This fisherman’s kep or long hat is knitted in the round using either circular knitting needles or sets of double-pointed knitting needles, depending on your preference, so there is no seam and only knit stitches are required. There is a knitted lining which is knitted first, that extends to the depth of the first Celtic knot section, which is turned up to the inside of your knitting once you have knitted that first Celtic knot band. There are some long floats of colour in the pattern and the wool that is not in use should be caught or trapped every few stitches in order to anchor it and avoid long loops inside the hat. The hat is finished with a crocheted Scottish Thistle, for which a tassel or pom pom may be substituted. Some experience of fair isle or stranded colour work is needed for this pattern.

The hat can be worn as a long hat, with the top and crown draped down the back (or side) of the head, or can be folded up and worn as a shorter hat, exposing the contrasting lining and making it even cosier over your ears on the coldest of days.

Materials

4ply/Fingering Shetland wool or equivalent

Actual amounts used are listed, but please use this as a rough guide, given that different brands may differ slightly. The yardage of the wool used is 215m/236yds per 50g.

Dark Green – 30g Light Green – 8g
Cream - 22g Dark Purple – 4g
Light Purple – 21g Mid Green – 3g

Knitting Needles

One set of 4 double-pointed knitting needles, size 3.25mm (US 3) and one set of size 3.5mm (US 4). Alternatively, you may use 40cm circular needles in these sizes, if preferred. The Thistle tassel uses a 3.5mm (US E-4)

Measurements

One size fits most (Finished measurement approx. 21ins/54cm without stretching).

Tension

Approximately 28 sts and 32 rows to 10cm.
Though it is advisable to check your tension and adjust your needle sizes accordingly, exact tension is not crucial with fair isle knitting.