True Blue Hat and Mittens in Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick - L

True Blue Hat and Mittens in Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn (Pattern Number L40056) provides instructions for creating a coordinated set consisting of a hat and matching mittens. The pattern is rated at Easy + skill level (Level 3), making it suitable for knitters with some foundational experience who are ready to tackle slightly more complex techniques.

Hat Specifications

The hat is designed as a one-size-fits-most garment with a finished circumference of approximately 21 inches (53 cm) that stretches to accommodate a range of head sizes. The finished height measures about 8.5 inches (21.5 cm), creating a classic proportioned hat suitable for various face shapes and head sizes.

Mittens Specifications

The mittens are crafted to match the hat with a finished circumference of approximately 9 inches (23 cm) and a finished length of about 10 inches (25.5 cm). This sizing ensures comfortable coverage for most adult hands while maintaining visual coordination with the hat.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern uses Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick yarn in the colorway Violet Stripes. The yarn is composed of 88% acrylic and 12% polyester, providing durability and easy care. One ball of yarn is required, with each ball weighing 8 ounces (227 grams) and containing 160 yards (146 meters) of yardage. The yarn is wound as pull skeins for convenient knitting.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for Size 11 double-pointed needles as the primary knitting tool, which allows for working both the hat and mittens in the round. Additional supplies include Lion Brand split ring stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases, Lion Brand stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, and Lion Brand large-eye blunt needles (a set of 6) for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if necessary.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 9 stitches and 13 rounds equal approximately 4 inches (10 cm) when working stockinette stitch in the round with knit stitches on every round. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished hat and mittens match the intended dimensions and that the single ball of yarn provides sufficient yardage. Knitters whose gauge differs should adjust needle sizes accordingly—using smaller needles if their gauge is too loose and larger needles if their gauge is too tight.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The pattern employs stockinette stitch worked in the round as the primary stitch structure, created by knitting every round. This fundamental technique produces a smooth, classic fabric ideal for hats and mittens.

The pattern incorporates the skp (slip, knit, pass) decrease, a left-leaning decrease worked by slipping one stitch as if to knit, knitting the next stitch, and passing the slipped stitch over the knit stitch to decrease one stitch. This technique is commonly used for shaping the crown of the hat and the top of the mittens.

The 3-needle bind off is employed as a special technique, used to join two sets of stitches together while simultaneously binding them off. This method involves holding two needles with equal numbers of stitches with right sides together, then using a third needle to knit together one stitch from each needle, passing the first worked stitch over the second to bind off. This technique creates a secure, professional seam and is particularly useful for closing the mittens or finishing edges where a traditional bind off would be less suitable.

Construction Method

Both the hat and mittens are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating seamless, comfortable garments. Working in the round allows for continuous stockinette stitch without purling and provides a more professional finish, particularly important for items worn close to the face and hands.

Yarn Characteristics

Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick is specifically engineered for quick projects, with a thick, chunky weight that knits rapidly on larger needles. The acrylic and polyester blend offers practical advantages including easy machine washing, durability for frequent wear, and resistance to pilling, making these hats and mittens ideal for everyday use and gift-giving.