Rowan Iris Hat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Iris Baby Hat by Georgia Farrell

What is Being Made

The Rowan Iris is an intermediate-level knitted baby hat designed to fit infants from newborn through 12 months of age. This downloadable PDF pattern from Rowan features a charming earflap construction with decorative patterning, making it both functional and stylish for young children. The hat is available in four size options to accommodate different ages and head measurements.

Sizes and Measurements

• 0-3 months: 33 cm (13 inches) around head
• 3-6 months: 34.5 cm (13½ inches) around head
• 6-9 months: 36 cm (14¼ inches) around head
• 9-12 months: 37.5 cm (14¾ inches) around head

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structure to the finished hat. The design features earflap construction, which requires careful stitch marking and shaping to create the characteristic ear coverings. The pattern utilizes increases using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) techniques to shape the hat symmetrically. Knitters will work with stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with decorative patterning sections that alternate knit and purl stitches to create textured motifs around the marked stitch areas.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern Details

The Iris pattern combines fundamental stitches with more sophisticated stitch work. The main fabric is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows). The decorative patterning involves reverse stockinette sections created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, which creates raised, textured bands that frame the central marked stitches. The pattern uses centered decreases and increases to shape the earflaps and create symmetrical shaping around marked stitch points. Rows progress through various stitch widths—from 7-stitch wide pattern sections down to 3-stitch and 5-stitch variations—creating a diamond or iris-like motif that gives the hat its distinctive name and visual appeal.

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Iris is knitted using 4mm (US 6) needles in a single pair configuration. The yarn specified is Cotton Wool by Rowan in 50-gram balls, with one ball required for all sizes. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Moon 211. The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the specified 4mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the hat fits correctly across the four size options.

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Requirements

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Rowan Iris requires knitters to be comfortable with basic stitches and shaping techniques. The pattern demands attention to detail when working the marked stitches and maintaining pattern repeats across two symmetrical earflap sections simultaneously. Knitters should be confident reading pattern instructions and tracking stitch counts, as the decorative patterning requires precise placement of knit and purl stitches relative to the marked center stitches.