Thinking Cap Pattern cyt

The Design

Inspired by a ready-to-wear Italian cashmere cap, we engineered our hand-knit version to be sleek and utterly seamless. The super-fine fabric is doubled at the cuff with a tiny joining welt for extra warmth. And that cool welt could be popped with a fun, contrast color. Okay, the needles are tiny and the details a little fussy, but it’s worth it—we think!

We selected two of Shibui’s yummiest yarns—Pebble for the tweedy look and that beyond soft feel, and Cima for its lovely glow and smooth drape. Each fiber creates a truly fabulous hat, but why stop there? Kit is on her fifth and thinking of more!

This 4 page pattern includes:

• Color photographs by the talented Jared Flood
• A Special Technique—the provisional cast-on method
• Step-by-step guide for that tiny joining welt (accompanied by helpful color photos)
• Instructions for swatching for gauge and fabric, and finishing and blocking your cap

See how we’ve used this pattern!

Knitter’s Notes

The Details

FINISHED SIZE
Approx. 19″/48cm around x 10″/25 cm long; fits 20-23″/51-58cm head.

YARN
Approx. 365 yds/334m of lace-weight yarn (includes approx. 15 yds/14m for welt). Note: Choose a yarn that has a little woolly structure and soft drape. Plus 5 yds/m smooth fingering-weight waste yarn for provisional cast-on.

Shown in 2 skeins Shibui Pebble (224 yds/205m each), Color 2001, Abyss.

Shown in 2 skeins Shibui Cima (328 yds/299m each): 1 skein main color (MC) Color 2035, Fog; plus 1 skein contrast color (CC) Color 2001, Abyss, for welt (used only 15 yds/14m).

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 1 (2.25mm) 16″/40cm circular and 5 double-point needles, or size to get gauge.
US 0 (2mm) 16″/40cm circular needle or one size smaller than gauge needle.
US C/2 (2.75cm) crochet hook and 1 locking marker for provisional cast-on.
4 very fine stitch markers (one in a contrast color) to mark decreases without creating gaps (knotted loops of fine yarn work nicely).
Darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
36 sts/52 rows = 4″/10cm, after wet blocking and steam pressing.

KNITTER’S NOTES
For confidence that your knitted project will turn out the right size, it is important to swatch your yarn and block it before diving into the project. Your stitch gauge is important for fit; your row gauge will affect the length. You can also assess whether you like the feel of the fabric.