Sonar

Sonar Hat by Heidi Kirrmaier

What is Being Made

Sonar is an advanced knit hat designed by Heidi Kirrmaier in cooperation with Malabrigo Yarns. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a fitted, colorwork hat available in four sizes: XS (46 cm / 18 inches), S (51 cm / 20 inches), M (56 cm / 22 inches), and L (61 cm / 24 inches). The hat is worked in the round and features a sophisticated design suitable for experienced knitters seeking a challenging project.

Knitting Techniques

The Sonar hat employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for experienced crafters. The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch using the round, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for circular knitting—whether using double-pointed needles (DPNs), two circular needles, or the magic loop technique. The construction begins with a provisional cast-on and folded ribbing, creating a professional, seamless finish. Colorwork elements are incorporated throughout the design, requiring knitters to manage multiple yarn colors simultaneously while maintaining consistent tension and stitch definition.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used throughout most of the hat, creating a smooth, V-patterned fabric
• 2x2 Ribbing: Used for the cuff section, providing stretch and a classic finished edge
• Colorwork: The pattern incorporates multiple yarn colors to create the Sonar design

Materials and Yarn

The Sonar hat is designed to be worked in Malabrigo Worsted, an aran-weight yarn. The pattern requires three coordinating colors from the Malabrigo palette: 80 meters (88 yards) each of #62 'Marine' (main color) and #32 'Jewel Blue' (contrast color 1), plus 50 meters (55 yards) of #28 'Blue Surf' (contrast color 2). This color combination creates a sophisticated blue-toned colorwork design.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for 4.0 mm needles for the main fabric and 3.75 mm needles (one size smaller) for the ribbed cuff. Knitters should select needle size to achieve the specified gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. A spare needle of the same size or smaller is also required for managing the provisional cast-on stitches during construction.

Pattern Structure

The Sonar pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF with instructions graded for four sizes. Size XS serves as the baseline, with alternate stitch counts provided in parentheses for sizes S, M, and L. The pattern begins with a provisional cast-on of 96 (108, 116, 128) stitches worked on the smaller needles, followed by 2x2 ribbing for 7.5 centimeters (3 inches). The ribbing is then folded in half lengthwise, creating a neat, professional edge. The pattern is worked in stockinette stitch unless otherwise indicated, making it accessible to advanced knitters familiar with standard abbreviations and techniques.