5203 Wisteria Dream. The hat measures 22 inches around and 11 inches high, while the cowl measures 30¾ inches around and 13 inches high, making them versatile pieces for layering and warmth.

Techniques Used

Both the hat and cowl are worked in the round from the bottom up, a common construction method for seamless, tubular knitted accessories. The pattern employs an intermediate-level decorative technique that creates textured loops within the knit fabric. This looping technique involves inserting the needle into stitches from previous rounds and drawing yarn through to form intentional long loops, which are then secured by knitting them together with subsequent stitches. This creates visual interest and dimension while maintaining the structural integrity of the piece. The construction requires careful attention to loop tension to achieve the intended effect without compromising the fabric.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout both projects is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern features a specialized 22-stitch repeat pattern that incorporates the decorative looping technique. The pattern stitch is worked over 12 rounds of basic knit stitches, followed by a round where long loops are created by inserting the right-hand needle into stitches from 5 rounds below and drawing yarn through loosely. These loops are then secured in the following round by knitting them together with the active stitches, creating a textured, dimensional surface treatment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Vintage Handpaint, a 100-gram hank yarn. You will need 1 hank for the hat and 2 hanks for the cowl. Berroco Vintage Handpaint is a hand-painted yarn that provides beautiful color variation throughout the project.

Needles: For the hat, you will need 16-inch circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm), plus one set of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in size 7 (4.5 mm) for working the crown decreases. For the cowl, use 24-inch circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm). The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit.

Additional Notions: You will also need a stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic circular knitting and are ready to tackle decorative stitch techniques that add texture and visual complexity to their projects.