Cowichan-Inspired Hats & Mittens by Beth Brown-Reinsel

Cowichan-Inspired Hats & Mittens

Knitting
May 2017
Super Bulky (5-6 wpi) ?
14 stitches and 17 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 10½ - 6.5 mm
375 - 625 yards (343 - 572 m)
4-6 years: Small, 8 years to Small Adult: Medium, Medium to Large Adult: L, Extra-Large Adult:-Extra Large
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

These mittens and hats are inspired by those warm and wooly Cowichan sweaters that are still made today. Knitted in the round, they include motifs used in the larger garments. The mitten directions are first, the hats are second, but if you want to make the set, the yarn requirements are shown both separately and together for the set. (Note: the scarf is a separate pattern. See below.)

The Coast Salish people who make the Cowichan garments weave their yarns every other stitch as they knit. Although I don’t recommend this technique be used that often, I adhere to their method for anything in the Cowichan knitting tradition. I have included photos and explanations for weaving your yarns in the back of the work, English style, as the Salish predominantly knit with the yarns in their right hands.

The Finished Mitten Measurements:
Circumference: 6 (7, 8, 9)“/ 15 (17.75, 20.25, 22.75) cm
Length: 7 (8½, 10½, 11½)”/ 17.75 (21.5, 26.5, 29.25) cm

Yarn- For Mittens Only
Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky, 85% wool, 15% mohair,
125 yards per 4 oz. skein/114 m per 113 g
Color A- Sandy Heather (BM-01): 1 skein
Color B- Sable (BM-07): 1 skein
Color C- Cream (BM-10): 1 skein

The Finished Hat Measurements:
Circumference: 19½ (20½, 21¾, 23)“ / 49.5 (52, 55.5, 58.25) cm
Length with ribbing turned up: 8 (9, 10, 11)”/ 20 (22, 25, 28) cm

Yarn- For Hats Only
Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky, 85% wool, 15% mohair,
125 yards per 4 oz. skein/114 m per 113 g
Color A- Sandy Heather (BM-01): 1 (1, 1, 2) skeins
Color B- Sable (BM-07): 1 skein
Color C- Cream (BM-10): 1 skein

There is also a pattern available for a matching Cowichan-Inspired Scarf for four sizes on Beth’s website.