This digital download contains instructions for knitting your own Featherheid Hat. Please note: the instructions for the colourwork portion of the hat are charted and not written out longhand; you will need to be able to read knitting charts in order to knit this design.

About Featherheid 

This colourwork hat in six shades celebrates the patterning of feathers on a duck’s body. It is based on my experience of living with three mucky Khaki Campbell ducks – Honey, Bonbon and Pretzel – and observing the shapes and shades of their plumage. It is a simple beanie worked at a fairly loose gauge for this yarn Knit it in the colours specified to celebrate Khaki Campbell ducks, or in a palette adapted to celebrate your own fine feathered friends!

It was originally published in Milarrochy Heids by KDD & Co. and lovers of ducks may enjoy this post, celebrating the inspiration source for this design. 

Credits

• photography: Tom Barr
• model: Jane Hunter 

Yarn

KDD & Co. Milarrochy Tweed (70% wool; 30% mohair; 100m / 109yds per 25g ball). 

1 ball of each of the following shades:

• A Hirst
• B Horseback Brown
• C Bruce
• D Birkin
• E Hare
• F Buckthorn

(which you can buy here)

Needles and Notions

• 2 x 40cm / 16in gauge-size circular needles.
• Gauge-size needle(s) of your preferred type for working small circumferences.
• Gauge-size crochet hook for working provisional cast on (if using this method).
• Stitch marker.
• Tapestry needle.
• Waste yarn.

Gauge

25 sts and 33 rounds to 10cm / 4in over colourwork on gauge-size needle. Gauge was achieved on 3.5mm / US 4 needle.

Sizing

Depending on your preference, this hat can be stretched and blocked to make a slouchy shape or blocked less severely for a neatly-fitting beanie.

One size to fit head circumference: 56-60cm / 22-24in

Hat circumference (unstretched): 58.5cm / 23in

Height from brim to crown: 21.5cm / 8½in

Pattern notes

This hat begins with a provisional cast on. After a brim lining has been knitted, the outer brim is worked in corrugated rib. Lining and brim are joined together, after which the main body of the hat is worked from a colourwork chart. Double decreases shape the crown.