String Sun Valley Hat & Capelet/Cowl Knitting Pattern

String Sun Valley Hat & Capelet/Cowl

Overview

The String Sun Valley Hat & Capelet/Cowl is a versatile two-in-one knitting pattern designed by Annabelle Speer. This downloadable PDF e-pattern offers knitters the option to create either a fitted hat or a larger capelet/cowl using the same design principles and stitch patterns. Both pieces showcase elegant cable work and classic ribbing, making them sophisticated accessories suitable for various skill levels.

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for two distinct garments:

• Hat: A finished circumference of 18 inches (45.5 cm) with a height of 8 inches (20.5 cm), designed to fit most head sizes comfortably.
• Capelet/Cowl: A larger piece with a finished circumference of 28 inches (71 cm) and the same 8-inch (20.5 cm) height, suitable for wearing as a neck cowl or shoulder capelet.

Techniques Used

The Sun Valley pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its polished appearance:

• Seamless, Worked-in-the-Round Construction: Both the hat and capelet/cowl are knitted seamlessly from the bottom up using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, professional finish.
• Cable Knitting: The pattern features decorative cable stitches that add texture and visual interest. Specific cable techniques include C3B (cable 3 back), C3F (cable 3 front), C4B (cable 4 back), and C4F (cable 4 front), which are worked using a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture.
• Ribbed Stitch Patterns: K2, p2 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) provides elasticity and structure, particularly useful for hat and cowl edges where a snug fit is desired.
• Crown Shaping: The hat includes strategic decreases to shape the crown, using decreases such as k2tog (knit 2 together) and p2tog (purl 2 together) to gradually reduce stitches and create a fitted top.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates a focused selection of stitches to achieve its elegant design:

• Knit and Purl: The foundation stitches used throughout the ribbed sections and cable work.
• Cable Stitches: C3B, C3F, C4B, and C4F create the signature "Little Plait Cable" pattern referenced in the instructions, adding dimensional texture.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit 2 together), p2tog (purl 2 together), and ssk/ssp (slip, slip, knit/purl) are used for shaping, particularly in the crown decreases of the hat.
• K2, P2 Rib: A multiple of 4 stitches, this ribbing pattern is worked flat in rows and in rounds, providing the elastic, fitted quality essential to hats and cowls.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern specifies String Yarns DOLCETTO, a luxury blend consisting of 70% extrafine merino wool and 30% cashmere. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 136 yards (125 meters) of yardage. One ball of yarn is sufficient for the hat, while two balls are required for the capelet/cowl, allowing knitters to choose their project based on available materials.

Needles required include size 10½ (6.5mm) circular needles—a 16-inch (40 cm) length for the hat and a 24-inch (60 cm) length for the capelet/cowl—along with five size 10½ (6.5mm) double-pointed needles for transitioning to smaller circumferences during hat crown shaping. A cable needle, stitch marker, and yarn needle complete the essential tools.

The pattern gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in k2, p2 rib in the unstretched state, with a raveled braid gauge of 23. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions.

Design Details