How to choose yarn for knitted hat

Knitted hat is a great way to stay warm and comfy in the winter. A well-chosen yarn can make all the difference in creating a hat that’s cozy, comfortable, and warm. However, with so many different types of fibre and yarn available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing yarn for your next knitted hat.

Wool Adventure Winter Hat Collection is available from Ravelry.

1. Fiber Content

The first and most important thing to consider is the fiber content of the yarn. Some common fibers used for knitting hats include:

- Merino wool: Merino wool is an excellent choice for hats. It is a natural fiber that is warm and durable. It is also naturally water-resistant, soft and has minimal itchiness. Extra fine merino is a perfect choice for baby hats.

- Alpaca: Alpaca is another natural fiber that is similar to wool but softer and less itchy. It is also warm enough for autumn and winter hats. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious, drapey effect. However, alpaca can be more expensive than merino wool or synthetic fibers.

- Acrylic: Acrylic is a budget friendly synthetic fiber. It is soft and machine-washable, which makes it easy to care for. However, acrylic is not as warm as wool and can pill over time.

- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable and comfortable. Cotton is not ideal for winter hats because it lacks warmth and elasticity. However, it is a good choice for lightweight, breathable summer hats.

For baby hats and hats that will be worn directly against the skin, avoid coarse or scratchy fibers, like rustic wool blends or rough alpaca. Some lower-quality wool blends can also be itchy, so test the yarn on your skin to ensure it is soft and comfortable for you. 

Lace Charm Hats are knitted in combination of Merino and Alpaca yarns

2. Texture: Smooth or Fuzzy?

Smooth-textured yarns, like single-ply or tightly spun yarns, will show stitch patterns and textures (like cables or ribbing) beautifully, making them a great choice for hats with intricate designs. Yarns with a halo, like mohair or angora blends, offer a soft, airy look but can make detailed stitch patterns harder to see. Choose texture based on the look and feel you want for the finished piece!

3. Superwash vs. Non-Superwash Yarn

Superwash Wool: If you plan washing your hat in a washing machine consider using superwash wool. This yarn has been especially treated to be machine washable, making it easier to care for.

Non-Superwash Wool: Non-treated wool needs more gentle care and should be hand washed and dried flat or on a shape. However, it holds its shape better, therefore it makes a greater choice for most styles of hats, including bucket hats or berets.

Rainforest Hat and Cowl are knitted with super wash yarn. 

4. Yarn Weight (Thickness)

DK Weight: Light and versatile, DK-weight yarns are good for lightweight, fitted hats or hats for mild winters.

Worsted or Aran Weight: These thicker yarns offer warmth and structure, making them ideal for winter hats.

Bulky or Super Bulky Weight: Super cozy and quick to knit, bulky yarns are great for extra-warm, chunky hats.

When in doubt, choose a yarn that suits the climate you are knitting for.

Fancy Twist Hat and Cowl are knitted in rowing bulky weight yarn.

5. Ways to Make your Hat Warmer

- To maximize warmth, consider using yarn with a high percentage of wool, especially merino or alpaca blends. You can also add a lining of fleece as an internal layer to your hat. 

- Adding a strand of mohair or another soft yarn to your main yarn is also a great idea.

- Alternatively, you can knit the hat with a double folded brim for extra warmth. 

Trimetry bucket hat is not just double layered, but it is reversible too!

6. Additional tips to consider

- Pattern Requirements: Remember to check the yarn requirements in the pattern, which you are going to use for your hat project. Most patterns have the yarn recommendation and even mention the yarn brand. Personal Preference

- Personal preference: Ultimately, the best way to choose yarn for your knitted hat is to consider your personal preferences. Do you want a hat that is warm and cozy or light and airy? Do you prefer a hat that is machine-washable or hand-wash only?

- Think about the occasion. Are you knitting a hat for everyday wear or a special occasion? If you are knitting a hat for a special occasion, you may want to choose a more luxurious yarn, such as cashmere or silk.

- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing yarn for a knitted hat. Try different yarns and see what you like best. Play with colours and fibers. Try variegated or multi coloured yarn.

Colourscape hat is knitted with acrylic yarn. 

Summary

The best hat yarn is soft, warm, and has enough elasticity to hold its shape. Remember to knit a gauge swatch, especially if your yarn choice or gauge may change the hat’s size. With the right yarn, you would create a cozy, stylish hat that’s perfect for the season. I hope this blog post helps you choose the perfect yarn for your next knitted hat!

Happy knitting!

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Read more ...

Poncho for Fall - knitting pattern for Tamar Poncho

Autumn is the perfect time to wrap yourself or your loved ones into big comfortable poncho! I love knitting poncho for my gorgeous girls and myself. I already have many interesting models in my collection – ponchos with sleeves, poncho with front pocket, ponchos with simple and complicated cables. However, multi coloured poncho was missing from it. So here it is. Please meet the Tamar Poncho!

The Tamar Poncho is the perfect cozy, oversized piece for your wardrobe. Whether you're knitting for a toddler or yourself, this versatile design brings warmth and comfort while looking stylish with its modern, textured features.

Design Features

The poncho is worked bottom-up and can be knitted on straight or circular needles. It features an oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders, giving it a relaxed, comfortable fit. The highlight of this design is the long turtleneck collar, worked in a beautiful textured ribbing that adds both warmth and style to the poncho.

Both the Front and Back panels are knitted in contrast colour stripes with vertical columns of slip stitches running down the length of the garment. These slip stitches create a subtle yet striking detail, giving the poncho an eye-catching texture. The edge bands are knit in garter ridges as you go, which not only adds a neat, finished look but also eliminates the need to pick up stitches later.

Once the front and back are completed, they are sewn together using four decorative buttons, adding another unique detail to the design.

Sizing for Everyone

The Tamar Poncho is available in a wide range of sizes, from 2-3 years (child) to adult 3XL, making it the ideal project whether you're knitting for a little one or creating something cozy for yourself.

Yarn & Color Inspiration

This design uses DK weight yarn, and I’ve chosen Drops Soft Tweed in five contrast colours for my sample: shades 03, 18, 16, 05, and 02. However, the poncho will look fantastic with fewer colours if you prefer a more muted palette. It's also a great project to use up your leftover yarn for the narrower stripes, making it a perfect stash-busting project!

Knitting pattern

The Tamar Poncho offers a wonderful balance between simplicity and texture. It’s easy enough for intermediate knitters and those who enjoy knitting oversized garments. The contrast stripes and slip stitch details add just enough flair without being too complex, and the versatile sizing means you can make one for everyone in the family.

Whether you're bundling up for a cool autumn day or layering up in the winter months, the Tamar Poncho is sure to become one of your favourite go-to pieces. Grab your needles, pick your favourite shades, and start knitting your own Tamar Poncho today!

Knitting pattern for Tamar Poncho is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts.

Five Poncho designs for inspiration

Please feel free to discover more stylish  poncho designs from ViTalina Craft:

1. Temptation Poncho and Big Temptation Poncho

2. Dreamaway Poncho

The design features are dropped shoulder, wide collar and inverse trapezium silhouette. Front and Back of poncho are decorated with beautiful cables combination divided by columns of slipped stitches. There also combination of textured stitches on both sides of cable panels. Front and Back ate joined with four wooden buttons.

3. Ramble Poncho Light for children and adults

This comfortable oversized poncho knitted bottom up. Front and back of poncho knitted separately back and forth. After the shoulder seams closed, the stitches picked up for the hood. For the better fit of hood, there are couple of rows are knitted in the round for the short collar. Then the hood is knitted back and forth. The hood band is also knitted in the round. The poncho is designed with positive ease of 20-25 cm/8-10 inches. The attached wooden buttons used as decoration and for joining front and back together.

4. Cable Fantasy Poncho and Adult Cable Fantasy Poncho

Cable Fantasy poncho is perfect staple for any wardrobe. Knitted with Aran weight yarn, poncho is designed with plenty of positive ease for comfortable wear and keeping warm. The poncho knitted bottom up on straight needles. Front, back and sleeves of poncho knitted separately. After the raglan seams closed, the stitches picked up for the collar and edge band. The turtleneck collar and edge band knitted in the round in 2 x 2 rib. Front of poncho knitted in combination of moss stitch and cables; back and sleeves knitted in moss stitch only. The attached wooden buttons used as decoration and for joining front and back together.

5. Transformer Poncho and Hat

This comfortable set consists of over-sized poncho and a matching hat. The poncho is knitted back and forth in Stockinette and decorated with fancy cable in the front. The hat is knitted in the round.

The poncho is designed with positive ease about 25 cm/ 10 inches, dropped shoulder and high neck. Also, the poncho has removable sleeves, which allows it to be transformed into long-sleeved sweater. Back and front of the poncho are knitted separately. After the shoulder seams are completed, the stitches are picked up for collar and edge band. The edge band is formed with I-cord bind off.

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Read more ...

Knitted scarf for women with lacy stitch – Cresting Diamond Scarf

Lacy knitted scarf is a great accessory for early autumn days. It embellishes any fall outfit with touch of elegance and style while keep you warm and cozy, protecting from wind. And what could be better than a hand knitted scarf which made with just one skein of fingering weight yarn! 

So, today I am excited to share my one skein wonder - the Cresting Diamond Scarf, – a design that blends elegance and texture, perfect for knitters of all levels looking for a satisfying and stylish creation.

About the Design

The Cresting Diamond Scarf is all about intricate yet subtle textures. It features a diamond-shaped motif that gives the scarf a beautifully structured look, while still remaining soft and drapey enough to wrap comfortably around your neck. The pattern strikes a balance between bold geometric design and timeless simplicity, making it a versatile accessory to pair with any outfit.

This scarf is perfect for those cold autumn and winter days when you want to stay cozy, but also stylish. Whether you’re wearing it over a coat or as an indoor accessory, the diamond pattern adds a bit of sophistication to your wardrobe.

Design Features

• Eye-catching lacy diamond motif: The textured design provides depth and interest without being overly complicated.

• Versatile size: The scarf can be easily adjusted to your preferred length. Whether you like long scarves you can wrap multiple times or shorter versions for a neat drape, this pattern is easily adaptable. The width of scarf can be adjusted using thicker yarn such as sport or DK.

• Texture and warmth: The diamond pattern creates a dense, warm fabric, making it ideal for chilly weather.

• Construction: Knitting starts with pointy end and slowly increased to the full width. The edges of scarf follow the diamond pattern creating beautiful wavy edges.

Yarn Choice

The Cresting Diamond Scarf works best with a fingering/4-ply weight yarn. For a luxurious feel, consider using a wool-silk blend or alpaca for softness and warmth. For a more rustic, everyday scarf, a wool or wool-blend yarn will work perfectly. Adding a strand of mohair would make the scarf evem warmer and more delicate.

I used Milburn 4-ply in shade dusk and Ascham 4-ply in light pink from Eden Cottage Yarns for my samples. Both yarns gave the scarf a smooth texture and excellent stitch definition to highlight the diamond pattern.

Knitting Pattern

This pattern is beginner-friendly. It is written with detailed row-by-row instructions and full lace charts for more experienced knitters.  

If you are newer to knitting but want to try out a slightly more advanced texture, this pattern is a great opportunity to expand your skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Knitting pattern for Cresting Diamond Scarf is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

The Cresting Diamond Scarf is a fun and stylish knitting project that will become a go-to piece in your wardrobe or make a wonderful handmade gift. The classic diamond motif combined with easy-to-follow instructions makes this pattern a must-try for knitters at any level.

Whether you are knitting it for yourself or as a gift, the Cresting Diamond Scarf is a thoughtful, handmade piece that is sure to be appreciated.

I cannot wait to see how your Cresting Diamond Scarf turns out! Feel free to share your projects and yarn choices, and let us inspire each other with this beautiful pattern.

Knitted Shawls with fingering yarn

I have two more beautiful shawl designs created with Milburn 4-ply in my collection. If you love knitting shawls you might like to consider knitting Wisla Shawl and Instyle Shawl for yourself or as a gift for your dear friend. 

You can read more about Wisla Shawl here and about Instyle Shawl here

Read more ...

Perfect Wardrobe Staple: Knitting Pattern for the Islet Tee

I am a big fan of comfortable, simple tops and sweaters that form the basics of our wardrobes. One such item is a short-sleeve raglan tee, which can be easily styled with many pieces like shorts, jeans, or skirts. It also makes a perfect companion to a blazer as a base layer.

I love adding interesting design elements to these basic pieces to make them look more fashionable and stylish. Today, I’d like to introduce my Islet Tee – a short-sleeve raglan top with unique side panels.

Design Features:

• The Islet Tee is knitted in fingering-weight yarn, making it perfect to wear on its own or as a base layer under a jacket or blazer, depending on the weather.

• The round neck and short raglan sleeves contribute to a relaxed and comfortable fit.

• The stylish side panels at the waist create a flattering silhouette and accentuate the waist.

Yarn: 

The pattern uses 4-ply fingering-weight yarn. My sample is knitted in an alpaca-linen blend, which makes it warm enough for chilly autumn days. The linen adds a touch of rustic texture to the smooth stockinette fabric.

Pattern Details:

• The pattern is size-inclusive and written for chest sizes ranging from 88 cm (34⅝ inches) to 149 cm (58¾ inches).

• It is beginner-friendly.

Why You’ll Love Your Islet Tee:

• A classic design with unique details that set it apart from other staple pieces.

• Effortless style, making it a perfect wardrobe essential.

• A quick and satisfying knit.

• Easy to modify: You can adjust the length of the body or sleeves, add a pop of colour to the sleeves or ribbing bands for a more stylish look, or experiment with yarn textures to create your own unique style.

Knitting pattern for Islet tee is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

PROMO CODES FOR RAVELRY:

310 - to get 10% off for 3x patterns

515 - to get 15% off for 5x patterns

P.S. Don’t forget to share your finished tops on social media using the hashtag #vitalinacraftdesign. I’d love to see your creations!

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Read more ...

Knitting pattern for summer - Broken Symmetry top

 

Hello fellow knitters!

I am thrilled to share my latest summer design with you all – the Broken Symmetry Top. This stylish and breezy top is perfect for those hot summer days, and it’s a project that you’ll love knitting and wearing.

Inspiration and Design

The Broken Symmetry Top draws inspiration from one of my previous designs, the Seychelles Tee. I loved the lacy stripes formed by elongated stitches in the Seychelles Tee, so I decided to incorporate a similar feature into this new design. However, this time, I wanted to add a twist. Instead of uniform stripes, the Broken Symmetry Top features asymmetrical and randomly ordered lacy stripes, adding an element of surprise and uniqueness to the garment.

The back of the top is knitted in plain stockinette stitch, providing a smooth and simple contrast to the intricate front. The result is a modern and eye-catching piece that will turn heads wherever you go.

Yarn ideas

The Broken Symmetry Top is knitted with DK yarn in a linen and cotton blend. This combination makes the top lightweight, breathable, and perfect for summer wear. Linen and cotton are known for their excellent drape and comfort, ensuring that the top keeps you cool and comfortable even on the warmest days.

My sample is knitted with King Cole Linendale DK yarn in shade Mushroom. 

The yarns include both cotton, linen and viscose fibres and has slightly lose spin, which helps to created beautiful drapery fabric. 

For inspiration and more yarn ideas you can see the project pages from my test knitting team on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/broken-symmetry-top/people 

My favourite yarns for this project are as follow:

1. CotLin by Knit Picks  is 70% cotton and 30% linen blend, which comes in many beautiful shades. It is durable, wearable and soft yarn. 

2. CotLin Bare by Knit Picks is the same cotton linen blend which comes undyed. So you can not only knit yourself a lovely summer garment, but also customize the colour by dying it with plant based or even artificial dye. 

3. BC Garn Alino from Lovecrafts. It is 50% linen and 50% cotton blend with comes in both pastel and bright shades. 

4. King Cole Bamboo-Cotton DK from Lovecrafts. It is 50% bamboo and 50% cotton blend. I used this yarn for both adult and children projects and love the result! 

Summer Yarn sale

Construction and pattern

One of the best features of this design is its "minimum seams" construction. The top is designed to minimize seaming, making it easier and quicker to complete. The boxy silhouette and slightly cropped length add to the casual, yet stylish look of the top. Whether you pair it with high-waisted shorts, a skirt, or your favourite jeans, this top is versatile enough for any summer outing.

Thanks to the medium weight yarn and straightforward construction, the Broken Symmetry Top is a relatively quick project. The top is knitted seamlessly up to underarms and has the photo tutorial for elongated stitches. It is written for wide range of sizes from XS to 3XL

You can knit it up just in time for your next summer holiday! The pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters, but adventurous beginners looking to expand their skills will also enjoy the challenge.

I hope you love the Broken Symmetry Top as much as I do. It’s a fun and rewarding project that results in a stylish, unique garment perfect for the summer season. I can’t wait to see your versions of this top and how you style it for your summer adventures.

Knitting pattern for Broken Symmetry top is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

To celebrate the pattern release I happy to offer you 15% off the pattern on Ravelry with code BL15. Offer is valid until 15th of July, 2024.

P.S. Don’t forget to share your finished tops on social media using the hashtag #vitalinacraftdesign. I’d love to see your creations and feature them in my stories!

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Read more ...

Summer top knitting pattern - Seychelles tee

 My New Summer Design is Off the Needles! Please Welcome the Seychelles Tee! 🌸

I'm thrilled to introduce my latest creation, the Seychelles Tee! This stylish top is knitted with DK weight yarn in a bamboo and cotton blend, making it perfect for hot summer days. The cotton fiber helps the garment retain its shape, while the bamboo adds softness and breathability.

Design Features:

• Crop Boxy Silhouette: Trendy and flattering, perfect for pairing with high-waisted shorts or skirts.

• Round Neck: Classic and versatile for any look.

• Slightly Dropped Shoulder: Adds a relaxed and comfortable fit.

• Minimal Seams: Knitted in the round up to the underarms to minimize seaming, with neck and armhole bands also knitted in the round. Only the shoulder seams need to be sewn.

Unique Details:

• Elongated Stitches: These create beautiful lacy stripes on a stockinette background for a polished and stylish look.

Whether you’re heading on holiday or planning a city stroll, this top is easy to style with any outfit. Knit it in your favourite summer yarn and add a splash of colour to the lacy stripes for your own unique garment.

Pattern Details:

• Size Inclusive: Written for sizes from XS to 3XL.

• Photo Tutorial: Includes a handy photo tutorial for elongated stitches, making it easy to follow along.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:

• Breathable and Comfortable: Ideal for warm weather with a bamboo-cotton blend.

• Effortless Style: Pairs easily with your summer wardrobe.

• Quick Knit: Enjoy a satisfying and fun project.

The knitting pattern for the Seychelles Tee is now available on Ravelry . Grab your needles and yarn, and start your summer knitting adventure today!

To celebrate the pattern release enjoy special discount for blog readers  - 15% off on Ravelry with code BL15

Read more ...

Knitted vest – styles, materials and knitting patterns

 Part 1

Why opt for knitted vest

I have been a big fun of wearing knitting vests for many years. As a perfect layering piece, any vest is so easy to style and so comfortable to wear in everyday life. It is such a versatile addition to both children and adults wardrobe. Knitting of vest has so many positives - it is really fast to knit as it has no sleeves, takes less yarn and it still gives you this feeling and satisfaction of a completed garment! 

Note: Cable Whisper vest (left) and Hoya vest (right)

Any vest is also essential garment for children wardrobe! They provide just the right amount of warmth without the bulk of sleeves, making them ideal for active play. Plus, they're super easy for kids to put on and take off, fostering a sense of independence. 

Over the years, I have designed a number of different vest for children and adults. So let’s discover the world of knitting vests and see what styles and options are available and how to style them in everyday life. First let talk about materials that would create a perfect vest for any occasion. 

Yarn choice

When it comes to yarn choices, the possibilities are endless! Opt for a warm wool blend for extra coziness or choose a soft cotton for a lighter feel. The beauty of vests lies in their adaptability to different styles and preferences. You can read more about yarn choices for any knitted garment in one of my previous posts Choosing Yarn for knitting project 

Let's talk about types of vests.

T-shape vest

T-shape vest is a lovely option, which creates an illusion of a vest with short dropped shoulder. It can be knitted as a one piece by adding a number of stitches on the lower edge of armhole as well as a number of rows in chosen stitch (ribbing, garter etc) can be added to the edge of vest along the armhole after front and back are completed and sewn together. This style of vest is easy to customize by playing with body and sleeve length. 

There are a few t-shape vest in my collection

1. Arlet vest 

This vest has classic t-shape silhouette, knitted as you go sleeve, round neck and fancy little pocket at front. The front of vest is decorated with beautiful easy to memorise cable in combination with fancy textured stitch. Knitting pattern for Arlet vest is size inclusive and written for sizes from XS to 5XL

Knitting pattern for Arlet vest is available from Ravelry and Lovecraft

2. Cable leasure vest 

Cable Leisure vest is beautiful unisex vest for children. Decorated with pretty cable at front, this vest is a great project for cable knitters. You can adjust the collar length to folded turtle neck and create a perfect winter vest with no need for scarf! Also by playing with the vest length up to underarms, you can update it to a tunic length or to a crop version. 

Knitting pattern for the vest is available from Ravelry and Lovectafts 

3. Crossbow vest 

Crossbow vest is fancy vest with illusion of 3D stitch but there are no cables. It takes a bit of time to finish it but knitting process itself is very simple as there are just knit and purl stitches involved and no increases or decreases. It has wide short sleeves and boat neck. 

Find this pattern on Raverly or Lovecrafts 

Classic vest with round neck 

A classic knitted vest normally has a simple timeless design, which makes it versatile wardrobe staple. In terms of shape, it often adopts a straightforward silhouette ranging from fitted to slightly relaxed. The style is often sleeveless, allowing for easy layering over different outfits.  

The choice of stitch pattern can vary, but classic vests often feature simple textured stitches, such as ribs or cables, contributing to a clean and polished look. It can be knitted with V-neck or a round neck. 

1. Cable Whisper Vest 

Cable Whisper vest is a great example of a classic vest with Aran stitches. It is knitted with DK weight yarn and makes a perfect transition from warm to cold season and vice versa. Both front and back of vest are decorated with beautiful cables combination. Other vest features are a round neck, side slits and slightly cropped length, which is easy adjustable by adding an inch or so before armhole shaping. The vest is worked flat from bottom up, collar and armhole bands are knitted in the round.

Pattern for Cable Whisper vest is on Ravelry and Lovecrafts 

2. Tonic vest

Tonic vest is another example of a classic knitted vest. It is knitted with 4-ply weight yarn in combination of stockinette, moss and fancy textured stitches. 

Knitting pattern is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

3. Lady Butterfly vest

Designed for kids, this beautiful vest is decorated with 3D butterfly at front and fancy bands around neck, armholes and along the bottom line. The front and back of vest are knitted in easy to memorise textured stitch, which makes the knitting process fast and enjoyable. 

Both vest and hat are knitted with sport/5-ply weight yarn

Knitting pattern for vest is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

The matching hat is also on Ravelry and Lovecrafts 

Part 2 of Vests overviews is coming soon  :)

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Read more ...