Portland

Portland Unisex Beanie by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

What Is Being Made

The Portland is a fetching unisex beanie hat designed by independent designer Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a classic, wearable hat suitable for all genders, combining traditional colourwork techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is worked in DK weight yarn, with two colours creating the geometric colourwork design. The main colour (MC) requires 50 to 70 grams depending on size, while the contrasting colour (CC) requires 20 to 25 grams. Both colours are DK weight yarn with approximately 220 metres per 100 grams.

The sample shown is worked in Armscote Manor Portland wool, a blend of Portland and Black Welsh Mountain sheep breeds sourced from a single farm. The yarn is 100% wool, with the main colour in natural and the contrasting colour hand-dyed in "Juno" by A Little Bit Sheepish. This combination of heritage British wool breeds creates a warm, woolly fabric ideal for cold weather wear.

Needles and Notions

Two needle sizes are required to create the proper gauge and structure. Knitters will need 3.0 mm / US 2.5 double pointed needles or a 60 cm / 24" circular needle for working in the round on a medium circumference, used for the ribbed cuff section. The main body is worked on 4.0 mm / US 6 double pointed needles or a 60 cm / 24" circular needle for working in the round on a medium circumference.

Additional notions include 8 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Portland beanie employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for an intermediate-level knitter. The pattern requires proficiency in the following skills:

• Cast on: Creating the initial stitches to begin the hat
• Working in the round: Using circular needles or double pointed needles to create a seamless, tubular fabric
• Knit and purl stitches: The basic building blocks of the fabric structure
• Colourwork: A simple geometric pattern created by working with two colours, likely using stranded knitting techniques where yarn floats are carried across the back of the work
• Decreases: Strategic stitch reductions to shape the crown and create the proper hat silhouette
• Weaving in ends: Finishing technique to secure yarn tails and create a polished final product

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to be worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 10 cm / 4" in colourwork. This gauge is measured over the two-colour patterned section and is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern offers three sizes, with the main colour yarn requirements ranging from 50 grams for the smallest size to 70 grams for the largest.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for immediate use once purchased. The intermediate difficulty level makes it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore colourwork and shaping.