The Frostpeak Trail Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Nordic-Inspired Beanie

Embrace the Trail: Knit the Frostpeak Hat

There’s something deeply satisfying about a hat that looks as intricate as it feels warm. The Frostpeak Trail Hat is designed for those who love the rugged beauty of Nordic-inspired textures but crave a modern, streamlined silhouette. This pattern combines twisted cables, slipped stitches, and a subtle colorwork band to create a woven, basket-like fabric that is both visually stunning and incredibly cozy. Whether you’re hitting the trail or the city streets, this high-crown beanie will keep you stylish and warm. Best of all, it’s a free pattern that’s perfect for adventurous knitters ready to level up their skills.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the recommended yarn will help you achieve the exact texture and gauge shown in the sample.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 200 yards). The sample uses Brooklyn Tweed Loft (100% American Targhee-Columbia wool) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): ‘Hayloft’ (warm oatmeal)
  • Contrast Color (CC): ‘Fossil’ (deep charcoal)
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular needle and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch marker, cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Important: Work a gauge swatch in the pattern stitch to ensure your hat fits perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for two sizes: S/M (M/L). Finished circumference is 20 (22) inches. Follow the instructions for your chosen size throughout.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• sl1 wyif: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
• sl1 wyib: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• C4F: cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle)
• C4B: cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle)
• rep: repeat
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)

Brim

With MC, CO 112 (120) stitches. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1.5 inches. This creates a stretchy, snug brim that will fold over nicely.

Body

Work the following 8-round pattern repeat for 6 (7) inches from the cast-on edge, ending after Round 8. The pattern is a repeat of 8 stitches and 8 rounds.

Written Instructions (Repeat of 8 sts)

• Round 1: *C4F, C4B* rep around.
• Round 2: *k8* rep around.
• Round 3: *k1, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k2* rep around.
• Round 4: *k1, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k2* rep around.
• Round 5: *C4B, C4F* rep around.
• Round 6: *k8* rep around.
• Round 7: *k2, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k1* rep around.
• Round 8: *k2, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k1* rep around.

Tip: The slipped stitches create a woven texture. Keep your tension even, and don’t pull the yarn too tight when slipping.

Colorwork Band (Optional)

After completing the body, switch to CC and work 4 rounds in Stockinette stitch (knit every round). This creates a subtle, modern stripe that separates the textured body from the crown.

Crown Decreases

Switch back to MC. When stitches become too tight for the circular needle, switch to DPNs. Work the following decrease rounds. For even-numbered rounds (2, 4, 6, etc.), simply knit all stitches.

• Rnd 1: *k12 (13), k2tog* rep around. (104, 112 sts)
• Rnd 3: *k11 (12), k2tog* rep around. (96, 104 sts)
• Rnd 5: *k10 (11), k2tog* rep around. (88, 96 sts)
• Rnd 7: *k9 (10), k2tog* rep around. (80, 88 sts)
• Rnd 9: *k8 (9), k2tog* rep around. (72, 80 sts)
• Rnd 11: *k7 (8), k2tog* rep around. (64, 72 sts)
• Rnd 13: *k6 (7), k2tog* rep around. (56, 64 sts)
• Rnd 15: *k5 (6), k2tog* rep around. (48, 56 sts)
• Rnd 17: *k4 (5), k2tog* rep around. (40, 48 sts)
• Rnd 19: *k3 (4), k2tog* rep around. (32, 40 sts)
• Rnd 21: *k2 (3), k2tog* rep around. (24, 32 sts)
• Rnd 23: *k1 (2), k2tog* rep around. (16, 24 sts)
• Rnd 25: *k2tog* rep around. (8, 12 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the hat. Weave in the end securely on the inside.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends using a tapestry needle. Block the hat gently by soaking in lukewarm water, squeezing out excess water (do not wring), and laying flat to dry. This will open up the stitch patterns and give the hat its final shape. Fold the brim up as desired.

Your Frostpeak Trail Hat is complete! Wear it with pride on your next cold-weather adventure.