Rook Hat Knitting Pattern

Rook Hat in Berroco Noble

What is Being Made

The Rook Hat is an intermediate-level knitted beanie designed by Emily Nora O'Neil. This classic hat features a finished circumference of approximately 17 inches and a height of 9½ inches when unstretched, making it a versatile one-size design suitable for a range of head sizes. The hat combines textured stitch work with a fitted silhouette created through strategic crown shaping.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The hat is worked in the round using circular knitting needles and double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction. The pattern includes ribbed edging for a snug, stretchy cuff, followed by the transition to larger needles for the main body. Crown shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases, including SSK (slip, slip, knit) and CDD (central double decrease) techniques. The finishing involves threading yarn through remaining stitches to close the crown, a standard method for completing top-down hats.

Stitches Used

The Rook Hat incorporates the following stitches and stitch techniques:

• Right Twist (RT): Skip 1 stitch, knit the next stitch, then knit the skipped stitch
• Left Twist (LT): Skip 1 stitch, knit the next stitch through the back loop (TBL), then knit the skipped stitch
• Pattern Stitch: An even-numbered stitch repeat alternating Right Twist and Left Twist stitches on Round 1, followed by a knit round. This two-round repeat creates a subtle textured surface throughout the hat body
• Ribbing: A combination of purl and knit stitches, with twisted knits incorporated for added visual interest in the cuff
• Decreases: SSK (slip, slip, knit) and CDD (central double decrease) used during crown shaping to create a fitted top

Materials

The Rook Hat requires minimal materials, making it an efficient project. The pattern calls for 1 ball of Berroco Noble yarn (100 grams) in colorway #2070 Black Eyed Susan. Berroco Noble is a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition for textured patterns.

Needles required include a 16-inch circular knitting needle in sizes 11 (8.00 mm) and 15 (10.00 mm), along with 1 set of 4 double-pointed knitting needles in size 15 (10.00 mm) for working the crown decreases. Additional notions include 1 stitch marker for tracking the beginning of rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in the yarn end and closing the crown.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 14 rounds per 4 inches when working the pattern stitch on the larger needle, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.