Product Description
Based on a style of hat seen on sixteenth century scholars, and related to the Canterbury Cap still in use by the Anglican Church, our Scholar's Cap is a comfortable, square brimmed cap with a flap that covers the ears and back of the neck.
Several variations are possible, make it with a distinct cross on the top or without, make the ear flaps longer or shorter, add a central stalk or not. Whilst not formally part of my 'Historic Hats' range, this pattern does result in a convincing approximation of the style seen in period illustrations and may be a consideration for use with 16thC costuming.
Worked in the round, top down, and fulled to size.
Scholar's Cap by Sally Pointer
What is Being Made
The Scholar's Cap is a historically-inspired knitted hat featuring a distinctive square crown and ear-covering flap. This design draws from Tudor and Renaissance portraiture, particularly associated with figures like Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and the humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam. The cap references the Canterbury Cap still used in Anglican Church traditions today, though this knitted interpretation appears to be a modern adaptation of a historical silhouette. The ear flap can be extended to cover the back of the neck for additional warmth and protection, making it a versatile design suitable for various climate needs.
Techniques Used
This intermediate-level knitting project employs shaping techniques necessary to create the cap's distinctive geometric crown. The construction requires increases and decreases to form the square crown shape, along with careful stitch placement to achieve the structured silhouette seen in historical references. The ear flap component requires separate shaping to ensure proper fit and coverage. The pattern demonstrates how traditional hat construction methods can be adapted to create period-inspired designs with modern knitting techniques.
Stitches and Construction
While specific stitch details are referenced in the pattern, the Scholar's Cap utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in ways that create the defined square crown and structured ear flap. The intermediate difficulty rating indicates that knitters should be comfortable with basic shaping, stitch manipulation, and following more complex pattern instructions. The construction likely involves working in the round or flat pieces that are subsequently joined, depending on the specific pattern methodology.
Materials
This project is worked in Aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape suitable for creating a structured hat with clear architectural lines. Aran yarn allows the square crown and flap details to be clearly visible while providing adequate warmth. Appropriate knitting needles for Aran weight yarn are required to achieve proper gauge and the finished cap's intended dimensions.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Designer: | Sally Pointer |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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