There’s something undeniably captivating about the call of the great outdoors—crisp autumn air, the crunch of leaves beneath sturdy boots, and the cosy warmth of a well-loved sweater. The Woodsman knitting pattern embraces that very essence, capturing the rugged charm of nature while delivering a stunning, comfortable knit that’s as practical as it is stylish. Whether you’re crafting for the adventurer in your life or simply seeking a richly textured project to sink your needles into, this pattern promises a fulfilling experience from cast-on to bind-off.
Designed with both function and aesthetics in mind, The Woodsman is a celebration of classic knits with a modern twist. Thoughtfully constructed to provide warmth without bulk, this pattern incorporates striking stitch details that add depth and interest while remaining intuitive to work. Ideal for those who appreciate timeless knitwear with a bold personality, it’s a project that speaks to knitters who love the feel of quality fibres and the satisfaction of creating something truly special.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the inspiration behind The Woodsman, the techniques that bring its design to life, and tips to ensure your finished piece is one to treasure. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or looking for a challenge to hone your skills, this pattern offers an opportunity to craft a garment that stands the test of time—both in durability and in style. So, grab your favourite yarn, settle into a cosy knitting spot, and let’s dive into the rustic charm of The Woodsman!
Pattern Notes for The Woodsman
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 helpful resources on general hat knitting, please visit; https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
Pattern Support for The Woodsman
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
Skill Level
Intermediate
Size Information
Child/Teen [Adult, Large Adult]
20 [22, 24]” / 51 [56, 61] cm
Finished Measurements
17.5 [19.75, 22]” / 44 [49.5, 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. 7.5 [9, 10]” / 19 [23, 25.5] cm in height.
Notions
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, cable needle, 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
94 [133, 153] yd / 86 [122, 140] m worsted weight yarn
Suggested Yarn
Small Fish Yarns – Worsted
100% Superwash Merino
186 yd (170 m) / 3.5 oz (100 g)
Colour: Woodshed
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmallFishYarns
Gauge
19 stitches by 29 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 The Woodsman
( ): Work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed.
*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
”: Inch(es).
1/1 LC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the front of the work, k1, then k1 from the cable needle.
1/1 LPC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the front of work, p1, then k1 from the cable needle.
1/1 RC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the back of the work, k1, then k1 from the cable needle.
1/1 RPC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the back of the work, k1, then p1 from the cable needle.
1/1/1 RC: Slip the next 2 stitches into the cable needle and place at the back of the work, k1, slip the left-most stitch from the cable needle to the left-hand needle, move the cable needle with the remaining stitch to the front of the work, k1 from left-hand needle, then k1 from cable needle.
BOR: Beginning of round.
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).
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 The Woodsman
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 88 [99, 110] 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: *(P1, k1, p2, k1) twice, p1; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 1.75 [1.75, 2.5]” / 4 [4, 6.5] cm, measured from the cast-on edge.
Body
Switch to your larger needles.
Round 1: *(1/1 RPC, p1) twice, 1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1 LPC; rep from * across round.
Round 2: *K1, p2, k1, p3, k1, p2, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *K1, p1, 1/1 RC, p3, 1/1 LC, p1, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 4: *K1, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 5: *K1, 1/1 RPC, k1, p3, k1, 1/1 LPC, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 6: *K2, p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, k2; rep from * across round.
Round 7: *(1/1 LPC, p1) twice, 1/1 RPC, p1, 1/1 RPC; rep from * across round.
Round 8: *(P1, k1, p2, k1) twice, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 9: *P1, 1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1/1 RC, p1, 1/1 RPC, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 10: *P2, (k1, p1) 3 times, k1, p2; rep from * across round.
Round 11: *P1, 1/1 RPC, (p1, k1) twice, p1, 1/1 LPC, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 12: Repeat Round 8.
Continue working Rounds 1-12 one [two, two] more time(s). You’ll have worked the body motif two [three, three] total times. Then, work Rounds 1-4 once more.
Crown
When the crown becomes too challenging to work on circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *K1, 1/1 RPC, ssk, p2, k1, 1/1 LPC, k1; rep from * across round. 80 [90, 100] sts
Round 2: *K2, p1, k1, p2, k1, p1, k2; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *1/1 LPC, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, p1, 1/1 RPC; rep from * across round. 72 [81, 90] sts
Round 4: *(P1, k1) 4 times, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 5: *P1, k1, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice, p1; rep from * across round. 64 [72, 80] sts
Round 6: *P1, k2, (p1, k1) twice, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 7: *P1, k2, p1, ssk, k1, p1; rep from * across round. 56 [63, 70] sts
Round 8: *P1, k2tog, p1, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 9: *P1, k1, p1, ssk, p1; rep from * across round. 48 [54, 60] sts
Round 10: *P1, k1, p1, k1, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 11: *K2tog, p1, k1, p1; rep from * across round. 40 [45, 50] sts
Round 12: *K1, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 13: *K1, p1, ssk; rep from * across round. 32 [36, 40] sts
Round 14: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 24 [27, 30] sts
Round 15: *K2tog; rep from * across round. 16 [18, 20] sts
Round 16: *K2tog; rep from * across round. 8 [9, 10] 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 The Woodsman
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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