Rowan Daystar Hat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Daystar Hat by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Daystar Hat is an advanced-level knitted hat designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This finished hat measures 50 cm (19¾ inches) in circumference and 26 cm (10¼ inches) in height, making it a classic, close-fitting knit cap suitable for everyday wear.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses the fairisle technique, a traditional colorwork method that allows knitters to create intricate two-color patterns while working in the round. The fairisle patt repeat consists of 14 stitches and is repeated 9 times across each round, creating a cohesive, all-over pattern design. The pattern is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, beginning with a knit round, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base for the colorwork to stand out.

The hat construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in two-color rib using smaller needles, which provides elasticity and a finished edge. After the ribbed section, knitters transition to larger needles and continue the fairisle pattern from a provided chart. The crown shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases worked while maintaining the pattern's visual integrity, using knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases spaced throughout the rounds to gradually reduce stitches and form the hat's crown. Final stitches are drawn together and fastened off to close the top.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary stitch throughout the hat body and fairisle sections
• Two-color rib – used in the cuff for elasticity and structure
• Knit-two-together (K2tog) – used for crown shaping decreases
• Knit stitch (K) – foundation stitch for all rounds

Materials

This pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn in two colors:

• Color A: Rainy Day 210 – 1 x 50gm
• Color B: Classic Brown 204 – 1 x 50gm

The project requires two sets of needles: a set of 4 double-pointed 3¼mm (US 3) needles (or a 3¼mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm/16 inches) for the ribbed cuff, and a set of 4 double-pointed 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fairisle pattern work. A stitch marker is needed to denote the beginning and end of rounds.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving proper tension is essential for this advanced project. The pattern specifies 28 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm measured over two-color rib using 3¼mm (US 3) needles, and 25 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over the fairisle pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their finished hat matches the intended dimensions.