This sampler hat is chock full of beautiful Aran patterns, so you can try your hand at a variety of stitches and techniques in a small space. The interplay of patterns evokes the lush rolling hills and patchwork farmlands around Ireland’s Rock of Cashel. Choose a bold or neutral color to show off the beautiful textures in this pattern. Check out my free matching Caiseal Mitts pattern in an adult medium!

This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up. It features four different Aran patterns around the hat as well as a twisted rib at the bottom. The Aran patterns are carried up into the crown decreases for a perfect finished look. The hat is topped off with a pompom.

This pattern includes five sizes: baby (16” head circumference), toddler (17.5” head circumference), child (19” head circumference), adult small/medium (21” head circumference), adult medium (23” head circumference).

The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4” in stockinette stitch.

This pattern is recommended for intermediate knitters. You must be able to make basic cables as well as decrease and increase stitches.

For the Kelly Green version, I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash, 100% superwash wool, worsted weight yarn. You will need 2 balls of Grass #26328. For the Loden Green version, I used Knit Picks Swish Worsted, 100% superwash merino. You will need 2 balls of Lost Lake Heather #25146. You may substitute any worsted weight yarn for this pattern. You will also need 16” circular needles and double pointed needles in size US 7 or whatever size necessary to get the gauge, and 16” needles one size smaller for the ribbing.

This pattern includes a schematic, and full written instructions as well as a full chart, so that you may choose according to your preference.