Balvenie is a beautifully simple, classic brimmed hat designed to show off the subtle shades of color in Harrisville’s tweed yarns.

It’s based loosely on a cashmere hat I saw in a vintage shop years ago, and really just loved the lines of. I’m not sure how close it is to the original, as I never did take a photo that day, but the combination of simple cables, single ribs and a k2 has stayed in my mind for years.

I of course, added my own thoughts - for instance, slipping the single ribs so they really stand out, creating a crown shaping that showcases the distinct lines as they come together, and knitting a really cozy, deep brim so ears are always covered.

It’s a wonderfully unisex hat, depending on the color you choose, and you can adjust the fit as you like. It stretches around the head as needed, varying length is quite simple, and the brim can be worked as desired. Maya wears hers with just a little extra depth in the photos, while Phil’s hat is snug on his head.

Pattern is written for two weights of yarn:

Sport weight (knit in FlyWHEEL, shown in Eastview)

19(22)“/48.25(55.75)cm circumference around head.
11.25”/28.5cm deep if laid flat
Gauge in ribbing at brim: 29sts/32rounds. Cable gauge in pattern.

225(250)yds / 205(228)m sport weight yarn needed

Worsted weight (knit in WATERshed, shown in Cheshire)

17(21.25)“/43.25(54)cm circumference
10(11)”/25.5(28)cm deep if laid flat.
Gauge in ribbing at brim: 21sts/28rounds. Cable gauge in pattern.

200(225)yds / 182(205)m worsted weight yarn needed

Notes are included in pattern for making other adjustments for circumference or depth.

Cable pattern is both charted and written.
Crown shaping is written only.