STORM HOOD

This utilitarian yet elegant accessory functions both as a hood and as a cowl, for ample head and neck coverage in chilly conditions. 



Generally speaking, hoods of this style tend to be either practical or flattering. But I wanted something that was both - and after much experimenting with proportion and fit, seem to have arrive at a design that merges these elements. The Storm Hood fully covers the ears and neck and will stay on your head in windy conditions. But the fit is not tight or balaclava-like. There is also quite a bit of versatility in how it can be worn, allowing for a variety of styling options.

Instructions are provided for knitting a free-standing hood, with stitch counts in multiple sizes for a DK to Aran weight gauge. Additionally, the Appendix explains how to
 add this hood to an existing sweater pattern using any yarn and any gauge. 


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MATERIALS & INFORMATION 


CONSTRUCTION
Worked bottom-up. The neck and lower part of the Hood are worked in the round. The upper part of the hood is then worked flat, with integrated edgings. Several options are provided for finishing the crown, including 3 needle bind-off and grafting. Note that the design of this hood is not compatible with steeking.

SIZES
total of 6 sizes, from baby to adult extra large
(head circumference range: 35cm/14” - 65cm/ 26”)
separate instructions are provided for the child-adult sizes, and for the baby-toddler sizes, due to differences in proportions

GAUGE
18 sts x 24 rounds = 10cm/4” x 10cm/ 4” in stockinette
(main fabric)
pattern also explains how to modify gauge

YARN

suitable for DK to Aran weight yarns or equivalent,
approximately 160-200m/ 175-220y per 100g/ 3.5oz

project requires up to two 100g skeins
(a single skein may be sufficient for the smaller sizes, depending on yarn used)

NEEDLES
(for main fabric)
circular needle, 4.5mm (US 7) in diameter,
or as needed to meet gauge

NOTIONS

removable stitch markers, measuring tape, scrap yarn, tapestry needle; 
three needle bind-off option also requires spare needle 



SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

depending on crown shaping option: central double decrease and three needle bind-off, or Kitchener’s stitch


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WHAT THIS PATTERN INCLUDES

This is an extensive pattern, with several sets of instructions:

1. instructions for knitting a free standing Storm Hood in DK-Aran weight yarn, in junior-adult sizes

2. instructions for knitting a Storm Hood as an extension of a sweater pattern (will work with almost any crewneck sweater pattern), at any gauge, using any yarn

3. instructions for knitting a free standing Storm Hood in DK-Aran weight yarn, in baby-toddler sizes

4. instructions for modifying various aspects of the Storm Hood design for a custom fit

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SAMPLES INFO.

All samples shown on this pattern page made with Honer och Eir Nutiden yarn, held double.

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Edited to add: This pattern has been updated in November 2022, with improved length instructions (after I noticed some knitters were ending up with a too-long hood!).