Our Darling Hat + Hand Warmers celebrate the arrival of our new 100% cashmere… Welcome to Nigh DK, the most special and deeply satisfying yarn we can imagine!

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

Nigh DK’s cashmere fiber comes from Mongolia, the source of much of the world’s finest cashmere. From the downy winter undercoat of the goats who live in the extreme temperatures of this region, cashmere is designed by nature to be lightweight and super toasty. 

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

Once our cashmere has been gathered, spun, and dyed, we take the extra step of washing the finished yarn several times. This means Nigh DK is unbelievably soft as you’re knitting, not just after you block it. This is because we want the making to feel as good as the wearing!

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

For our Darling Hat + Hand Warmers, you’ll cast on with Nigh DK and follow an easy four-stitch repeat with rounds of knitting in between. A splendid combination of a relaxing and engaging knit that puts you in the perfect mindset to enjoy what’s in your hands!

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

Nigh DK’s exquisite quality is apparent in the soft halo that floats above the fabric’s surface, giving this understated stitch pattern a depth of beauty, while the yarn’s four even plies add distinction to subtle textures and shaping.

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

A light worsted weight, we love the sumptuous beauty of Nigh DK for these accessories, and for scarves, wraps, sweaters, socks, and special baby items, too. It’s thin enough to feel streamlined and elegant and thick enough to feel substantial.

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

Nigh DK comes in 21 lovely colors, some solid, some heathered, each glowing with its own gentle beauty.

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

We are thrilled to bring you Nigh DK, an amazing yarn that makes every stitch a true pleasure. Cast on for this charming set, and experience the joy for yourself! 

If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

Designed for Purl Soho by Lili Tobias. Lili spends most of her time knitting, listening to music, or doing both at the same time. She also happens to be a member of Purl Soho’s very wonderful customer service team! Thank you for helping us introduce our beautiful Nigh DK with this darling design, Lili!  

Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoDarlingHatAndHandWarmers, and #PurlSohoNigh. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Materials

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

HAT

  • 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Nigh DK, 100% cashmere yarn. Each skein of this light worsted/dk weight yarn is approximately 199 yards/ 55 grams; approximately 60 (85, 110, 125, 150, 185) yards required. We used the colors Pink Pearl, Petrified Wood, and Warm Cognac.
  • US 4 (3.5 mm) 16-inch circular needles, for Kid and Adult sizes
  • A set of US 4 double pointed needles (or longer circulars for Magic Loop)
  • Removable stitch markers, including one unique

HAND WARMERS

  • 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Nigh DK, 100% cashmere yarn. Each skein of this light worsted/dk weight yarn is approximately 199 yards/ 55 grams; approximately 55 (75, 120, 150, 170, 195) yards required. We used the colors Pink Pearl, Petrified Wood, and Warm Cognac.
  • A set of US 4 (3.5 mm) double pointed needles (or longer circulars for Magic Loop)
  • Stitch markers, including one unique

NOTE: To make both the hat and hand warmers, you’ll need 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) of Nigh DK; approximately 115 (160, 230, 275, 380) yards required. For an Adult Large set, you may need an additional skein. If you don’t end up needing it, you can return unwound yarn for a refund within 30 days of purchase, or within 6 months, for store credit. Our Return Policy has all the details!

GAUGE

24 stitches and 34 rounds = 4 inches in Diamond Slip Stitch pattern (see Notes)

SIZES

NOTE: Cashmere tends to stretch, so this pattern is designed with negative ease. This means to choose a size with a finished circumference that is smaller than the wearer’s head or hands. (The ease on the hand warmers is slightly less because it’s less fabric.) For more information about negative ease and help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!

HAT

Baby (Toddler, Kid, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)

  • Finished Circumference: 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) inches, comfortably stretching to approximately 14–16 (16–18, 18–20, 20–22, 22–24, 24–26) inches
  • Finished Height: 6¾ (7¾, 8¼, 8½, 9½, 9¾) inches with brim rolled

HAND WARMERS

Baby (Toddler/Kid, Adult Extra Small, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)

  • Finished Circumference: 4½ (5¼, 6½, 7¼, 8, 8¾) inches, comfortably stretching up to 2 inches
  • Finished Length: 6 (7½, 9¼, 10¾, 11, 11¾) inches

SAMPLES: The Pink Pearl hat is the Kid size and the hand warmers are Adult Extra Small; the Petrified Wood set is the Adult Small size; and the Warm Cognac set is the Adult Large size.

NOTES

STITCH MULTIPLE

Stitch pattern works over a multiple of 4 stitches in the round.

SLIP STITCHES

All slip stitches are slipped purlwise with yarn in back, unless otherwise instructed.

S2KP (Slip 2, Knit 1, PSSO)

Slip 2 stitches together knitwise with yarn in back, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over knit stitch and off right needle. [2 stitches decreased]

To see a video tutorial of this technique, please visit our S2KP Tutorial.

Diamond Slip Stitch Pattern

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.

Rounds 1 and 2: *K3, slip 1 with yarn in back (wyib; see Notes), repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 3 and 4: Knit to end of round.

Rounds 5 and 6: *K1, slip 1 wyib, k2, repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 7 and 8: Knit to end of round.

Repeat Rounds 1–8 for pattern.

HAT PATTERN

BRIM + BODY

Cast on 72 (84, 96, 108, 120, 132) stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.

Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Knit 6 rounds even.

Work Rounds 1–8 of Diamond Slip Stitch pattern (see Notes) 5 (6, 6, 6, 7, 7) times, then repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one more time.

CROWN

NOTE: If using circular needles, change to double pointed needles when necessary.

Set-Up Round (decrease round): Remove end-of-round marker, s2kp (see Notes), place unique marker (pm) on just worked stitch for new end-of-round, k9 (11, 13, 15, 17, 19), [s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, k9 (11, 13, 15, 17, 19)] 5 times. [60 (72, 84, 96, 108, 120) stitches remain; 6 stitch markers placed]

BABY, KID, + ADULT MEDIUM ONLY

Round 1 (partial round): Knit to 1 stitch before end of round.

Round 2 (decrease round): [Remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, k1, *slip 1 (see Notes), k3, repeat from * to 3 stitches before next marked stitch, slip 1, k1] 5 times, remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, k1, **slip 1, k3, repeat from ** to 2 stitches before next marked stitch, slip 1, k1. [12 stitches decreased]

Round 3 (partial round): K2, *slip 1, k3, repeat from * to 2 stitches before end of round, slip 1. [1 stitch remains before end of round]

Round 4 (decrease round): [Remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, knit to 1 stitch before next marked stitch] 6 times, k1. [12 stitches decreased]

Repeat Rounds 1–4 zero ( – , 1 , – , 2 , – ) more time(s). [36 stitches remain]

Next Round (partial round): Repeat Round 1.

Next Round (decrease round): [Remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, k1, slip 1, k1] 6 times. [24 stitches remain]

Next Round (partial round): Repeat Round 3.

Next Round (decrease round): [S2kp, k1] 6 times. [12 stitches remain]

TODDLER, ADULT SMALL, + ADULT LARGE ONLY

Round 1 (partial round): Knit to 1 stitch before end of round.

Round 2 (decrease round): [Remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, k1, *slip 1 (see Notes), k3, repeat from * to 1 stitch before next marked stitch, remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, **k3, slip 1, repeat from ** to 2 stitches before next marked stitch, k1, (1 stitch remains before marked stitch)] 2 times, remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, k1, ***slip 1, k3, repeat from *** to 1 stitch before next marked stitch, remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, ****k3, slip 1, repeat from **** to 1 stitch before next marked stitch, k1.  [12 stitches decreased]

Round 3 (partial round): K2, [*slip 1, k3, repeat from * to 4 stitches before next marked stitch, slip 1, k7, **slip 1, k3, repeat from ** to 2 stitches before next marked stitch, slip 1, k3] 2 times, ***slip 1, k3, repeat from *** to 4 stitches before next marked stitch, slip 1, k7, ****slip 1, k3, repeat from **** to 2 stitches before next marked stitch, slip 1. [1 stitch remains before end of round]

Round 4 (decrease round): [Remove marker, s2kp, pm on just worked stitch, knit to 1 stitch before next marked stitch] 6 times, k1. [12 stitches decreased]

Repeat Rounds 1–4 – (0, – , 1, – , 2) more time(s), and then repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one more time. [36 stitches remain]

Next Round (partial round): K2, [slip 1, k7, slip 1, k3] 2 times, slip 1, k7, slip 1.

Decrease Round: Repeat Round 4. [24 stitches remain]

Next Round: Repeat Round 1.

Decrease round: [S2kp, k1] 6 times. [12 stitches remain]

ALL SIZES

Cut yarn and thread tail onto a tapestry needle. Sew tail through remaining stitches.

Pull taut and bring tail to inside of hat to weave in.

FINISHING

Weave in any remaining ends and gently block as desired.

HAND WARMERS PATTERN

Cast on 28 (32, 40, 44, 48, 52) stitches and distribute as evenly as possible on three double pointed needles (or circular needles if using Magic Loop). We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.

Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches and place marker (pm) for end of round.

Knit 2 rounds even.

Work Rounds 1–8 of Diamond Slip Stitch pattern (see Notes) 3 (4, 5, 6, 6, 6) times, then repeat Rounds 1–6 one more time.

THUMB HOLE

RIGHT HAND WARMER ONLY

Set-Up Round 1: Knit to last stitch, make 1 right (m1R), k1. [1 stitch increased]

Set-Up Round 2: K1, make 1 left (m1L), knit to end of round, remove marker. [1 stitch increased]

NOTE: You will now begin working back and forth in rows.

Row 1 (right side): Slip 1 with yarn in back (wyib, see Notes), *k3, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, k5.

Row 2 (wrong side): Slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif), p4, *slip 1 wyif, p3, repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Row 3: Slip 1 wyib, knit to end of row.

Row 4: Slip 1 wyif, purl to end of row.

Row 5: Slip 1 wyib, *k1, slip 1 wyib, k2, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 6: Slip 1 wyif, *p2, slip 1 wyif, p1, repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Row 7: Repeat Row 3.

Row 8: Repeat Row 4.

Work 0 (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) more rows of Rows 1–8.

NOTE: You will now return to working in the round.

BABY, TODDLER/KID AND ADULT LARGE ONLY

Next Round: Slip 1 wyib, *k3, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, k3, knit 2 together (k2tog), pm. [1 stitch decreased]

Next Round: Slip slip knit (ssk), *k2, slip 1 wyib, k1, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3. [1 stitch decreased]

ADULT EXTRA SMALL AND ADULT MEDIUM ONLY

Next Round: Slip 1 wyib, knit to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together (k2tog), pm. [1 stitch decreased]

Next Round: Slip slip knit (ssk), knit to end of round. [1 stitch decreased]

ADULT SMALL ONLY

Next Round: Slip 1 wyib, *k1, slip 1 wyib, k2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together (k2tog), pm. [1 stitch decreased]

Next Round: Slip slip knit (ssk), *slip 1 wyib, k3, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, sl 1 wyib, k2. [1 stitch decreased]

ALL SIZES

Go on to Palm section, below.

LEFT HAND WARMER ONLY

Set-Up Round 1: Remove marker, knit to last 2 stitches, m1R, k1, pm for new end of round. [1 stitch increased]

Set-Up Round 2: K1, m1L, knit to end of round, remove marker. [1 stitch increased]

NOTE: You will now begin working back and forth in rows.

Row 1 (right side): Slip 1 wyib, k4, *slip 1 wyib, k3, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 2 (wrong side): Slip 1 wyif, *p3, slip 1 wyif, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, p5.

Row 3: Slip 1 wyib, knit to end of row.

Row 4: Slip 1 wyif, purl to end of row.

Row 5: Slip 1 wyib, *k2, slip 1 wyib, k1, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 6: Slip 1 wyif, *p1, slip 1 wyif, p2, repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Row 7: Repeat Row 3.

Row 8: Repeat Row 4.

Work 0 (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) more rows of Rows 1–8.

NOTE: You will now return to working in the round.

BABY, TODDLER/KID AND ADULT LARGE ONLY

Next Round: Slip 1 wyib, k4, *slip 1 wyib, k3, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k2, k2tog, pm. [1 stitch decreased]

Next Round: Ssk, *k3, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3, remove marker, k1. [1 stitch decreased]

ADULT EXTRA SMALL AND ADULT MEDIUM SIZES ONLY

Next Round: Slip 1 wyib, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog, pm. [1 stitch decreased]

Next Round: Ssk, knit to end of round, remove marker, k1. [1 stitch decreased]

ADULT SMALL SIZE ONLY

Next Round: Slip 1 wyib, *k2, slip 1 wyib, k1, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, k2, slip 1 wyib, k2tog, pm. [1 stitch decreased]

Next Round: Ssk, k1, *slip 1 wyib, k3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1, remove marker, k1. [1 stitch decreased]

PALM

Beginning with Round 3 (3, 5, 7, 1, 3), continue in Diamond Slip Stitch pattern until piece measures approximately 6 (7½, 9¼, 10¾, 11, 11¾) inches from cast-on edge, ending with Round 4 or 8.

Bind off knitwise.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends and gently block as desired.

Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho
Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho
Darling Hat + Hand Warmers | Purl Soho

Learn About Nigh DK + All Our Beautiful Yarns

Cast on for this project in Nigh DK and knit an heirloom! The most amazingly soft and incredibly feather-light fiber you can imagine, this 100% Mongolian cashmere yarn is spun in four even plies that knit into a beautiful, even fabric with a soft halo that floats above the fabric’s surface, a distinctive characteristic of fine cashmere yarns. A light worsted/DK-weight yarn, Nigh DK is thin enough to feel streamlined and elegant and thick enough to feel substantial. Pick up a gorgeous color (or two!) and have a truly extraordinary knitting experience!

More Free Knitting Patterns

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Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!