Rowan Palmyra Hat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Palmyra Hat by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Palmyra Hat is a knitted hat designed in one size, created by designer Lisa Richardson. This is a classic knit hat project that combines textural interest with a structured crown shaping, making it suitable for a range of wearers seeking a finished, polished accessory.

Craft and Construction Method

This hat is constructed using the bottom-up knitting method, meaning you begin at the brim and work upward toward the crown. The design is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach allows for precise stitch control and pattern alignment throughout the construction process.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Palmyra Hat employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (K) and purl stitch (P) form the foundation of the construction
• Ribbing creates the brim, using alternating knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 pattern to provide elasticity and a snug fit
• Slip stitch (slip next st purlwise) worked with yarn positioned at the back or front of work creates the primary textural pattern throughout the hat body
• Knit two together (K2tog) serves as a right-leaning decrease used strategically to shape the crown
• Purl two together (P2tog) provides additional decreasing for final crown closure

The pattern maintains a 10-section repeat structure, with decreases worked evenly across these sections to create a symmetrical, well-proportioned crown shaping. The decreases are spaced strategically every few rows, gradually reducing stitch count from the initial cast-on through to the final closure.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Palmyra Hat is designed to be worked in Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn, requiring 2 x 50 gram balls of yarn. The photographed sample shown in the pattern is worked in the colorway Tungsten 110.

Construction requires one pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles. The pattern is worked to a tension of 29 stitches and 56 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the slip stitch pattern using the specified needle size. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit and the intended drape of the finished hat.

Pattern Overview

The hat begins with a cast-on of 141 stitches and opens with a 1x1 ribbed cuff worked over 6 rows to establish the brim. The main body features a repeating slip stitch pattern that creates visual texture and interest. Crown shaping begins at Row 1 of the shaping section and continues through Row 34, with decreases worked at regular intervals to gradually reduce stitches from 131 down to the final 11 stitches. The yarn is then threaded through the remaining stitches, pulled tight, and fastened off securely to complete the crown.