Every knitter knows the dilemma—what to do with those leftover bits of yarn after finishing a project? Too small for another full-sized creation but far too precious to discard, they often sit untouched in our stash, waiting for the perfect inspiration to strike.
That’s exactly how the Cathmore Hat came to life. Faced with an ever-growing collection of yarn remnants, I felt a challenge brewing. Could I transform these scraps into something not just wearable but truly beautiful?
With that spark of curiosity, I cast on. Each stitch was an adventure, blending colours and textures in unexpected yet harmonious ways. The process became a joyful experiment, a celebration of creativity where every scrap found its purpose. As the hat took shape, I marvelled at how these forgotten fibres wove together to form something entirely new—something vibrant, unique, and full of character.
The final stitch was a triumphant moment. The Cathmore Hat wasn’t just a hat; it was a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of knitters everywhere. It embodied the beauty of transformation—proving that even the smallest yarn leftovers could create something extraordinary.
Wearing the Cathmore Hat isn’t just about keeping warm—it’s about carrying a story. A story of creativity, sustainability, and the magic of knitting. So, the next time you find yourself with a pile of yarn scraps, don’t let them gather dust. Instead, embrace the challenge, and let the Cathmore Hat inspire you to knit something truly special.
Pattern Notes for Cathmore
Worked from the bottom up, this versatile hat pattern allows you to craft a perfectly fitting hat seamlessly in the round. The construction involves starting with the brim, progressing to the body, and culminating with shaping the crown. As you approach the final stages of the crown, you’ll need to switch from using 16” / 40 cm circular needles to either the magic loop method or double-pointed needles, depending on your preference for tackling smaller circumferences.
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I can’t wait to see your Cathmore Hat come to life! Share your WIPs and FOs on social media using #rhyFlowerBlog and #CathmoreHat—let’s celebrate your creativity together!
Tips & Tricks
For helpful resources on general hat knitting, please visit; https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
Pattern Support for Cathmore
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
Skill Level
Beginner
Size Information
Child/Teen [Adult, Large Adult]
20 [22, 24]” / 51 [56, 61] cm
Finished Measurements
18 [20, 22]” / 45 [50, 55] cm circumference — select a size from the finished measurements that is 1-3” / 2.5-7.5 cm smaller than your head circumference. This hat is worn with negative ease. 8 [9, 10]” / 20 [23, 25] cm in length.
Notions
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch marker (1), pompom (optional)
SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Brim: US7 (4.5 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or one size smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US8 (5 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or the size required to get gauge
Crown: Same needle size as the body using preferred needles for a small circumference (magic loop or double-pointed needles)
YARN REQUIREMENTS
MC: 33 [43, 61] yd / 30 [39, 56] m worsted weight yarn
CC1: 30 [33, 36] yd / 27 [30, 33] m worsted weight yarn
CC2: 32 [35, 38] yd / 29 [32, 35] m worsted weight yarn
Suggested Yarn
Yarn Vibes – Vale Irish Yarn
100% Irish Wool
164 yd (150 m) / 3.5 oz (100g)
MC: Strong Teal
CC1: Silver Birch
CC2: Yewberry
https://yarnvibes.com/
Gauge
18 stitches by 24 rounds in stockinette on larger needles = 4” / 10 cm, after blocking. Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will cause a size difference for both your finished hat and the yardage requirements for your project.
Abbreviations used in Cathmore
*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
”: Inch(es).
BOR: Beginning of round.
CC: Contrast colour.
Cm: Centimetre(s).
Dec: Decrease.
G: Gram(s).
K: Knit.
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)
M: Metre(s).
MC: Main colour.
Mm: Millimetre(s).
Oz: Ounce(s).
P: Purl.
Rep: Repeat.
St(s): Stitch(es).
Yd: Yard(s).
Directions for Cathmore
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 80 [88, 96] stitches with your MC. Place a stitch marker to denote the BOR and join to work in the round, ensuring not to twist.
Brim
Continue with smaller needles and MC.
Round 1: *K2, p2; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 1 [2, 2.25]” / 2.5 [5, 5.5] cm, measured from the cast-on edge.
Body
Switch to your larger needles. When switching colours, you may carry the colour that’s not in use by wrapping it with the current colourway at the point where they meet at the BOR.
Rounds 1-3: With MC, knit across round.
Round 4: With CC1, knit across round.
Rounds 5-6: With MC, knit across round.
Rounds 7-9: With CC1, knit across round.
Rounds 10-11: With CC2, knit across round.
Rounds 12-13: With CC1, knit across round.
Rounds 14-15: With MC, knit across round.
Round 16: With CC1, knit across round.
Rounds 17-23: Repeat Rounds 10-16 once more. Cut MC.
Rounds 24-25: With CC1, knit across round.
Rounds 26-27: With CC2, knit across round.
Round 28: With CC1, knit across round. Cut CC1.
Round 29: With CC2, knit across round.
Continue working in stockinette with CC2 until the piece measures 5.5 [6.5, 7.5]” / 14 [16.5, 19] cm, measured from the cast-on edge, or until the piece measures 2.5” / 6.5 cm less than your desired length.
Crown
When the crown becomes too challenging to work on circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *K6, k2tog; rep from * across round. 70 [77, 84] sts
Round 2: Knit across round.
Round 3:*K5, k2tog; rep from * across round. 60 [66, 72] sts
Round 4: Knit across round.
Round 5: *K4, k2tog; rep from * across round. 50 [55, 60] sts
Round 6: Knit across round.
Round 7: *K3, k2tog; rep from * across round. 40 [44, 48] sts
Round 8: Knit across round.
Round 9: *K2, k2tog; rep from * across round. 30 [33, 36] sts
Round 10: Knit across round.
Round 11: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 20 [22, 24] sts
Round 12: Knit across round.
Round 13: *K2tog; rep from * across round. 10 [11, 12] sts
Cinching the Crown
Cut the yarn, but leave a 6″ / 15 cm tail for closing the crown and weaving in. With your tapestry needle, run the yarn through your remaining stitches and pull gently to cinch the crown of your hat.
Finishing your Cathmore Hat
Weave in all your ends, then soak your hat in water for 20 minutes using a gentle soap or wool wash. Use a balloon, mannequin head, or lay your hat flat to block it while drying. Allow the hat to fully air dry. Once dry, attach a pompom if desired.
Now, with your beautiful new hat, go forth and make a stylish statement! ♥
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