Rowan Peak Hats Knitting Pattern

Rowan Peak Hats by Erika Knight

What is Being Made

The Rowan Peak Hats pattern provides instructions for creating customizable knitted hats designed to fit an average adult head with an actual hat circumference of 44 cm (17¼ inches). This downloadable PDF pattern from Rowan features a creative approach to hat design, encouraging makers to personalize their finished piece through color selection and stitch variations. The pattern is ideal for using up yarn scraps from other projects, requiring only approximately 150 grams of yarn in total.

Techniques Used

The Peak Hats pattern demonstrates several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. Random color striping is a primary design feature, with the pattern encouraging knitters to join in and break off different yarn colors as desired throughout the project. Decreasing stitches is essential for shaping the crown of the hat, with the pattern specifying decreases at each end of alternating rows to create the peaked silhouette. Ribbed edging provides structure and elasticity at the hat's opening. The pattern also notes that embroidery techniques and stitch variations can be incorporated to further customize each hat.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary fabric used for the main body of the hat, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Ribbed Stitch: Used in the cuff section, with two versions provided—one featuring K1, P1 ribbing and another using K2, P2 ribbing for varied texture and fit
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches: The fundamental stitches forming both the ribbed and stockinette sections
• Decrease stitches (dec): Used throughout the crown shaping to gradually reduce stitch count and form the hat's peaked top

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires 4½mm (US 7) needles for all sections. The yarn specification calls for small quantities of multiple colors totaling approximately 150 grams, with the pattern specifically designed to accommodate yarn scraps. The tension requirement is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using 4½mm needles. The pattern includes two basic versions—a ribbed version and a stockinette stitch version—each made from four sections that are joined together during finishing.

Pattern Structure

The Rowan Peak Hats pattern offers flexibility and customization options. The ribbed version begins with casting on 26 stitches and working in random color stripes throughout, while the stockinette stitch version starts with 23 stitches per section. Both versions work upward to a measurement of 17 centimeters before crown shaping begins. The pattern encourages makers to vary rib depths across different panels and to select their own color combinations, making each finished hat unique. Pressing and joining instructions are included in the pattern's making up section.