This pattern was included as part of the workshop offered at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles on June 26, 2011. The workshop fee included all materials necessary to complete the hat, as well as hands-on instruction by the designer.

Honoring the Navajo (Diné) people, the Four Directions hat features a water border symbolizing the cycle of life and eternal renewal, and four stripes representing the four directions and the daily repeating cycle of life; reminding us that each day we are offered the opportunity to begin anew.

Knitters should be able to arrive at gauge using any worsted weight yarn. The original hat was knit with a main yarn from “Black Mesa Weavers”. More information about their work can be found HERE.

This pattern requires basic knitting knowledge including: working in the round, simple stranded colorwork, creating jogless stripes and decreasing, all on double point needles.

Originally created with Navajo Churro wool, the hat also provides an opportunity to work with yarn spun from the fleece of the Navajo Churro; one of the oldest domesticated sheep breeds in North America now considered threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

While you’re on Ravelry, consider checking out and joining the Kyle William group!