The Mushroom Cap is a slouchy beret-style hat inspired by the many species of gilled mushrooms. The hat begins with waste yarn for a stretchy cast on edge, then after a few rounds of ribbing, a two-color brioche motif starts which forms the “gills” of the mushroom hat. The top of the hat is knit in stockinette.

The colors of the purple sample pattern, worn by Līga in the pattern photos, is inspired by wood blewit mushrooms, Clitocybe nuda. The red and white version, worn by myself, is inspired by Amanita muscaria. The spots on top were added at the end with duplicate stitch, at random.

These samples were knit using different combinations of Madelinetosh Tosh DK, and a few different bases from Emma’s Yarns: Practically Perfect Sock, Simply Spectacular DK, and Marvelous Mohair. However, this pattern is perfect for using up any odds and ends of DK yarn, or combinations of fingering and mohair that you may have lying around.

This hat has only one size. Due to the slouchy nature of the hat, adults with head sizes of 21-24” have all been able to wear this hat comfortably and stylishly. However, if you do have a head on the smaller side, omitting the waste yarn cast on and subbing a regular long tail cast on may provide the snugness you are looking for.

On a final note, the brioche sections in this pattern are not intending to teach you how to knit brioche. However, I have added some links within the pattern for other creators’ brioche tutorials on Youtube. I think this pattern is approachable for the advanced beginner.

YARN

THE PATTERN IS WRITTEN USING SAMPLE 1 YARN OPTIONS, SAMPLE 2 IS JUST LISTED TO SHOW POSSIBLE OTHER COMBINATIONS

SAMPLE 1 - WOOD BLEWIT

A - 1 ball Madelinetosh Tosh DK (225yd/100g)
B - 1 ball Emma’s Yarns Practically Perfect Sock Halves (200yd/50g)
C - 1 ball Emma’s Yarns Marvelous Mohair (459yd/50g)

SAMPLE 2 - AMANITA

A - 1 ball Emma’s Yarn Simply Spectacular DK (255yd/100g)
B - 1 ball Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Sock Halves (200yd/50g)
C - 1 ball Emma’s Yarn Marvelous Mohair (459yd/50g)
D - 1 ball Madelinetosh Tosh DK (225yd/100g)

OR

SAMPLE 1 - WOOD BLEWIT

A - 30 yd of DK weight yarn*
B - 110 yd of fingering weight yarn*
C - 110 yd of mohair yarn*

SAMPLE 2 - AMANITA

A - 60 yd of DK weight yarn (this estimate includes duplicate stitching spots in the sample photos. this is an optional detail not outlined in the pattern)
B - 65 yd of fingering weight yarn
C - 65 yd mohair yarn
D - 50 yd of DK weight yarn

These are estimates based on my own knitting. If using scraps, a little extra yarn is always better than a losing game of yarn chicken.

Additionally, this pattern can be knit entirely in DK weight yarn, using around ~110yd for the sections of B and C held together.

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

Brioche: Size US3 (3.25 mm) needles, 12-16” circumference for cast on and brioche section.
Ribbing: Size US4 (3.5 mm) needles, 12-16” circumference for the rounds of ribbing at the start of the hat.
Top of Hat: Size US6 (4 mm) needles, 12-16” circumference for the top of the hat, and dpns or longer cord for magic loop for the top of the crown.
Scissors
6 stitch markers, 5+1 unique marker for BOR
DK weight waste yarn for cast on. Something smooth like 100% cotton is best.
Tapestry needle

GAUGE

Ribbing = 26 sts/4” in 1x1 rib in the round after blocking.
Brioche = 17 sts/4” and 7 rows/1” in two-color brioche in the round after blocking.
Top of Hat = 21 sts/4” and 7 rows/1” in stockinette stitch in the round after blocking.

For gauge swatching, the ribbing section is the most important since it ensures the hat band fits well around the head. You may choose to gauge swatch for the other sections, but it is not necessary, so long as your gauge while knitting the hat is as close to these measurements as possible.

SIZE

This hat is knit in one size, to fit a head circumference between 21-24.” This includes most adults. Knitters can choose to use a less stretchy cast on, such as the long tail method, for a more snug fit on the brim, although this has not been tested.