Willow & Lark Tilly Hat & Cowl Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Tilly Hat & Cowl by Georgia Farrell

Project Overview

The Tilly Hat & Cowl is a geometric accessory set designed by Georgia Farrell featuring tessellating triangles as a signature motif. This intermediate-level knitting project comprises two coordinating pieces: a hat and a cowl, both worked using a combination of knit and purl stitches to create the distinctive triangle pattern. The set is part of The Best of British Collection and is ideal for adventurous beginners looking to expand their stitch repertoire beyond basic knitting techniques.

Cowl Specifications

Dimensions: The cowl measures 124 cm (48¾ inches) around the head when worn all the way around, with a depth of 48 cm (18¾ inches), making it a generous, versatile piece suitable for various styling options.

Hat Specifications

Dimensions: The hat has a width of 24 cm (9½ inches) in depth, designed to fit comfortably on the head.

Knitting Techniques & Construction

Both pieces in the Tilly Hat & Cowl set are worked flat and then seamed together, rather than being worked in the round. This construction method is particularly suitable for creating the geometric triangle stitch pattern that defines this accessory set. The tessellating triangles are created entirely through the strategic use of knit and purl stitches, making this an excellent project for knitters who want to develop their understanding of how basic stitches can be combined to produce complex, visually striking patterns.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P): Combined with knit stitches to create the tessellating triangle motif

Materials & Yarn

The Tilly Hat & Cowl set is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Ramble, a 100% wool DK (double knitting) weight yarn. The yarn composition, fiber weight, twist, and overall characteristics significantly impact the finished appearance of the accessory set, so using Ramble yarn is recommended to achieve results consistent with the designer's original vision.

Yarn Quantities:

• Main Colour (MC): 4 balls of 50g (1¾ oz) each
• Contrast Colour (C): 1 ball of 50g (1¾ oz)

Suggested Colourways: The pattern provides flexibility in color selection. Recommended main color options include Battleship Grey 104 or Oxblood 110, while contrast color choices include Horizon Orange 112 or Night Sky 125. These combinations allow knitters to personalize their accessory set while maintaining the geometric visual impact of the triangle stitch pattern.

Knitting Needles & Tools

• One pair of 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) knitting needles for the cowl
• One pair of 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) knitting needles for the hat only

Tension & Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is vitally important before beginning this project. The specified tension is 23½ stitches and 32 rounds to 10cm (4 inches), measured over the triangle stitch pattern using 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Working to the wrong tension will result in items that do not match the intended finished dimensions. Knitters should always check their tension on a swatch before starting, adjusting needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Difficulty Level & Suitability

Classified as an intermediate project, the Tilly Hat & Cowl set is well-suited for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle pattern work beyond basic stockinette stitch. The tessellating triangle motif, while created from only knit and purl stitches, requires attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats, making it an excellent stepping stone for developing pattern-reading and texture-creation skills.

Design Notes

Pattern repeats are indicated in round brackets with the number of times to repeat the