Swans Island Harbor Hat Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Harbor Hat

What is Being Made

The Swans Island Harbor Hat is a classic knitted cap designed by Michele Rose Orne. This beginner-level project creates a versatile beanie that flatters most head shapes. The hat features a timeless silhouette available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with finished circumferences of 19¼", 20½", and 21½" respectively. The height ranges from 6¾" to 7¼" depending on size selection. Knitters can customize the fit by choosing a larger size for a slouchy crown or a smaller size for a snug, traditional beanie appearance.

Design Variations

The pattern provides multiple styling options to prevent monotony when making this hat repeatedly. Version A offers a straightforward, no-frills basic cap construction. Version B, featured on the model, includes subtle embellishments for added visual interest. Additional simple variations are included throughout the pattern, allowing knitters to personalize their finished pieces while maintaining the classic harbor hat silhouette.

Knitting Techniques

• Worked in the Round: The entire hat is constructed using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless finished garment.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The hat begins with the hat band at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the crown, allowing for easy try-on adjustments during the knitting process.
• Seamless Shaping: Strategic decreases are worked throughout the crown section to create a smooth, professional-looking top without visible seams.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the hat body, created by knitting every round on circular needles, producing a smooth, classic fabric.
• Garter Stitch (in the round): Alternating purl and knit rounds create horizontal ridges, used in the hat band for textural interest and added elasticity.
• Garter Stripe: A variation consisting of one purl round followed by two knit rounds, providing decorative striping options.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used strategically throughout the crown shaping to gradually reduce stitch count and form the hat's crown.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern requires one skein of Swans Island Natural Colors 100% Organic Merino Wool in worsted weight (100 grams, 250 yards). The yarn shown in the pattern photography is Wild Salmon (color code YW212). The recommended gauge is 5 stitches by 7 rows per 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch on US Size 8 (5mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions.

Needles and Tools

• US Size 8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needle for the hat band and body
• US Size 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5) for crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles
• Stitch markers to denote the beginning of each round
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Construction Method

The Harbor Hat begins with a long-tail cast-on of 96, 102, or 108 stitches depending on size selection. After joining in the round with careful attention to avoid twisting, knitters work the hat band using garter stitch or garter stripe variations. The body continues in stockinette stitch, maintaining a smooth fabric. Crown shaping begins with strategic decreases spaced evenly around the hat, with decrease rounds occurring at regular intervals. The pattern provides specific decrease instructions for each size, ensuring proper proportions. As the stitch count diminishes, knitters transition from circular needles to double-pointed needles to accommodate the reduced circumference.