Netherfield Hat and Mittens Knitting Pattern

Netherfield Hat and Mittens in Berroco Skye

Overview

The Netherfield Hat and Mittens is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Donna Yacino. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a coordinating set consisting of a warm winter hat and a pair of mittens, both worked in the luxurious Berroco Skye yarn. The set combines colorwork charting with classic knitting techniques, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond basic stockinette stitch.

Hat Specifications

Finished Measurements: Approximately 21 inches around with a height of 9½ inches, making this a standard adult-sized hat suitable for most head circumferences.

Yarn Requirements: The hat is worked using Berroco Skye yarn in two complementary colorways. One 50-gram ball each of color #7603 Cygnus (Main Color) and color #7660 Pegasus (Contrast Color) are required to complete the hat.

Needles and Notions: The hat construction requires a 16-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm), one set of four double-pointed needles also in size 5 (3.75 mm), one stitch marker, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 32 stitches and 36 rounds over 4 inches when measured in the charted pattern on the larger needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Hat Construction Techniques

The hat begins with a cast-on of 168 stitches using the main color on the circular needle, then is joined to work in the round. The pattern starts with a ribbed cuff worked in a twisted knit and purl combination, creating a textured, elastic edge that helps the hat stay securely in place.

Stitches Used: The hat employs several fundamental knitting stitches including knit through the back loop (K1tbl), purl (p1), and stockinette stitch (St st). The ribbed cuff is created by alternating these stitches in a repeating pattern for approximately 2 inches from the cast-on edge.

After the ribbed cuff is complete, one plain knit round is worked before introducing the contrast color. The main design element of the hat is worked from Chart A, a charted colorwork pattern that incorporates both the main color and contrast color. This charted section is worked until the piece measures approximately 8½ inches from the beginning. Once the charted pattern is complete, the contrast color is fastened off and the remainder of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch using only the main color.

The crown shaping involves decreases worked as the knitter progresses toward the top of the hat. As decreases reduce the stitch count, there will eventually be too few stitches to work comfortably on the circular needle, at which point the knitter transitions to the double-pointed needles to complete the crown shaping and close the top of the hat.

Mittens Specifications

Finished Measurements: The mittens measure approximately 8 inches around the hand, with an adjustable length to accommodate different arm lengths and personal preference.

Yarn Requirements: The mittens are worked in Berroco Skye yarn using two colorways. One 50-gram ball each of color #7670 Pavo (Main Color) and color #7643 Aquila (Contrast Color) are needed to complete the pair.

Needles and Notions: Mitten construction requires one set of four double-pointed needles in size 3 (3.25 mm) and one set of four double-pointed needles in size 5 (3.75 mm), or sizes adjusted to match the specified gauge. Three stitch markers are used during construction, with one marker in a different color to clearly identify the beginning of each round. A piece of waste yarn is used to hold thumb stitches while working the hand, and a tapestry needle completes the notions list.

Gauge: The mittens are worked to the same gauge as the hat: 32 stitches and 36 rounds over 4 inches in the charted pattern on the larger needles.

Mittens Construction Techniques

The mittens are worked in the round from the cuff upward using double-pointed needles. The smaller needles (size 3) are used for the ribbed cuff section, which provides stretch and ensures a snug fit at the wrist. Once the cuff ribbing is complete, the knitter switches to the