This summer I had the pleasure of spending some time with the wonderful women from Knit Social, Amanda and Fiona. We spent several busy days together on the photoshoots for their first book, Cascadia. When they asked me to design a pattern for Knit City 2013, I jumped at the chance!
The idea of using smocking stitch had been rolling around in my head and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to put it to use!
The Gather pattern has instructions for both a hat and cowl featuring my new favourite technique: smocking. It looks a little bit like a cable, but it is easier to work and very stretchy – perfect for a hat. This design really shines in subtle semi-solids and in wilder variegated colourways.
::: Gather Project Details:::
Pattern: Gather by Alexa Ludeman
Yarn: DK or Worsted weight yarn (knits to 20 sts / 4″)
For hat: 70 (80, 90, 110, 150, 170) yds
For cowl: 90 (225, 450) yds (Samples shown in Kattikloo Organic Merino DK in ‘Leaf’, ‘Metal’, and ‘KnitCity 2013’)
Suggested needles: For hat: US #4 / 3.5 mm 16” circular needle,
US #6 / 4 mm 16” circular and DPNs (or as req’d to meet gauge)
For cowl: US #6 / 4 mm 16 (16, 32)” circular needle
Sizing: Hat: Baby (Toddler, Child, Adult S, M, L)
Fits head 16 (17.5, 19, 20.5, 22, 23) inches around
Cowl: Child (Adult Short, Adult Long)
6 (10, 10) inches tall by 19 (23, 48) inches around
::: About Smocking Stitch :::
No need to be intimidated by smocking, it may look fancy but it’s really easy peasy! Download the Gather pattern, then follow the step-by-step instructions in our smocking stitch tutorial, to make an adorable hat for yourself, a friend, or a little cutie-pie you love!
More Hats and Cowls from Tin Can Knits:
November 14, 2013 @ 1:13 am
Beautiful, thanks for sharing. I am making a huge note to knit this hat in the winter. :-) Smocking technique looks just perfect.
November 11, 2013 @ 12:22 am
love smocking – both sewn and knitted!
November 8, 2013 @ 9:55 pm
The hats look really beautiful. And the smocking technique reminds me that I should actually try out more new things. And just from those few pictures, it really seems one of those things that are really easy to make but look incredibly complicated. (good for gifts :))
December 11, 2013 @ 5:30 pm
Smocking definitely looks more complex than it actually is! When Alexa designed the pattern, I decided to knit one to try it out, and created the tutorial to show people how easy it is. You should try it!
November 8, 2013 @ 10:35 am
What a fabulous hat! I’ve never tried the smocking technique but it’s looks lovely when executed into a decorative panel! I might have to treat myself to this :D x