Plya Hat & Mitts Knitting Pattern

Plya Hat & Mitts in Juniper Moon Findley DK

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern creates a coordinating set consisting of a fitted hat and a pair of mittens. The hat features a classic pullover construction with a ribbed opening, while the mittens are designed as simple tubes with thumb openings. Both pieces showcase the same decorative stitch pattern throughout, making them a cohesive accessory set.

Design & Finished Measurements

The pattern is offered in two sizes to accommodate different head and hand sizes:

• Hat Opening Circumference: 17¾ inches (45 cm) in size S/M, or 19¼ inches (49 cm) in size L
• Hat Length to Crown: 8¼ inches (21 cm) in size S/M, or 9 inches (23 cm) in size L
• Mitt Hand Circumference: 7½ inches (19 cm) for both sizes
• Mitt Length: 7½ inches (19 cm) for both sizes

Primary Stitch: Pyla Stitch

The defining feature of this pattern is the Pyla stitch, a decorative cable-based stitch pattern that creates visual interest through the interplay of knit, purl, and cable stitches. This stitch is worked in the round across both the hat and mittens, creating a unified design aesthetic.

The Pyla stitch operates on a 10-stitch multiple and is worked over a 10-round repeat. The pattern combines:

• Purl stitches (P2) that create vertical ridges and frame the cable sections
• Knit stitches (K) that form the base fabric
• Cable crosses (1/1 RC and 1/1 LC) that twist the fabric and create dimensional texture

The cable crosses are executed using a cable needle: 1/1 RC (right cross) involves slipping one stitch to a cable needle, holding it in back, knitting one stitch, then knitting the stitch from the cable needle. 1/1 LC (left cross) reverses this process by holding the cable needle in front. These cables shift position throughout the 10-round repeat, creating a dynamic braided or twisted appearance that moves across the fabric.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques:

• Circular knitting: Both the hat and mittens are worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Cable work: The Pyla stitch relies on cable crosses that require a cable needle and careful stitch manipulation
• Gauge management: Proper gauge is critical; the pattern specifies 27 stitches and 35 rounds must equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Pyla stitch
• Stitch markers: Used to mark the beginning of rounds and track pattern repeats

Materials & Needles

The pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Findley DK yarn in color #25 Pacific blue. Findley DK is a worsted-weight yarn suitable for projects requiring drape and stitch definition. The pattern requires:

• Hat: 1 skein (50g) of Juniper Moon Farm Findley DK
• Mitts: 1 skein (50g) of Juniper Moon Farm Findley DK

The needles specified are US size 4 (3.5 mm) in two formats:

• A 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle for the hat body
• Double-pointed needles (dpns) for the mittens and any crown shaping on the hat

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and two stitch markers for tracking the beginning of rounds and pattern alignment.

Pattern Structure

The hat begins with a cast-on of 120 stitches (size S/M) or 130 stitches (size L