Mackerel Sky Beanie - Brambles and Bindweed

One of my favourite cloud formations is the mackerel sky. I have tried to capture this rippling pattern in this beanie hat, so that you can walk under such a sky any time you want. But be warned, according to folklore “mackerel sky, mackerel sky, not long wet, not long dry”. It is true that if you see these clouds then rain is likely to be on the way. But living in England, this isn’t a surprising thing anyway. And if you do get caught out in a shower, well you can also go home to pop the kettle on and have a lovely cup of tea!

This pattern is available on Ravelry, Payhip and Lovecrafts. There is a low vision accessible version of this pattern. Please note that this version is not available on Lovecrafts.

Techniques

You will need the following techniques to work this pattern. Follow the links to head over to Base Camp if you need a refresher for a particular techniques.

Tubular cast-on (optional)
knit below
decreasing
seaming

Essential Information

Measurements

Adult size (S, M, L) to fit head circumference 20(22,24) inches 50(55,60) cm. Finished size: 17.25 (19.5, 21.5) inches 43.5(49,54.5) cm.

Yarn

Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic; 295m/323yds per 100g ball); (MC) Silver; 50 (50,60)g (CC) Denim; 50 (50,60)g

Needles

1 set 4mm/US6 straight needles

Notions

Yarn needle, waste yarn (if using tubular cast-on), crochet hook (if using tubular cast-on).

Tension:

22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm/4 inches in stocking stitch.

Additional Notes

This hat features a deep brim, which can be folded over to show off the tubular cast-on edge. The hat is worked flat, then seamed along the back edge to finish. In order for the hat to fit snuggly, there is negative ease built into the pattern. This means that the finished size is smaller than the size of head it will fit. Please take this into account when choosing which size to knit.