Walnut Square Fingerless Mitts & Hat in Juniper Moon Herriot

Walnut Square Fingerless Mitts & Hat in Juniper Moon Herriot

What Is Being Made

This pattern set from the Haverhill Collection includes a slightly slouchy knitted hat and matching fingerless mitts designed to be worn together as a coordinated pair. The hat is available in three sizes (S, M, L) with a band circumference ranging from 18½ to 21½ inches, while the mitts are sized at Medium with a hand circumference of 7¼ inches. Both pieces feature a single cable that travels up the garment, creating visual interest and a stylish, modern aesthetic.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques suitable for knitters with some experience. The construction uses circular needle knitting for the hat, worked in the round to create a seamless crown. The fingerless mitts are similarly constructed using double-pointed needles for in-the-round knitting. A key design element is the cable technique, which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then knitting across to create twisted rope-like patterns. The pattern also incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the hat crown, using methods such as knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk). Increases are worked using make one techniques (M1R and M1L) to add stitches where needed for shaping.

Stitches Used

• Seed Stitch: The primary stitch pattern for both the hat and mitts, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in the round. Seed stitch produces a textured, bumpy fabric with excellent drape and elasticity, making it ideal for fitted garments like fingerless mitts.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used as an alternative gauge measurement option, this smooth, classic stitch creates a sleek fabric surface.
• Cable Stitches: The pattern includes cable decreases and traveling cables created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing the distinctive twisted rope effect that runs up both garments.
• Increases and Decreases: Make one right (M1R), make one left (M1L), knit two together (k2tog), purl two together (p2tog), and slip, slip, knit (ssk) are used throughout for shaping.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked in Juniper Moon Farm Herriot yarn, a premium fiber choice. The hat requires 1 hank in color #1005 Stone Blue, and the mitts require 1 additional hank in the same colorway, allowing for a coordinated set. The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge: US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches for the hat ribbing, US 3 (3.25 mm) double-point needles for the mitts, US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles for the hat body, and US 5 (3.75 mm) double-point needles for both garments. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a cable needle for executing the cable techniques. The pattern specifies two different gauges: 26 stitches and 40 rows equal 4 inches in seed stitch using the smaller needles, while 24 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles.

Design Details

The Walnut Square design, created by designer Alison Green, combines functionality with visual appeal through its cable motif. The slightly slouchy silhouette of the hat provides a relaxed, contemporary fit, while the fingerless mitts offer practical hand warmth without sacrificing finger dexterity. The single traveling cable serves as the focal point of both pieces, unifying the set and adding textural dimension to the seed stitch background. This pattern is ideal for knitters seeking a moderately challenging project that produces wearable, gift-worthy results.