Willow & Lark Samantha Hat Knitting Pattern

Samantha Hat by Willow & Lark

What is Being Made

The Samantha Hat is an intermediate-level knitted colorwork hat designed as part of the Wilderness Collection. This project is sized to fit an average adult head with a width of 56 cm (22 inches). The hat features a fairisle colorwork pattern and is worked flat using double-pointed needles, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop or practice stranded colorwork techniques.

Techniques Used

This hat employs stranded colorwork and fairisle techniques as its primary construction methods. The pattern is worked flat rather than in the round, which provides an excellent learning opportunity for knitters new to colorwork. The design incorporates make one (M1) increases for shaping. The pattern notes specifically recommend this project as an ideal opportunity to hone colorwork skills for experienced knitters or as a first introduction to fairisle for those new to the technique.

Stitches Used

The Samantha Hat is constructed primarily using stocking stitch as the base fabric, with the fairisle pattern worked over this foundation. The pattern includes knit stitches and make one increases for shaping the hat structure. The fairisle sections create the decorative colorwork design while maintaining the stocking stitch base.

Materials

Yarn: Willow & Lark Woodland, a blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. The pattern calls for 1 ball of the main color (A) and 2 balls of the contrasting color (B). The suggested primary colorway is Plover Grey 400 (A) with Juniper Berry 419 (B), with an alternative option of Toffee 404 (A) and Army 413 (B). Each ball weighs 50g (1.7 oz).

Needles and Tools: Three sets of 4 double-pointed needles in different sizes are required: 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3), 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6), and 4.50mm (UK 7, US 7). These graduated needle sizes allow for proper tension control across different sections of the hat.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern specifies two tension measurements to ensure proper fit and appearance. For stocking stitch sections using 4.00mm (US 6) needles, the tension should be 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches). For the fairisle pattern sections using 4.50mm (US 7) needles, the tension should be 27 stitches and 25 rows to 10cm (4 inches). Achieving correct tension is essential, as the yarn composition and characteristics of Willow & Lark Woodland directly impact the finished appearance of the hat.