Stonewall Hat

Stonewall Hat by Duke of Nikko

Design Overview

The Stonewall Hat is a commemorative knitting pattern designed by Duke of Nikko, honoring the 50th anniversary of the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising. This intermediate-level hat features meaningful typography and symbolic elements that celebrate LGBTQ history and diversity. The design incorporates the word "STONEWALL" alongside Japanese kanji characters "石垣" (Ishi Gaki), which translate to "Stone" and "Wall," creating a bilingual tribute to this pivotal moment in civil rights history. Complementing the text, the pattern includes gender symbols arranged in random order throughout the design, visually representing the diversity and harmony of all genders.

Techniques and Stitches

This knitting pattern employs two primary techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and construction:

• Corrugated Ribbing: Used in the hat's structure, this technique creates a textured, dimensional ribbed fabric that provides both elasticity and visual interest. Corrugated ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in different colors, resulting in a raised, corded effect.
• Stranded Knitting: Also known as Fair Isle knitting, this colorwork technique allows the pattern to incorporate multiple colors within rows. Stranded knitting involves carrying unused yarn colors inside the fabric while working with the active color, enabling the creation of the typography and gender symbols featured in the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern is worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically designed to be worked with Spargur Yarn Co. Squish, a superwash merino blend. The sample shown uses a total of 2 hanks: 1 hank in Blood Moon (main color) and 1 hank in Envy (contrast color). Each hank contains 181 yards or 166 meters and weighs 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. The superwash merino fiber provides durability, softness, and easy care properties suitable for a hat that will be worn frequently.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated at the intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex colorwork and shaping. Familiarity with both corrugated ribbing and stranded knitting techniques is essential for successfully completing this project.

Format

The Stonewall Hat pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing knitters to access the instructions immediately upon purchase and print them for reference while working.