About the Phrygian / Liberty Cap

For almost 2,000 years the Phrygian cap (aka liberty cap) has been a symbol of liberation. Dating back to the ancient city of Persepolis (~350 BC), this unique hat became associated with the concept of freedom during the Roman Empire, when a similar hat called a pileus was given to freed slaves to symbolize their newfound citizenship. Liberty caps were resurrected by American revolutionaries during their war for independence from Britain, being both worn and displayed atop liberty poles; they can still be seen on several state and institutional seals, such as that of the US Senate. A mere decade after America became a sovereign nation, the liberty cap reappeared in a huge way during the French Revolution, where they were worn by the sans culottes during their long and bloody struggle that eventually ended hereditary monarchy in Europe and established the general tenets of what we now recognize as human rights

Note About the Brim

Based on historical evidence, these caps were likely made without the brim we typically associate with a beanie. In a couple of engravings the caps are slightly rolled at the bottom, indicating that they were made using a straight knit stitch with no consideration for a brim at all. If you prefer to add a brim, 1.5-2” of simple ribbing will work.

Materials

• worsted / medium weight yarn (traditionally red)
• size 9 circular needles
• size 9 double-pointed needles
• 2 stitch markers of different colors
• yarn needle, measuring tape