NOTES FROM THE DESIGNER:

I designed this pattern several years ago when the tight-fitting knit cap was all the rage on the streets of Manhattan. Although we have seen many styles come and go since then, this hat stands up as a classic, mainly because the double-thickness ensures a super-warm garment. It is, however, knit at a slightly looser gauge than recommended for yarn, to increase stretchiness around the head. This hat is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Two-Colored Hat from her book “Knitting Without Tears”. It first appeared on the Knitlist Gift Exchange on Yahoo groups in 2002. Update 2021. I’ve been using sock yarn to make this and it works. Enjoy!

If you would like to make a one-layer version, or a version in worsted weight, see instructions at the end of the pdf pattern.

Original poster’s notes:

This is a reversible, (if you use 2 colors of yarn) lined cap with attitude made from BLACK sport weight wool blend yarn. Of course, you can use other colors & yarn. You’ll have to, since the yarn used in the original pattern is discontinued. The featured project was knitted with Mission Falls 1824 Wool, a soft, heavy worsted weight superwash wool, on US size 8 needles.

Another free pattern donated to the Knitlist as a holiday present in 2003, based on the street caps seen in NYC. Yardage and needle size are not provided, but one skein of the project yarn was all the yarn needed. You will knit a gauge swatch with the yarn & needles you think will give you the recommended gauge and proceed from that point.