Thinking Cap Using Shibui Reed
The Design
Inspired by a ready-to-wear Italian cashmere cap, we engineered our hand-knit version to be sleek and utterly seamless. The super-fine fabric is doubled at the cuff joining welt for extra warmth. And that cool welt could be popped with a fun, contrast color. Okay, the needles are tiny and the details a little fussy, but it’s worth it—we think!
We re-yarned our Thinking Cap in Shibui’s exceptional Reed. This 100% linen yarn is shimmery, strong, and soft as a sigh. With a smooth, consistent chainette construction, it flows through your fingers like a breeze. Unlike most linen yarns, Reed is not crisp. Rather it’s pliable, sleek, and graceful—all qualities that emerge in the drape-y slouch of our Thinking Cap.
The Details
FINISHED SIZE
Approx. 19"/48cm around x 10"/25 cm long; fits 20-23"/51-58cm head.
YARN
2 skeins Shibui Reed (246 yds/225m each).
Or approx. 365 yds of a similar fingering-weight yarn.
Shown in Color 2002 Graphite.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 1 (2.25mm) 16"/40cm circular and 5 double-point needles, or size to get gauge.
US 0 (2mm) 16"/40cm circular needle or one size smaller than gauge needle.
US C/2 (2.75cm) crochet hook and 1 locking marker for provisional cast-on.
4 very fine stitch markers (one in a contrast color) to mark decreases without creating gaps (knotted loops of fine yarn work nicely).
Darning needle to finish.
GAUGE
36 sts/52 rounds = 4"/10cm, after wet blocking and steam pressing.
Digital Thinking Cap pattern. (Download)
Printed Thinking Cap pattern. (Requires shipping.)
COLOR: 2001 Abyss. Deep inky black.
COLOR: 2003 Ash. Pale warm silvery grey.
COLOR: 2035 Fog. Grey with a sage green undertone.
COLOR: 2012 Fjord. Medium green-blue.
COLOR: 2017 Velvet. Rich dark grape.
COLOR: 2002 Graphite. Cool medium grey.
COLOR: 11 Tar. Slate-y charcoal.
COLOR: 2032 Field. Between olive and brown.
COLOR: 2022 Mineral. Between purple, brown, and grey.
COLOR: 2034 Blueprint. Bright, almost electric, blue.
COLOR: 2180 White. Bright bleached white.
COLOR: 2181 Bone. Palest linen.
COLOR: 2182 Shore. Bright sky blue.
COLOR: 103 Apple. Bold chartreuse.
COLOR 2016 Suit. Washed navy blue.
2194 Twilight. Blue periwinkle.
COLOR: 2200 Paloma. Vibrant pink.
COLOR: 2201 Crete. Bright Cyan.
