Ridgefield Hat & Mittens Knitting Pattern

Ridgefield Hat & Mittens Set by Berroco

What Is Being Made

The Ridgefield collection consists of two coordinating knitted accessories: a structured hat and a pair of matching mittens. This intermediate-level knitting project from Berroco's Book #413 allows crafters to create a complete winter set using the same premium yarn in complementary colorways. The hat features a finished measurement of approximately 16 inches around with an 11-inch height when unstretched with the brim unfolded, while the mittens measure approximately 7 inches around the hand with a 9-inch length.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Ridgefield pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished pieces. Cable knitting is a primary technique throughout both the hat and mittens, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like stitch patterns. The pattern utilizes both in-the-round knitting on circular needles and double-pointed needles, a fundamental method for creating seamless tubular garments like hats and mittens. Knitters will also work with stitch markers to track the beginning of rounds and maintain pattern placement. The construction involves working from the bottom up with careful attention to gauge to ensure proper fit, particularly important for the fitted mittens.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Ridgefield pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the foundational fabric, combined with decorative cable stitches that define the design. The specialized cable abbreviations used throughout include:

• C5Rpk: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 3, then purl 1 and knit 1 from cable needle
• C5Lkp: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 1 and purl 1, then knit 3 from cable needle
• C5Lp: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, purl 2, then knit 3 from cable needle
• C5Rp: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 3, then purl from cable needle
• C2L: Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in front, purl 1, then knit 1 from cable needle
• C2R: Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit 1, then purl 1 from cable needle

These cable crossings create the textured patterns characteristic of the Ridgefield design, with stitches worked in combinations of knit and purl to enhance the dimensional quality of the cables.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Ridgefield pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky, a premium worsted-weight yarn. One 100-gram ball in Sunflower (#43122) is required for the hat, and one 100-gram ball in Heather (#43153) is needed for the mittens. This chunky yarn weight creates a quick-knitting project with excellent stitch definition for cable work.

Needles and Notions: For the hat, knitters will need one set of double-pointed needles in size 10 (6.00 mm), along with 16-inch circular needles in both sizes 9 (5.50 mm) and 10 (6.00 mm) to accommodate the transition from ribbed cuff to larger cable sections. The mittens require one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 9 (5.50 mm) and 10 (6.00 mm). Additional notions include stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of rounds), a cable needle for executing the cable crosses, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn to hold stitches during mitten construction.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 20 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needle size. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project to ensure the hat and mittens fit correctly and the cables display their intended proportions. Berroco recommends taking time to check gauge before beginning to avoid sizing discrepancies.