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.