Swans Island Nordica Cap Hat Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Nordica Cap: Nordic-Inspired Intarsia Knit Hat

What Is Being Made

The Nordica Cap is a classic Nordic-inspired knit hat featuring a distinctive band of graphic snowflake motifs. This intermediate-level project combines traditional colorwork with clean, modern design elements. The hat is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with finished circumferences of 17¾, 20¼, and 22¾ inches respectively, and heights of 8, 9, and 10 inches. The design includes a garter stitch band at the edging for a polished finish and a small decorative "stem" at the crown.

Techniques Used

This hat is worked seamlessly in the round using bottom-up construction, beginning with a cast-on at the brim and progressing upward to the crown. The primary technique featured is intarsia colorwork, where two colors are carried across the back of the work through the charted snowflake section. The pattern is specifically designed to introduce knitters to two-color knitting in an accessible way. After completing the charted colorwork section, the knitter transitions back into straightforward stockinette stitch for the crown shaping, making this an excellent project for those beginning to explore colorwork techniques.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Used for the edging band to create a classic, textured finish at the brim
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the main body and crown; worked in the round as knit stitches every round
• Snowflake Pattern: A charted intarsia motif worked over a multiple of 14, 16, or 18 stitches depending on size, featuring two-color knitting with main color (MC) and contrast color (CC)
• Decreases: Knit two stitches together (k2tog) used during crown shaping to create the tapered top

Materials and Tools

The Nordica Cap is designed to showcase premium natural fibers. The Main Color requires one skein of Swans Island Natural Colors in 100% Organic Merino Wool, worsted weight (100 grams, 250 yards). The sample shown uses Winterberry (YW220). The Contrast Color requires one skein of Swans Island Pure Blends, a blend of 85% Organic Merino Wool and 15% Alpaca, also in worsted weight (100 grams, 250 yards); the sample uses Seamoke (YW221).

Needles required include US Size 8 (5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch length for the main body work, and US Size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles for transitioning to smaller circumferences during crown shaping. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 4¾ stitches and 6 rounds per inch over stockinette stitch on US Size 8 needles. Checking gauge before beginning is emphasized as essential to achieving the desired finished dimensions.

Pattern Design Credit

This pattern was designed by Michele Rose Orne and is presented as PAT40 in the Swans Island collection.