Twist Collective Four Winds Hat Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Four Winds Knitted Hat

What is Being Made

The Four Winds is a modular knitted hat designed by Alasdair Post-Quinn for Twist Collective. This adult-sized hat features a finished circumference of 21 inches (53.5 cm) and is engineered with interchangeable components, allowing knitters to customize their finished piece by selecting from multiple band and closure options.

Modular Design and Customization Options

The hat's modular construction offers knitters creative flexibility. There are two distinct band choices and two different closure variations to select from, enabling each maker to personalize their finished hat.

• Band 1: A two-color reversible double-knitting band featuring a fleur-de-lis pattern positioned at the North point of the compass
• Band 2: A two-color double-knitting band with letters charted on all four cardinal points (N, S, E, and W). The design uses two-pattern notation with the N and S oriented as mirror-images on the inside of the work, while E and W switch places to ensure both sides of the hat display correctly-oriented compasses
• Closure 1: Uses right- and left-slanting double-knit decreases
• Closure 2: Uses double-knit double-decreases

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Double-knitting is the primary technique used throughout this hat. Double-knitting is a two-color stranded knitting method worked in the round that creates a reversible fabric with color patterns on both sides. The pattern instructions reference detailed charting and two-pattern notation for executing the compass letter designs.

The hat is constructed in the round using charted colorwork patterns. Rounds 21–44 involve repeating Chart 4 four times around the hat's circumference. Knitters are encouraged to practice swatching using either the fleur-de-lis from Chart 2 or one of the letter charts (Charts 3a–d) to become comfortable with the technique before beginning the main project.

Gauge is critical for this project. The pattern notes that double-knitting in the round produces different gauge measurements than double-knitting worked flat, so swatchers should work their gauge swatch in the round or simulate in-the-round conditions by starting each row on the same side and leaving long strands hanging across the back of the work. Both sides of the swatch should be measured, and the smaller stitches-per-inch measurement should be used to determine final gauge and any necessary needle size adjustments.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn available in 3.5 oz (100g) skeins with 247 yards (226 meters) per skein. The suggested color palette includes:

• 1 skein of 02 Natural (main color)
• 1 skein of 13 Dark Navy (contrasting color)

Needles required include a Size 6 US (4 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long and a Size 6 US (4 mm) set of 5 double-pointed needles. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to obtain proper gauge. A stitch marker is optional but may be helpful for tracking rounds.

Pattern Support and Resources

The Four Winds pattern is accompanied by instructional video content available through Twist Collective's website. An introduction to double-knitting technique video is referenced to help knitters understand the right- and left-slanting double-knit decreases used in Closure 1 and the double-knit double-decreases used in Closure 2.