Malabrigo Falmouth Hat Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Falmouth Knit Hat

What Is Being Made

The Falmouth is a classic knit hat designed by Jacqueline van Dillen, featuring a puckered tweed slip stitch pattern. This is an easy skill level project ideal for knitters seeking a straightforward, quick-to-complete hat with visual interest from its textured stitch pattern and two-color striping.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Falmouth hat employs a bottom-up construction approach, knit back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This flat knitting method simplifies the pattern work and makes it accessible for knitters who prefer working on straight needles. The finished piece is completed with a back seam that joins the side edges together. The crown shaping is achieved through a series of strategic decrease rows that gradually reduce stitches from 134 to 18 stitches, creating a fitted top closure. The hat features a folded band at the lower edge, adding both structural definition and a polished finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Falmouth combines several distinct stitch techniques:

• K2, P2 Ribbing: The lower edge begins with a 2-inch ribbed trim worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 selvage stitches. This elastic ribbing provides a snug, comfortable fit around the head and helps the hat maintain its shape.
• Striped Tweed Stitch Pattern: The main body features a charted slip stitch pattern that creates a textured, puckered tweed appearance. The pattern is worked over 4-stitch repeats across 90 rows, alternating between two yarn colors to build the striped effect. Slip stitches are worked with yarn held in front (wyif), contributing to the dimensional, tweedy texture.
• Decrease Rows: Seven decrease rows progressively shape the crown, incorporating knit two together (k2tog) and purl two together (p2tog) decreases to form the hat's fitted top.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Falmouth is designed to be knit with Dos Tierras by Malabrigo, a premium yarn blend of merino wool and baby alpaca. One 3½-ounce (100-gram) hank is required, which provides approximately 210 yards (193 meters) of yardage. The pattern calls for two colorways: #9 Polar Morn (A) and #247 Whales Road (B), one hank of each color. This yarn choice offers softness, warmth, and the elasticity needed for both the ribbed trim and the textured stitch pattern.

Tools and Notions

Knitting the Falmouth requires one pair of size 4 (3.5mm) needles to achieve the specified gauge. A tapestry needle is essential for finishing, used to thread the yarn end through the remaining stitches to close the crown and to sew the back seam that joins the side edges.

Finished Measurements and Gauge

The completed hat has a circumference of 20½ inches (52 centimeters), providing a comfortable fit for most adult heads. The length, measured with the folded band, is 8½ inches (21.5 centimeters), offering good coverage without excessive bulk. The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 52 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the striped tweed stitch pattern using size 4 needles. Achieving this gauge is critical to obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the hat fits as intended.