Maggie Hat Knitting Pattern

Maggie Hat in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Maggie Hat is an intermediate-level knitted beret designed to fit an average adult woman's head with a completed circumference of 48cm. This downloadable PDF pattern from Quails Studio produces a structured, sophisticated hat suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques that define its intermediate difficulty level. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in 1x1 rib pattern to create an elastic, fitted band. A purl bump increase row (Pfb stitch) is used to expand the stitch count significantly before transitioning to the main pattern section. The hat features prominent cable work as a central design element, with cables crossed at regular intervals throughout the body. The shaping of the crown utilizes strategic decreases using K2tog and SSK stitches placed at marked intervals to create an even, tapered top. As the crown shaping progresses, the cable panel is modified to use smaller cable crosses (C2F and C2B) to accommodate the decreasing stitch count while maintaining pattern integrity.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Maggie Hat uses the following stitches and abbreviations:

• K (Knit) – fundamental knit stitch
• P (Purl) – fundamental purl stitch
• K1, P1 Rib – alternating knit and purl stitches creating vertical lines and elasticity
• St st (Stockinette Stitch) – smooth fabric created by alternating knit rows (RS) and purl rows (WS)
• Pfb (Purl Front and Back) – purl stitch worked into the front and back of the same stitch to increase
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) – right-leaning decrease combining two stitches into one
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) – left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• P2tog (Purl Two Together) – purl decrease used in final crown closure
• C4B (Cable 4 Back) – slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle, creating a cable that twists to the right
• C4F (Cable 4 Front) – slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle, creating a cable that twists to the left
• C2F and C2B – smaller cable variations used during crown shaping

Materials

The Maggie Hat requires Rowan Kid Classic yarn, with one 50-gram ball used for the hat photographed in the colorway Feather 828. The pattern calls for two pairs of needles: 4.5mm (US 7) needles for the ribbed cuff and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main body and shaping. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches. Additionally, 8 stitch markers are required to mark the decrease points during crown shaping, ensuring even and symmetrical decreases around the hat.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 23 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving correct gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished circumference of 48cm. The pattern begins with 86 cast-on stitches, which are increased to 170 stitches after the ribbed cuff section, allowing adequate fabric for the cable pattern and crown shaping.