McClary Hat/CowlInfinity Scarf in Juniper Moon Farm Gabriella

McClary Hat & Cowl/Infinity Scarf in Juniper Moon Farm Gabriella

What Is Being Made

The McClary is a coordinating set of two distinct knitted accessories designed by Alison Green. The collection includes a fitted hat available in three sizes and a matching cowl that can be worn as either a traditional cowl or styled as an infinity scarf. Both pieces feature the same distinctive patterning and are crafted from the same yarn for a cohesive, coordinated look. The hat offers head circumference options of 19¼ (20½, 21½) inches, while the cowl/infinity scarf comes in one size with a circumference of 19¼ inches when worn as a cowl or 48 inches when extended as a full scarf.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental circular knitting techniques throughout both the hat and cowl components. The hat construction begins with casting on stitches and joining to work in the round using a circular needle, then transitions to double-pointed needles as the crown shaping progresses. The cowl/scarf is worked entirely on a circular needle, allowing for seamless, continuous rounds. Both pieces incorporate strategic decreasing methods, including k2tog (knit two together) decreases positioned at regular intervals to shape the hat crown. The pattern demonstrates the use of stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and decrease points, which is essential for maintaining proper shaping and pattern alignment when working circularly.

Stitches Used

The McClary pattern utilizes a signature stitch pattern that creates visual interest through a combination of knit stitches, yarn overs, and triple decreases. The primary pattern stitch, worked over a multiple of 3 stitches, alternates between knit rounds and a decorative decrease round. This decrease round features a k3tog (knit three together) technique worked while the stitches remain on the needle, followed by a yarn over and then knitting the same three stitches together once more. This creates an elegant, openwork effect that repeats throughout the fabric. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch sections, which provide stability and contrast to the patterned areas. Purl rounds are worked at strategic points to create textural definition and transition between pattern sections.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The McClary pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Gabriella yarn in color #07 Denim. For the hat, one ball of yarn is required regardless of size. The cowl/infinity scarf requires one ball when worn as a traditional cowl or two balls when extended as a full-length scarf, allowing crafters to customize the finished length based on their preference.

Needle requirements include US 8 (5 mm) circular needles in two lengths to accommodate the different components. A 16-inch circular needle is used for the hat and cowl, while a 32-inch circular needle is required for the scarf version. Additionally, US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles are necessary for the hat crown shaping when the stitch count becomes too small for the circular needle. A tapestry needle, stitch markers, and scrap yarn or stitch holders complete the notions required to complete this project.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for the correct finished measurements of both pieces. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch and 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the pattern stitch. These gauge measurements ensure that the hat will fit properly at the specified head circumferences and that the cowl/scarf will have the intended drape and dimensions.