String Sabrina Hat Knitting Pattern

String Sabrina Hat

What Is Being Made

The Sabrina Hat is a classic knitted hat designed by Lidia Karabinech. This one-size hat features a striped colorway created by working with two contrasting colors of premium yarn. The finished hat measures 19 inches (48 cm) in circumference and 11½ inches (29 cm) high when unfolded, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes due to the stretchy ribbed construction.

Techniques Used

This hat is worked in the round, a fundamental knitting technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric without requiring seaming. The pattern employs stripe work, alternating between two yarn colors to create visual interest. The crown shaping utilizes a centered double decrease technique (s2kp2) worked at regular intervals to gradually reduce stitches and form the fitted crown of the hat. The construction begins with a ribbed border worked on smaller needles, transitions to stockinette stitch on larger needles for the body, and concludes with strategic decreases that shape the top.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib: The ribbed border is created using a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) worked in the round. This elastic stitch creates a snug, stretchy edge that helps the hat stay in place.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch, created by knitting every round. This produces the smooth, classic fabric that forms the base for the stripe pattern.
• Centered Double Decrease (s2kp2): This specialized decrease—slip 2 stitches together as if to knit 2 together, knit 1, then pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch—creates a centered, visually balanced reduction. This stitch is repeated throughout the crown shaping rounds to elegantly taper the hat.

Materials and Tools

The Sabrina Hat is knitted with String VENEZIA yarn, a luxurious blend of 53% cashmere, 27% superfine lambswool, and 20% silk. One ball each of two colors is required: color 730645 (Color A) and color 730939 burgundy (Color B). Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 197 yards (180.5 meters) of yarn.

The pattern requires circular needles in two sizes: size 10 (6mm) needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long for the ribbed border, and size 10.5 (6.5mm) circular needles of the same length for the main body. Additionally, size 10.5 (6.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPN) are needed to accommodate the reduced stitch count during crown shaping when circular needles become impractical. Essential notions include stitch markers to track round beginnings, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a pom pom for the finished crown.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) worked in stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The hat begins with 68 cast-on stitches worked in 2x2 rib for 3 inches, then transitions to stockinette stitch on larger needles. The crown shaping occurs over multiple rounds, with decreases positioned to create an evenly tapered top. The pattern includes specific instructions for transitioning from circular needles to double-pointed needles as stitch counts decrease, ensuring consistent tension throughout the crown.