Service Cap

This pattern was adapted from a WWII-era British Good Housekeeping leaflet entitled “Good Housekeeping’s Forces’ Knitting Book”.

Materials Required: 1 1/2 oz (approx. 400 yds.) Lt. Wt. DK or Sport Yarn. [Ed. note: this yardage and weight seem to be in error — as given, this yarn would be finer than lace weight. Sport weight yarn is generally 120-150 yds/oz (380-480 m/100g), meaning 1 1/2 oz would be 180-225 yards (165-200 m) ]

Needles:Size 2 (3.00 mm) DP needles or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 9 sts/in

Cast on 144 sts. Divide sts evenly onto three needles (48 sts per needle). Mark beginning of round.

Work in K3, P 1 rib for until work measures 2″ (to form turnback of cap).

With wrong side facing, knit for 3″ in stockinette stitch.

• Next Round: K 6, K 2 tog, K 6, K 2 tog, and continue like this to end of round.(K remaining sts to end round)
• Next 3 Rounds: Knit.
• Next Round: *K 5, K 2 tog *. Repeat from* to * across round.
• Next 3 rounds: Knit.
• Next Round: *K 4, K 2 tog *. Repeat from* to * across round.
• Next 3 rounds: Knit.
• Next Round: *K 3, K2 tog *. Repeat from* to * across round.
• Next 3 rounds: Knit.
• Next Round: *K 2, K 2 tog *. Repeat from* to * across round.
• Next Round: K 5, K 2 tog. Repeat from* to * across round.
• Last Round: K 2 tog. across round.
• Thread yarn needle and draw yarn tightly through remaining stitches.
• Fasten off on wrong side.