Many of these trees were my friends. Creatures I had known from nut and acorn. Treebeard (Lord of the Rings)

Inspired by the autumnal colours of this beautifully blended gradient, this slouchy squirrel hat and acorn mitts set will keep you warm on your walks through the Ent-ish woods.

The hat and mitts showcase a Chevron pattern which is achieved through slipped stitches (using only one colour at a time). You’ll only have a few rounds of colourwork to do - the Running Squirrels on the hat and the dancing Acorns on your mitts. The mitts feature a thumb gusset for a good fit. These small-scale projects are a great way to get to grips with slipped stitch patterns and colourwork.

A great unisex pattern!

• Pattern includes detailed information about yarn usage for each colour.
• Size range covers from older child/teenager to larger adult/men’s sizes.

Patterns are designed to make the most of your yarns and, due to the simple repeat of the Chevron pattern, it would be easy to modify the colour scheme and/or repeats in any way you like. The hat can be modified to a beanie by starting crown shaping earlier.

The Hat and Mitt set is shown in size Medium. The hat is modelled with no ease size. The mitts have 1in/2.5cm ease.

Pattern includes written instructions for the slipped stitch chevron pattern. Colourwork patterns (Running squirrels and Acorns) are in chart form only.

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn, shown in:

• 1 ball each: Blacker Breeds Shetland 4ply, 100% Pure New Shetland Wool, 175m (190yds) per 50g in shade: Cream (MC) and Dark Brown (DB)
• 1 gradient set: Sylvan Tiger Yarn Lethera Shetland Gradients, 100% British Shetland, 350m (380yds) per 100g in shade: Chocolate Orange

Needles: 3.5mm (US 9) — 40cm (16in) circular needle and DPNs

Notions: 4 stitch markers and waste yarn/stitch holders

Gauge (given after blocking):

• 20 sts and 40 rows per 10cm (4in) over Chevron slipped stitch pattern
• 20 sts and 32 rows per 10cm (4in) over Stocking stitch

Finished Measurements:

• Hat circumference: 17 (19, 20, 22)in / 43 (47, 51, 54.5)cm
• Mitt circumference: 5 (6.5, 7, 8.5)in / 12.5 (16.5, 21.5, 25.5)cm

Blocking
Shetland yarn benefits from wet blocking, as this helps the yarn to bloom. To wet block, soak finished item in cold water with a little soap or alternative until thoroughly wet. Rinse out soap if needed. Squeeze out as much water from the piece as you can. Lay flat and pin out or stretch to finished measurements.