Free pattern: Russian princess in exile

Russian Princess in Exile

Download the pattern here

The Russian émigrés were so influential after they fled the revolution. They brought different perspectives and new fashions west and east and helped people learn to think in a new way. They also knew a thing or two about how to stay warm. This hat would not be for those who brought their fortune with them – leave the fox and mink for them; this is for those who made it out with their lives and had to make a life how they could that meant wearing wool, but wearing it like a princess, which is what I suggest you should do too.

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

SIZE: M[L] (shown in size L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Around head: 20[24] inches
Crown to brim: 8[10] inches

MATERIALS:
Rowan Big Wool [100% wool; 87yd/80m per 100g skein]; color: Best Brown; 1[2] skeins
1 set US #17/12mm straight needles
Tapestry needle

GAUGE:
7.5 sts/10 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch

ABBREVIATIONS:
C8B: put next 4 sts on cable needle and put at back of work, K4, then K4 from cable needle
C8F: put next 4 sts on cable needle and put at front of work, K4, then K4 from cable needle

PATTERN
All sizes:
CO50[62], turn.
Row 1: K1, *C8B, K4*, repeat between * 3[4]times, K1.
Row 2 and all wrong side rows: P.
Row 3-5: K.
Row 7: K5, *C8F, K4*, repeat between * 3[4]times, K1.

Size M only:
Row 9 (dec row): K1, * put 4 sts on cable needle and hold to back as if to C8B, k2tog 2 times, k2tog 2 times from cable needle, K4*, repeat between * 3 times, K1 (34 sts).
Rows 11-13: work even.
Row 15 (dec row): K1, *K2, put 4sts on cable needle and put to front of work as if to C8F, k2tog, k2tog 2 times from cable needle*, repeat between * 3 times, K1 (22 sts).
Row 16 (dec row): P3 together 7 times, P1 (8 sts).

Size L only:
Repeat Rows 1-5.
Row 15 (dec row): K1, *K4, put 4 sts on cable needle and hold to front as if to C8F, k2tog 2 times, k2tog 2 times from cable needle*, repeat between * 4 times, K1 (42 sts).
Rows 17-19: work even.
Row 21 (dec row): K1, *put 4sts on cable needle and put to back of work as if to C8B, k2tog, k2tog 2 times from cable needle, K2*, repeat between * 4 times, K1 (27 sts).
Row 22 (dec row): P3 together 9 times (9 sts).

FINISHING:
Draw end of yarn through remaining sts, draw tight to close the crown.
Using tapestry needle sew the seam from the brim to the crown with mattress stitch; weave in loose ends.
Photo credit: Jonathan Cross

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A few favourites

Thanks for this pattern – the hat looks so warm, perfect for the weather here in Western Massachusetts. I think this will be my first cabled project. I have approx. one skein and then some (leftover yarn) of Rowan Big Wool. Could you tell me how much of the two skeins you used for the large-sized hat? (Or, approx. how many yds. are needed?) I’d like to see if I have enough before I get started.

I’m glad to see your blog here, and very much enjoy seeing what’s on your library shelves, too!
Cynthia

This looks great! Question, should one knit a size to stretch or go with the size her head is? Mine is 23 inches, so I don’t know if I should do M or L. (I have a big head.)

Just wanted to say, cute gloves on Knitty.

I was slightly amused seeing your name – I’ve been a Sutherland for a year now, and my cousin-in-law is a Sarah ;D. Nice blog you have too!

nice hat… thanks for the pattern!

also your gloves on knitty are ingenious, I love the way the thumb is…. kudos!

La Rêveuse: The size you make should depend on how tight you want your hat. I have a big head as well and this hat is great because it is loose enough to not mess my hair too badly.

The cables do take up quite a bit and kind of hold on, but the smaller size would stretch to fit you as well.

Cyn: For the large size I used about one and a half skeins of the Rowan Big Wool. If you start and you think you will run out, you could leave out the last cable repeat before the decreasing.

Sarah

Great hat, wonderful gloves – thank you so much for sharing with us!

Made the hat! Really like it. I had to make some changes because of different guage and needles, but the changes were easy because the pattern is logical. Thanks. I wrote about it, and there are pictures on my blog..

Jordi

merhaba,
TÜRKİYE/ İZMİR den sevgiler.

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