Solstice Sky Duo Hat & Fingerless Mitts in Juniper Moon Farm Stratus

Solstice Sky Duo Hat & Fingerless Mitts in Juniper Moon Farm Stratus

What Is Being Made

This crochet collection features a coordinated winter accessory set designed by Abbey Swanson of The Firefly Hook. The set includes a ski-style hat with ear flaps and braided tassels, paired with matching fingerless mitts (wrist warmers). The design celebrates the aesthetic of winter skies, combining silvery grey and bright blue tones inspired by the Winter Solstice season. The hat is sized to fit an average woman's head, while the fingerless mitts measure 6.5" x 3.5" when lying flat.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several key construction techniques. The hat is worked in the round using a spiral method, meaning rounds are not joined at the end of each round but instead continue seamlessly. The pattern uses back loop only (BL) stitching for most of the hat construction, which creates a distinctive ribbed texture. Color work is incorporated through strategic yarn switches between two complementary shades. The pattern includes ear flaps that transition to working in both loops of the stitch. Braided tassels are added as decorative finishing elements, and the fingerless mitts are constructed as separate wrist warmers to coordinate with the main hat.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch throughout both the hat and fingerless mitts, worked primarily in the back loop only for texture
• Chain (ch): Used to begin the project and create foundation stitches
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joining and finishing techniques
• Increases: Double stitches (2 sc in one stitch) are used strategically in the first six rounds to shape the crown of the hat

Materials

This project uses Juniper Moon Farm Stratus yarn, a soft and versatile fiber. Two coordinating 50-gram skeins are required: one skein in color #102 Nebula (the silvery grey shade, designated as color A) and one skein in color #107 Vanilla Sky (the bright blue shade, designated as color B). The pattern calls for a US K/10½ (6.5mm) crochet hook. The recommended gauge is 12 rows and 12 stitches over 4 inches in single crochet, which helps ensure proper fit and drape of the finished pieces.

Pattern Structure Overview

The hat construction begins with a small magic ring foundation, building outward through six increasing rounds that create the crown shaping. Rounds 7 through 19 maintain the established stitch count with even single crochet stitches. Color changes occur at rounds 20–22, introducing the Vanilla Sky shade for visual interest before returning to Nebula. The ear flaps are then worked separately using a different technique that engages both loops of the stitches. The fingerless mitts follow a similar construction approach, scaled appropriately for wrist wear. This intermediate project is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with color changes and shaping techniques.