Rowan Shoal Hat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Shoal Hat by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Shoal Hat is a knitted cap designed in two sizes (S-M and L-XL) with a finished width around the head of 52.5 cm (20¾ inches) and 58.5 cm (23 inches) respectively. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a structured, fitted hat suitable for various head sizes.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs the fairisle technique, a traditional colorwork method in which two yarn colors are carried across the wrong side of the work while stitches are formed. The fairisle section features a 14-stitch pattern repeat worked across the circumference of the hat, repeated 9 times for the smaller size and 10 times for the larger size. The pattern is worked in the round using the stranding method, with yarn not in use carried across the wrong side of the work. After the fairisle colorwork section is completed, the pattern transitions to single-color stockinette stitch for the remainder of the crown. The hat is then shaped at the top using strategic decreases (K2tog reductions) worked over multiple rounds to gradually reduce the stitch count and form the crown.

Stitches Used

The Shoal Hat is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch (knit every round), which creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for a fitted hat. The fairisle colorwork section also uses stockinette stitch as its base, with color changes creating the patterned effect. Knit two together (K2tog) decreases are used extensively during the crown shaping phase, with decreases occurring at regular intervals across 18 rounds to close the top of the hat. A single purl stitch is incorporated in the cast-on round as part of the fairisle setup.

Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Denim Revive yarn in the colorway Darkness 217 (yarn A), requiring 2 balls of 50 grams each. Rowan Denim Revive in Silt 216 (yarn B) is needed in the quantity of 1 ball of 50 grams. The hat is worked on double-pointed needles: a set of 4 needles in 3¼mm (UK size 10, US size 3) for the cast-on and initial rounds, and a set of 4 needles in 3¾mm (UK size 9, US size 5) for the main pattern and shaping sections. The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 25 rounds to 10 centimeters measured over the fairisle pattern, and 22 stitches and 29 rounds to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch, both using the 3¾mm needles.