I’m one of those people who has multiple Instagram accounts, including one for my cats. (Hush.) And if you’re an Instagram user and you like cats in the slightest, chances are very good that you’ve heard of (or already follow) Hannah Shaw—better known as Kitten Lady.
The photos she shares are always great, partly because her partner is a professional photographer, but also because they’re full of tiny kittens. Some time ago, however, I got distracted from all the kitteny cuteness by a beaded cuff bracelet Hannah was wearing. It wasn’t long before I decided the design would work in knitted colorwork—which I turned into multiple accessories.
The colorwork design works well with any two colors that have a high enough contrast to show off the geometrical pattern. And it’s a short repeating pattern, so it’s relatively easy to knit without constantly having to refer back to the chart.
Kitten Lady Hat
Sizes
Hat designed with 2.2–2.6 inches (5.5–6.75 cm) of negative ease, depending on size. Sizes A (B, C) to fit heads measuring 20 (22, 24) in / 51 (56, 61) cm
Materials & Details
- Yarn: 140–235 yards (128–214.9 meters) total worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors; yarn usage from test knitters across all sizes ranged from 100–168 yards (91.4–153.6 meters) for the MC, and 36–47 yards (33–43 meters) for the CC
- Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) and US 6 (4mm) circular needle, or needle size to obtain gauge, on a 16-inch (40 cm) cable, plus DPNs of larger needle size (or a longer cable and the Magic Loop method) to work the crown decreases as needed
- Gauge: 24 sts and 25 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) on US 6 needles in colorwork pattern after blocking
- Gear & Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, tape measure
This pattern has been tech edited and tested.
Kitten Lady Cowl
Size
One size; 8 in (20 cm) tall and 10 in (25.5 cm) wide, lying flat
Materials & Details
- Yarn: 155–185 yards (141.7–169.2 meters) total worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors; yarn usage from test knitters ranged from 120–160 yards (109.7–146.3 meters) for the MC and 22–45 yards (20.1–41.1 meters) for the CC
- Needles: US 6 (4mm) circular needle on a 16-inch (40 cm) cable
- Gauge: 24 sts and 25 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) in colorwork pattern after blocking
- Gear & Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle
This pattern has been test knitted, but not tech edited.
Kitten Lady Mitts
Sizes
Hand Circumferences: sizes A (B, C) D, E to fit hands measuring 7 (7.5, 8) 8.5, 9 in / 17.5 (19, 20.5) 21.5, 23 cm with zero ease
Materials & Details
- Yarn: 175–200 yards (160–183 meters) total fingering weight yarn in two contrasting colors; yarn usage from test knitters across all sizes ranged from 147–165 yards (134.4–150.9 meters) for the MC and 28–37 yards (25.6–33.8 meters) for the CC
- Needles: US 1 (2.25mm) and US 1.5 (2.5mm) or needle size to obtain gauge, plus extra US 1 DPNs to make the decorative cuff and sewn tubular bind-off
- Gauge: 7.5 sts and 11.5 rows per 1 inch (2.5 cm) using US 1 in plain stockinette after blocking
- Gear & Notions: stitch markers (at least one that looks different for BOR), tapestry needle, scrap yarn (for casting on and holding thumb stitches)
This pattern has been tech edited and tested—except for Size D, which has not been tested to date. If you’d like to make Size D, send me a message and I’ll send you a free copy of the pattern in exchange for some detailed info on your project!