A fledgling is a young bird who has ventured out of the nest for the first time, still growing out its feathers and gaining independence. With its short floats and simple crown shaping, the Fledgling Hat’s all-over colourwork pattern of short feathers is suitable for those new to stranded knitting. Two sizes are included, as well as tips on tension, swatching, and colour dominance.

Skills & Techniques
The Long Tail Cast On (optional), working a small circumference in the round, stranded colourwork, following colourwork charts, and working decreases.

Materials Needed
1 skein in each of 2 colours of Brooklyn Tweed Loft (100% Wool; 275yds/251m per 50g skein), or
90.75 (102)yds/83 (93.25)m of fingering-weight yarn for the Main Colour (MC) +
114.5 (140)yds/104.75 (128)m for the Contrast Colour (CC).
Sample colourways: Woodsmoke MC + Artifact (Homemade Jam) CC.

You will also need one end-of-round stitch marker, and a needle for weaving in the ends.

Finished Measurements
Relaxed after blocking: 18.9 (21.25)”/48 (54)cm brim circumference, and 7.9 (8.25)”/20 (21)cm height from brim to crown. To fit 20-21 (22-23)”/50.5-53.5 (56-58.5)cm head circumference.

Both sizes are shown on my 22”/50.5cm head. The smaller size (in green) is quite fitted on me, and the larger size (in red) is slouchier. If you prefer a slouchy fit, you may prefer to work a larger size.

To resize, cast on 16 fewer (or additional) stitches for a 2.4”/6cm change in circumference after blocking.

Read more about the Fledgling Hat and its inspiration on my blog:
New pattern: Fledgling Hat

Tutorials:
Swatching in the round
Magic loop: yes, it is!
How I block my hats

Thanks to your purchases during March I was able to donate $50 to both of my chosen charities for the Operation: Social Justice fundraiser! I’m so proud we were able to help support the vital work of New Zealand’s RainbowYOUTH and Melbourne’s RCH Gender Service at this time.