I’m sure you’ll agree when I say that I think that everyone should have at least one (but preferably 100) hand-knitted accessories in their winter wardrobe. There’s something so unique and special about wearing something that was made by hand but I genuinely believe that handmade things feel better, last longer and add a special kind of magic to any outfit! With all that in mind, I’m so happy to share this short but sweet pattern with you all, a special little hood that’ll take you through autumn and winter in the cosiest way.
Softina is a versatile hood that fits both older children and adults alike and doubles as a scarf and a hat, keeping your neck, ears and head warm and snug. Knitted up on big needles using three strands of yarn, this wonderful accessory not only knits up quickly but has all the techniques that intermediate-level knitters will really love to get to grips with – knitting in the round, knitting through the back loop and picking up stitches – fabulous!
By the way, the wonderful little lady you can see modelling Softina is my Mini Knitty of a daughter Alexandra, and doesn’t she model it beautifully?
PATTERN:
Tools, yarn, skills and extras:
LEVEL: intermediate or very confident beginner.
This piece is knit by creating a rectangle which is then folded, seamed and stitches picked up and knit in the round.
Yarn and materials:
· For this piece I used three strands of high-quality acrylic yarn (creating a bulky-weight yarn) but you can substitute this with any yarn composition you like and use bulky yarn instead of holding strands together if this technique isn’t your thing. For this pattern you’ll need two strands of aran weight yarn and one of DK.
I used two strands of Hobbii Fluffy Day in 03 (LIGHT GREY) held together with Hobbii Daily Stitch Mega in 07 (LIGHT GREY MELANGE). Fluffy Day gives a satisfying “brushed” look to the hood.
For this pattern I used approximately 140g of Hobbii Fluffy Day and 130g of Hobbii Daily Stitch Acrylic XL.
· 8.0mm mm and 12.0 mm 16″ or 24″ circular knitting needles, a stitch marker, scissors, yarn needle.
Gauge: 17 stitches, 16 rows to 10 cm/4″.
Size: One size. This hood fits older children (model is 10 years old and wears a ladies XS) of age 10+ and adults.
Finished measurements after assembly are 30cm/12″ wide and 13″/32cm high.
Skills: slip stitch with yarn in front (slwyif), knit stitch (k), knit through the back loop (ktbl), purl stitch (p), working in the round, picking up stitches, cast on and bind off, weaving in ends.
Diagram: follow the instructions on the diagram below for seaming and finishing instructions.
Method:
Using your 8.00 mm needles and working flat, co 44 sts using two strands of yarn one and one of yarn two. If using the long tail cast on method the cast on will be your first round and therefore the right side. If using different methods, adjust accordingly.
Rows 1 – 6: ktbl, p.
Change to your 12 mm needles and slwyif the first stitch, k until end of the row for 44 rows or 23 garter ridges.
Bind off all your stitches and fold the piece in half from right to left so that both ribbed sections are on top of one another (see diagram). Turn your work inside out and seam up the top and front of the hood for 7cm as shown. Turn your work the right way round at this point. Now you should have a Hood with an open front that we will now work some ribbing on to give a snug look and finish off.
Using your 12 mm circular needles pick up 42 sts and join to work in the round. Place a stitch marker or use the yarn tail to indicate the beginning of the round.
ktbl, p for four rounds and then bind off using your 8 mm needles.
Weave in all your ends carefully and securely. remember that there’s nothing wrong with knotting your yarn discreetly inside your work and then block if desired. I highly recommend blocking your work if you have used natural fibres. Acrylic yarn can be more forgiving but remember to wet block and not steam block if you’ve used acrylic! You don’t want your beautiful hood melting everywhere. Now you can wrap up warm and show off your Softina to the world.
If you loved this free pattern, please consider donating and sharing your finished pouches so I can see your work and spreading the word!
Happy crafting,
emmaknitty.com 
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