Rowan Buckler Hat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Buckler Hat by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Buckler Hat is an adult-sized knitted hat designed by Martin Storey. This pattern offers two size options to fit different head circumferences: S/M with an actual hat circumference of 49.5 cm (19½ inches) and M/L with a circumference of 52 cm (20½ inches). The finished hat features a classic crown shaping that tapers toward the top, finished with a decorative pom pom attachment.

Construction Technique

The Buckler Hat is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach with seaming. The hat begins at the brim and is worked upward in flat rows on straight needles, then seamed together at the back. This method allows for easy pattern management and straightforward shaping as the crown is progressively decreased through strategic decreasing rows.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The hat features a combination of fundamental knitting stitches and a specialized stitch technique:

• Ribbing: The brim is worked in a 2x2 rib pattern (alternating knit 2, purl 2) for 16 rows total, creating elasticity and a classic finished edge
• Main Pattern: The body is worked in a stitch pattern that incorporates the special abbreviation K1 below, which means knitting into the stitch one row below while simultaneously slipping off the stitch above. This creates visual texture and depth
• Crown Decreasing: The crown shaping is achieved through multiple purl 3 together (P3tog) decreases spaced strategically across rows, reducing stitch count from 69 or 73 stitches down to 29 or 33 stitches for the final closure

Materials Required

The Rowan Buckler Hat requires minimal materials, making it an efficient project:

• Yarn: One 100-gram ball of Rowan Moordale yarn (photographed in Beetroot 007 for the woman's version and Thai 005 for the man's version)
• Needles: One pair of 3¼mm (UK no. 10, US 3) needles for the ribbed brim and one pair of 4mm (UK no. 8, US 6) needles for the main pattern body
• Additional Notions: Yarn for seaming and materials to create a 5 cm diameter pom pom for the crown finish

Tension and Gauge

The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 16 stitches and 42 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the stitch pattern using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the hat to fit properly and maintain the intended drape and appearance of the stitch pattern.

Finishing Details

The completion of the Rowan Buckler Hat involves several finishing steps. After the crown decreases are complete, the remaining stitches are threaded onto yarn and pulled tight to close the top. The hat is then pressed according to standard finishing instructions, and the back seam is joined using the seaming yarn. A handmade pom pom measuring 5 centimeters in diameter is created and securely attached to the top of the hat for a decorative and traditional finish.