Two years after designing the Novemberist set, I returned to colorwork. I’d spent the time knitting texture, cables, and lace—different ways to play with yarn and stitch patterns—but colorwork was calling, and I just wanted to create. I also wanted an easy project for on-the-go knitting.

I pulled out the second chevron chart I’d swatched before I made the Novemberist Hat, one of the two I hadn’t used. Then I borrowed the brim construction from Aslyn, a pattern I’d developed in those two years, and started playing with how they could work together. I found the yarns in my stash once again: a vibrant, speckled pink from Stitches West 2020 and a deep charcoal grey I’d also picked out at the local yarn shop where I held my first trunk show. They were unexpected together—nothing like the jewel tones I usually reach for. But knitting with that pink? Different colored speckles emerged with each strand, and every stitch had its own character. I couldn’t wait to get to the next one.

My favorite part though? That was designing the crown. As I was testing the shaping I’d charted, the stitch pattern surprisingly formed itself into a geometric star. It’s not obvious from the chart, or even while you’re knitting it. The fabric just condenses, each round gets faster, and then suddenly it’s there. Like a reward for your effort. That’s Kestra.

What makes it special

• Twisted rib brim, your choice. Begin with a squishy doubled brim for extra warmth, or go flat if you’re knitting for a warmer climate or prefer less fabric around your ears. The flat brim also uses less yarn!

• Interconnected chevrons with an easy repeat. Memorize the pattern and the knitting becomes rhythmic and engaging. The kind of stitch repeat that pulls you forward and makes you think, “Just one more round …”

• Takes a week or less to make. DK weight yarn, small circumference, straightforward colorwork, and no surprises (until the star reveal!).

What you get

• Step-by-step instructions in a downloadable PDF. Complete guidance from cast on to finishing, plus charts for the main chevron stitch pattern and crown shaping.

• Videos for both cast-on options. Learn the chained provisional cast on for the doubled brim or the German twisted cast on for the flat brim.

• One size, but adjustable. Change your yarn weight, needle size, or number of rounds to customize the fit.

The Knitty-Gritty

Description
Featuring a geometric chevron pattern that continues into the crown and culminates in the shape of a star, the Kestra hat is a fun and quick knit that combines the beauty of simple stranded colorwork and twisted ribbing. Begin with either a modern, folded brim as shown or a flat brim for a classic look, and pair the hat with the matching mitts for an additional pop of color and added warmth!

Sizes
One Size

Finished Measurements
17” (42.5 cm) circumference at brim, unstretched; 8½” (21.5 cm) tall

Yarn
Approximately 206 yards (188 meters) DK weight yarn:

• 136 yards (124 meters) main color {98 yards (90 meters) if knitting flat brim}
• 70 yards (64 meters) contrasting color

Needles & Hooks

• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 16” (40 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 16” (40 cm), or needle size 1 mm smaller than gauge needle
• Spare circular needle in size identical or similar to smaller needle, 16” (40 cm)
• Appropriate needle(s) in the larger size for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round
• Size E (3.5 mm) crochet hook (for chained provisional cast on), or hook size comparable to gauge needle size

Gauge
Stranded Colorwork: 28 sts and 24 rnds = 4” (10 cm), worked in the round using larger needles, after blocking
Twisted Rib: 22.5 sts and 32 rnds = 4” (10 cm), worked in the round using smaller needles, after blocking

Notions

• (1) Stitch marker for beginning of round

• Waste yarn (same weight as working yarn; in a third, high‑contrasting color; and smooth)

• Tapestry needle