This beanie or ‘toorie’ as we would call it in Shetland dialect was designed to be my ultimate winter hat. ‘Bittersie’ in Shetland dialect is a very cold day. “Hit’s a right bittersie oot dare daday” meaning “it’s very cold out there today” often used for a day where you feel the cold in your bones. There are lots of easy ways to customise this hat to suit your own needs and style.

This hat is knit in the round with no more than 2 colours in each row. Techniques used are stranded colourwork or fair isle knitting plus a double thickness of knitting for the crown, similar to twined knitting.

Hat size is 50 - 54 cm / 19½ - 21¼ in

Gauge for rib section is 31 sts to 29 rows over 10cm x 10cm rib section. I tend to be a loose knitter so you may need to alter your needle size.

One set 3.5mm/US 4 circular needles, 40cm / 15¾in long or preferred needle of your choice.
One set 3.5mm/US 4 double pointed needles DPNs, or preferred needle of your choice for small
circumference knitting.
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Jamieson’s of Shetland DK
Heron 1 x 25g ball, 75m/82 yards
Steel 1 x 25g ball, 75m/ 82 yards
Pebble approx. 1/3 ball, 9g, 25m/28 yards
Sholmit approx. 1/2 ball, 38m/41 yards

Extra yarn needed if you plan to add a pompom.