Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Crochet Sampler Afghan Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Crochet Sampler Afghan

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from Plymouth Yarn Design Studio provides instructions for the Woolcotte Tasseled Hat, a charming children's hat available in two sizes: Child's Small (16") and Child's Large (18"). The hat features a classic ribbed cuff and decorative tassels attached to the top corners, making it both functional and playful for young wearers.

Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting project employs several fundamental techniques suitable for those new to circular knitting. The pattern uses circular knitting worked in the round on a 16" circular needle, which eliminates the need for seaming. Knitters will practice ribbing, a stretchy stitch pattern that creates the cuff of the hat. The main body utilizes a simple textured stitch pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches to create visual interest. The pattern also includes the 3-needle bind off technique, which joins two sets of live stitches together while binding them off simultaneously—a useful skill for hat construction. Additionally, the pattern teaches tassel making, a decorative finishing technique that adds personality to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch that creates the basic fabric
• Purl (p) – the reverse of the knit stitch, used in combination with knits to create texture
• Ribbing (alternating k1, p1) – creates an elastic cuff that stretches and recovers
• Main stitch pattern – alternates between rounds of (p1, k3) and (p2, k1, p3) to create a subtle textured design
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – referenced in abbreviations for potential gauge swatching

Materials and Tools

The Woolcotte Tasseled Hat requires 1 ball of Plymouth Yarn Woolcotte in 100g weight (shown in color 108). For needles, knitters will need a 16" US size 10 (6mm) circular needle plus an additional needle of the same size for executing the 3-needle bind off. One stitch marker is needed to mark the beginning of each round. The pattern achieves a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches when worked in the main stitch pattern on the specified needle size. Additional materials include cardboard for wrapping yarn tassels and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Overview

The hat begins with casting on 56 stitches for Child's Small or 64 stitches for Child's Large, joined into the round with careful attention to avoid twisting. Knitters work 1.5 inches (or 2 inches for the larger size) of ribbing using the alternating knit-purl pattern to create the elastic cuff. The main stitch pattern is then worked until the total length reaches 6 inches (or 7 inches for the larger size), creating the body of the hat. The top is finished using the 3-needle bind off technique after turning the hat inside out. Two tassels are handmade by wrapping yarn around cardboard, securing with tied strands, and wrapping the upper portion before attaching one tassel to each top corner. This pattern is ideal for beginners seeking to develop circular knitting skills while creating a wearable, gift-worthy finished project.