Burrow Hat
As much as we may feel like burrowing in, winter this year might be better spent enjoying friends and family in the great outdoors. Our Burrow Hat is all about facing the cold with a full blast of cozy. You’ll definitely need one!
For full-on toastiness, we used two strands of our beautiful Brume. A mix of mohair, wool, and silk, Brume is up for winter’s challenges with its fluffy softness and ear-hugging warmth.
Although you could use two strands of the same color, we love the depth of the gentle marl when you choose closely related colors, like a classic rag hat but way softer!
The style is just as classic: a 2×2 ribbed cuff topped by simple stockinette. Just a few rapid rounds of decreases finishes off the crown with a soft touch.
Sized for babies, toddlers, kids, small and large adults and at a quick worsted weight gauge, whip up a Burrow Hat for everyone you plan on hanging out with this winter!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Share your progress + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoBurrowHat, and #PurlSohoBrume. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Color A: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) skein of Purl Soho’s Brume, 58% mohair, 25% wool, and 17% silk. Each skein is 273 yards / 50 grams; approximately 78 (102, 133, 162, 210) yards required. (NOTE: We no longer offer Brume, but choose from one of our other sport weight yarns.)
- Color B: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) skein of Brume. Approximately 78 (102, 133, 162, 210) yards required. (NOTE: We no longer offer Brume, but choose from one of our other sport weight yarns.)
- For Baby size:
- A set of US 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles
- A set of US 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles
- For Toddler, Junior, Adult Small, Adult Large sizes:
- US 7, 16-inch circular needles
- US 8, 16-inch circular needles
- A set of US 8 double pointed needles
- A stitch marker
We made our samples in the following colors…
Baby: Color A, Tea Rose; Color B, Apple Blossom
Toddler: Color A, Blue Lagoon; Color B, Cerulean Sea
Adult Small: Color A, Balsam Green; Color B, Cypress Green
Gauge
18 stitches and 22 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, using larger needles with yarn doubled
Sizes
Baby (Toddler, Kid, Adult Small, Adult Large)
To fit actual head circumference of 16-18 (18½-19½, 20-21, 21¼-22½, 22¾-24) inches
- Finished Ribbing Circumference (unstretched): 9½ (10¼, 11, 12½, 14) inches
- Finished Body Circumference: 14¼ (16, 17¾, 19½, 21¼) inches
- Finished Height (un-cuffed): 8 (9¼, 11, 12½, 13) inches
Pattern
Cuff
Using 1 strand of Color A and 1 strand of Color B, cast 64 (72, 80, 88, 96) stitches onto smaller circular needles (or onto smaller double pointed needles for Baby size). We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 3 (4, 5, 6, 6) inches from cast-on edge.
Body
Change to larger circular needles (or larger double pointed needles for Baby size).
Knit every round until the piece measures 7¾ (9, 11¾, 12¼, 12¾) inches from cast-on edge.
Crown
NOTE: Change to double pointed needles when/if necessary.
Next Round: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [48 (54, 60, 66, 72) stitches remain]
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [32 (36, 40, 44, 48) stitches remain]
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [16 (18, 20, 22, 24) stitches remain]
Cut yarn and thread tail onto a tapestry needle. Thread tail through remaining stitches.
Pull taut and bring tail to inside of hat to weave in.
Finish
Weave in remaining ends and block as desired.
These hats are lovely! Can you suggest a yarn that would work using one strand? It looks as if the gauge is a fairly standard mid-weight worsted gauge, but are there other factors I should consider?
Hi Roxann,
Thanks for reaching out! You could really use any worsted weight yarn single stranded for this pattern like our Worsted Twist or Linen Quill Worsted! But just so you know, it will change the overall look of the hat quite a bit since Brume is light airy and puffy!
All the best,
Gianna
Is there a more budget friendly yarn one could use as $60 per hat is a bit more than I would like to spend. The pattern is lovely.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! You could use a single strand of worsted weight yarn instead of 2 strands of Brume like our Worsted Twist or Linen Quill Worsted! Be aware that the overall effect of the hat will be much different though since the texture of Brume is very unique!
All the best,
Gianna
How does one decide whether one needs to get #7 or #8 round needles for an adult size and the corresponding #8 double point needles?? Or can you get #7 round needle and then use #8 double point needles? The directions are not very clear..
Hi Joan,
Thanks for reaching out! For Toddler, Junior, Adult Small, Adult Large sizes you will need both a US 7, 16-inch circular needles and a US 8, 16-inch circular needle as well as a set of US 8 double pointed needles! Typically in patterns when there is a ribbing like at the brim of a hat or cuff of a sweater you go a needle size down so that the ribbing is taut. For this hat you will be casting on to the smaller needles (US 7) and working the K2, P2 rib stitch till the cuff measures 3 (4, 5, 6, 6) inches from cast-on edge. You will then switch to the larger needles (US 8) to work the body of the hat in stockinette stitch. Lastly you will switch to the US 8 double pointed needles to finish the crown of the hat.
I hope this clarifies things! Happy Knitting!
Gianna
You may also want to look into knitting magic loop which a lovely salesperson taught me at Purl years ago! Eliminates the need for double points. Many YouTube videos!
Can you suggest a cotton yarn combo for this pattern ?
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for reaching out! You could use our yarn Cotton Pure doubled for this pattern! I recommend working a gauge swatch prior to starting to ensure you are still consistent with the pattern with a new yarn!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I should be getting my Brume in the mail today!! I only got one ball, but I have a nearly identical color in post, I was thinking I’d use it like the simple pleasures hat 😁
Hi Zia,
Thanks for reaching out! That sounds like a great idea! Please let us know how you enjoy working with Brume!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
in Posy ** a few pocket posy’s to be exact
I have LOVED every single skein I’ve ever purchased from you guys, I am wearing my double layer cowl right now and everyone I know wants me to make them one
This is beautiful! How would Balsam Green and Silver Needle work for this pattern??
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that color combination would be lovely for this hat pattern!
Please let us know how that turns out!
All the best,
Gianna
Beautiful hat. Could I use 2 strands of worsted twist? The hat is for my husband and he may think that the mohair looks too feminine. Any suggestions for color combination in worsted twist?
Donna
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! I would recommend one strand of Worsted Twist to get a similar gauge to 2 strands of Brume! Be sure to work a gauge swatch prior to beginning to insure that you are consistent with the pattern!
Happy Knitting!
Gianna
For your Canadian fans…would you consider providing metric (mm) needle sizes in addition to U.S. sizes on your patterns. It would be really helpful !
Hi Jane,
Thanks for writing in! We totally hear you regarding metric sizes and measurements. This is something that is currently under consideration, so we really appreciate your input and I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
All the best,
Gianna
what size is the model wearing? If I wanted to buy one skein of Brume (cost factor) what other yarn can be used for second skein?
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for reaching out! The model is wearing the adult small size! You could hold one strand of Brume together with any other sport weigh yarn! I would recommend our Season Alpaca, Good Wool, or Mulberry Merino!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Love the hat! How do you think Silver Needle and Deep Sea Blue would look together?
Hi Diana,
Thanks for reaching out! I think Silver Needle and Deep Sea Blue would be a beautiful combination!
Please let us know how this turns out!
All the best,
Gianna
I only knit with two straight needles. Is there a way to make this hat using only two straight needles with a seam?
Hi Deanna,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sure that it is possible to knit this hat flat and then stitch it up, you can follow the pattern without joining in the round but be mindful of working the reverse side and keeping track of the decreases!
Please let us know how this turns out!
All the best,
Gianna
I love the look of the Brume yarn but am somewhat allergic to Mohair. Since it’s blended with wool and silk, would it be safe to use? What other yarn would be as rich and soft looking? Cashmere Tend looks beautiful; could 2 contrasting colors work?
Thanks! Lin
I love the look of the Brume yarn but am somewhat allergic to Mohair. Since it’s blended with wool and silk, would it be safe to use? What other yarn would be as rich and soft looking? Cashmere Tend looks beautiful; could 2 contrasting colors work?
Thanks! Lin
Hi Lin,
Thanks for writing in! Our Brume is 58% mohair so you may still have a bit of a reaction to it if you are allergic since it is over half the content of the yarn. Cashmere Tend would be a great substitution and you could actually use a single strand of that since it is a worsted weight compared to a sport weigh like Brume!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Is there any way to make this great hat using straight needles? I have many circular ones and double pointed as well, but of course don’t have the sizes needed for this pattern. The hat would cost over $100 if I have to buy new needles in addition to the yarn.
That’s more than I can justify! Any suggestions?
Hi Jean,
Thanks for reaching out! It may be possible to knit flat and seam up. When casting on you won’t join the work in the round, but be mindful of working on the reverse side and keeping track of the shaping rounds.
I hope this helps!
Gianna
Hi can I use 2 strands of a mohair w one strand of fingering instead of the Blume.
Hi Sheryl,
Thanks for reaching out! We consider Brume a sport weight yarn, so to achieve a consistent gauge for this hat I would recommend 2 strands of a mohair and one strand of a sport weight yarn!
All the best,
Gianna
I just love the texture of this classic hat. Would adding a strand of Tussock to a single worsted work or change the airy, soft look…make it heavier in weight ?
Also, do you really need DPNs? This will be my first time
knitting in the round. I’ve only done flat work with circulars…I’m a little nervous as the yarn is so dear.
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, adding a strand of Tussock to a worsted weight would work with the gauge we have written for this pattern and would change the hat to be less airy and more dense and heavier! And yes you will need DPNs to close up the top of the hat unless you are comfortable trying a different method called Magic Loop which in that case you would need an extra long circular needle!
Using DPNs and working in the round can seep intimidating but it is actually very easy!
I hope this helps and please feel free to write in with any more questions you may have moving forward!
All the best,
Gianna
The colors are gorgeous! I’d like to get close to an olive green- do you think pairing balsam green with gray quartz might work? Open to other ideas! Thank you~
Hi Judy,
Thanks for writing in! I think Balsam Green and Gray Quartz Would be a beautiful combination, I would also recommend Gray Quartz and Cypress Green if you want a bit more richness to the green color!
Please let us know which combination you choose and how it works out!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
thanks so much- appreciate the help. And… I love Purl Soho 🙂
Hi Gianna, I wonder if I could one one skein Brume and one skein of a non Mohair yarn instead? I love the richness of the combined, slightly different yarn colors.
Lin
Hi Lin,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes one strand of Brume and one strand of another sport weight yarn would work lovely! I would recommend our Season Alpaca or Mulberry Merino for a scrumptious richness!
All the best,
Gianna
Could you please suggest other color combinations since cypress green is out of stock? Would blue black and gray quartz work? thank you.
Hi Anya,
Thanks for reaching out! I think Blue Blank and Gray Quartz would be a beautiful combination. I would also recommend Gray Quartz and Balsam Green!
All the best,
Gianna
Is this the same pattern as Simple Pleasures using Tussock?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out! No, this is a completely different pattern!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Where are the differences? Looks pretty much the same to me. Cast on then K2P2, then change to larger needle, knit, then do the crown. Maybe different yarn or gauge??
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in again! While they may be pretty similar is the basics of the pattern, the two hats are completely different gauges, needle sizes, yarns and treatment of the yarns! The Burrow Hat is knit holding Brume double throughout the whole hat while in the Simple Pleasures Hat, the cuff is knit holding Line Weight double and then switching to holding Line Weight and Tussock together for the body and crown of the hat. There are also some differences in the overall sizing of the hats.
I hope this clarifies things!
All the best,
Gianna
Got it. Thanks. I was only looking at the knit/purl directions and didn’t know about the yarn..
Got it. Thanks. I was only looking at the knit/purl directions and didn’t know about the yarn..
What are your thoughts on Cloud Blue and Silver Needle together? Thanks.
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that would be an absolutely lovely color combination for this hat!
Please let us know how it turns out!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi!
Because there is a little slouch to this hat, is there an easy way to make it into more of a Beret/Tam style ? If it is possible would I need more yarn?
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sure it would be possible to adjust this hat to be more of a Beret/Tam style hat! I would recommend getting an extra skein of each color to make sure you have enough yarn and if you leave the skeins unwound and don’t end up needing them you can return them for store credit within 6 months!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi! I’ve never knit in the round before and I’m a little confused about starting. I looked up how to join for working in the round, and it looks like you basically just place the marker and then knit one stitch. Does that knit stitch then count as the first knit stitch in the K2,p2 pattern for the cuff? Or do you join and then knit two more stitches after that? i.e. after you place the marker, do you knit three stitches or just two before purling? Thanks so much!
Hi Kaitlyn,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes that is correct when joining work in the round you will place the marker and then knit the first stitch! That stitch will then count as your first stitch of the round, so you will then knit the next stitch after that and the purl 2!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Would tea rose and ripe boysenberry look good together for this hat ? I originally wanted to use anjou pear with the tea rose but I see it’s sold out at this time.
Hi Ali,
Thanks for reaching out! I think Ripe Boysenberry and Tea Rose would be a beautiful combination! The two colors are a great contrast and would combine together really nicely in this hat.
Please let us know how this turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi🤩
I’m looking at hat patterns but don’t know which would be the one! I want a roomy kind of hat with some give. Can you recommend a favorite of yours? Looking for classy style of course!🤩 I’ve been knitting a very large afghan with not much end in sight – switching to a hat might be just the momentary lift I need!
Thanks for your suggestion (s),
Balice
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for reaching out! This hat is such a cute option! I would also recommend our Simple Pleasure Hat, Classic Ribbed Hat, or the Watch Cap + Mitts!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’m wanting to create a navy colored hat. Deep blue sea is perfect. Would you combine it with blue fjord or blue black, or even a different color. I suppose I could even double deep blue sea. I appreciate any thoughts!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for reaching out! For a true Navy I would suggest using 2 strands of Deep Sea Blue, for a darker navy then I would suggest Deep Sea Blue with Blue black! Blue Fjord is a bit lighter so if you are interested in a lighter navy combination then I would go with that!
Warmly,
Gianna
If I used a DK weight yarn (with a gauge of 18 x 24 using size US 8 needles), would you recommend that I knit with two strands together for this pattern?
Hi Tina,
Thanks for reaching out! Brume is considered a dk weight but since it is such a light and airy yarn it acts differently than a typical dk weight! I would suggest working a gauge swatch with the yarn doubled and using the same needles size that we suggest in the patter to see how it compared to the original gauge! If your swatch is consistent with the pattern you can then go ahead and use it doubled or decide to use a single strand instead!
Warmly,
Gianna
I can’t wait to make this! How much shorter would I make the hat to have it not be slouchy?
Hi Nadine,
Thanks for reaching out! Depending on the size you plan on making you could omit an inch or two from the BODY section for a less slouchy hat!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi, I use knit pro circulars and am having trouble finding a 16 inch combination. Is it a 16 inch needle tip to tip, or a 16 inch cord? Knit pro smallest cord I can find is 19 inch (40cm) and with needles added, that seems way too stretched for a hat. Or could I use DPNs all the way? Also my gauge is coming out closer to 3.5inch over 18 inches, how many stitches would I add for the small adult pattern to get correct size? Does the pattern work in any multiple of two? Thanks!
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! You will want the needles to measure 16″ from tip to tip, You don’t want to go longer than a 16″ circulator needle because otherwise it would overstretch the stitches and be difficult to knit! Also, if you can’t achieve the correct gauge on a US 8 needle, you will want to adjust the needle size rather than change the cast on amount. I would suggest going down in needle size and see if you can get gauge that way. For more tips on gauge please check out our wonderful tutorial, All About Gauge!
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Very helpful, Gianna, thank you
Good morning,’
I am looking for a combination that would be on the red side..
Would Bright Thistle and Claret Pink be a good combination?
It is hard to tell….
Hi Terri,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that Bright Thistle and Claret Pink would look great together, but they would create a pretty bright pink, rather than a more red color. Maybe consider pairing Claret Pink with Ripe Boysenberry instead!
All the best,
Lili