Close your eyes and imagine the salty sea breeze against your skin, the rhythmic crash of waves upon ancient cliffs, and the whispers of folklore carried on the wind. Now, what if you could capture that magic with your knitting needles? Introducing Mervin, a pattern designed to transport you to the heart of the Irish coast, where myths and maritime beauty intertwine.
Derived from the name meaning “Lover of the sea,” Mervin embodies the essence of coastal enchantment. With every stitch, you’ll feel the ebb and flow of the tides, much like the gentle rise and fall of your yarn. Whether you’re new to knitting or have years of experience, this beginner-friendly pattern is designed to embrace all skill levels, making it a perfect companion for a relaxing and rewarding knitting journey.
Picture yourself knitting Mervin as stormy grey clouds roll over the Atlantic, or as golden sunlight glistens on the water’s surface. The rhythmic motion of your hands mirrors the ocean’s timeless dance, each loop and twist infused with the soul of the sea. You may even hear the distant song of selkies, those mystical shapeshifters of Irish legend, as you bring this piece to life.
Mervin isn’t just a knitting project—it’s an invitation to explore, to dream, and to immerse yourself in the coastal magic of Ireland without ever leaving your cosy corner. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or sipping tea with a view of the horizon, Mervin will guide you on a voyage through waves of creativity and tranquillity.
So why wait? Let Mervin sweep you away on a sea-kissed adventure, where every stitch tells a story of folklore, beauty, and the timeless allure of the Emerald Isle.
Pattern Notes for Mervin
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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Tips & Tricks
For useful resources on knitting hats, please visit: https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
Pattern Support for Mervin
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
Skill Level
Beginner
Size Information
Adult
20” / 51 cm
Finished Measurements
20” / 50 cm circumference — This hat is worn with negative ease and should be 1-3” / 2.5-7.5 cm smaller than your head circumference. 9” / 23 cm in height.
Notions
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch marker (1), pompom (optional)
Suggested Needles
Brim: US6 (4 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or one size smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US7 (4.5 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
155 yd / 170 m worsted weight yarn
Suggested Yarn
Knit Picks — Swish Worsted
100% Superwash Merino
110 yd (101 m) / 1.75 oz (50 g)
Colour: Green Tea Heather
https://www.knitpicks.com/
Gauge
16 stitches by 25 rounds in pattern motif (body of hat) 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 Mervin
*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
”: Inch(es).
BOR: Beginning of round.
Cm: Centimetre(s).
Dec: Decrease.
G: Gram(s).
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)
K: Knit.
M: Metre(s).
Mm: Millimetre(s).
Oz: Ounce(s).
P: Purl.
Rep: Repeat.
Ssk: Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, knitwise. Knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops. (1 st dec)
St(s): Stitch(es).
Yd: Yard(s).
Directions for Mervin
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 80 stitches. Place a stitch marker to denote the BOR and join to work in the round, ensuring not to twist.
Brim
Continue with smaller needles.
Round 1: *K2, p2; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 1” / 2.5 cm, measured from the cast-on edge.
Body
Switch to your larger needles.
Rounds 1-2: Knit across round.
Round 3: *K4, p2, k4; rep from * across round.
Round 4: *K3, p4, k3; rep from * across round.
Rounds 5-7: *K2, p6, k2; rep from * across round.
Round 8: Repeat Round 4.
Round 9: Repeat Round 3.
Rounds 10-11: Knit across round.
Round 12: *P1, k8, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 13: *P2, k6, p2; rep from * across round.
Rounds 14-16: *P3, k4, p3; rep from * across round.
Round 17: Repeat Round 13.
Round 18: Repeat Round 12.
Rounds 19-20: Repeat Rounds 1-18 once more.
Crown
When the crown becomes too challenging to work on circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *K4, p2, k2, k2tog; rep from * across round. 72 sts
Round 2: *K3, p4, k2; rep from * across round.
Rounds 3: *K2, p6, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 4: *Ssk, p6, k1; rep from * across round. 64 sts
Round 5: *K1, p6, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 6: *K2, p4, k2; rep from * across round.
Round 7: *K3, p2, k1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 56 sts
Rounds 8-9: Knit across round.
Round 10: *Ssk, k5; rep from * across round. 48 sts
Rounds 11-12: Knit across round.
Round 13: *K4, k2tog; rep from * across round. 40 sts
Rounds 14-15: Knit across round.
Round 16: *Ssk, k3; rep from * across round. 32 sts
Round 17: Knit across round.
Round 18: *K2tog, k2; rep from * across round. 24 sts
Round 19: Knit across round.
Round 20: *Ssk, k1; rep from * across round. 16 sts
Round 21: Knit across round.
Round 22: *K2tog; rep from * across round. 8 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 Mervin 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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