Chunky Cable Hat

Just because knitting an intricately cabled Aran sweater sounds a lot like climbing Mount Everest, doesn't mean that cables are only for Channel Island women waiting for their fishermen to come home! Unlike hiking to the world's highest summit, knitting cables is actually really easy... really!

Faye's Chunky Cable Hat is the perfect beginner hill! Quick and manageable, this simple cable pattern results in a truly stunning hat. And Purl Soho's Super Soft Merino is a wonderful vehicle for the hills and valleys of cables, giving them a satisfying depth and sumptuous texture.  Plus, this may be the coziest hat of the year!

Ready for some knitting fun? Get started!

The Materials

• 2 skeins of Purl Soho's Super Soft Merino, 100% merino. This color is Heirloom White.
• A US #13, 16-inch circular needle
• A set of US #13 double pointed needles (Optional, double pointed needles are convenient for the final round of decreases, but it’s possible to finish the hat without them!)
• A large cable stitch holder (or double pointed needle)

The Pattern

Gauge

5 ½ stitches = 1 inch in 2 x 2 rib, unstretched

Finished Dimensions

16 inches in circumference, unstretched, and 11 inches tall, to fit most adult women

Pattern Notes

Cable 8 front (C8f): Slip 4 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work. K2, p2 from left needle, then k2, p2 from cable holder.

Cable 6 front (C6f): Slip 3 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work. K2, p1 from left needle, then k2, p1 from cable holder. 

Begin

Cast on 88 stitches.

Place a marker and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.

Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 2-9: Repeat Round 1.

Round 10 (Cable Round): C8f eleven times. (See Pattern Notes, above.)

Repeat Rounds 1-10 two more times.

Repeat Round 1.

Next Round (Decrease Round): *K2, p2, k2, p2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (77 stitches)

Next Round: *K2, p2, k2, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat previous round four more times.

Next Round (Decrease Round): *K2, p2tog, k2, p1, repeat from * to end of round. (66 stitches)

Next Round: *K2, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Next Round (Cable Round): C6f eleven times. (See Pattern Notes, above.)

Next Round: *K2, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Next Round (Decrease Round): *K2tog, p1, repeat from * to end of round. (44 stitches)

Next Round: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Switching to double pointed needles, if you’re using them…

Next Round (Decrease Round): *K3tog, p1, repeat from * to end of round. (22 stitches)

Finish

Cut working yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle and draw needle through remaining stitches. Pull taut and fasten tail by weaving into inside of hat.

Weave in remaining tails and block if desired.

Comments

[Ariana]

This is so cute, and a bulky hat pattern will practically make itself!
Just FIY the gauge info has a typo.

[Sam]

This is so beautiful! I have never done cables but I think I can do this! I would love to make one for me and a matching one for my daughter! How many stitches would you cast on for a toddler size (16" size probably)? Thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Sam-

Faye recommends that you cast on 64 stitches.You'll be repeating the cable 8 times instead of 11. You can follow the pattern as written, just make sure to make it shorter!

Thank you for your question!

Molly

[Sam]

Thanks so much! One more question, how would you recommend shortening it? Would you only repeat rows 1-10 twice instead of three times for toddler size? Thanks again! Will you be getting in more pink super soft merino soon? Love that color on my daughter!

[purl bee]

Hi Sam-

I just emailed with Faye and she thinks that that sounds like it should work out fine.

Please let us know if you have any more questions!

Molly

[Stephanie]

Hi,

I saw your note about double pointed needles -- so is it possible to finish the hat just in the round? I can't do DPNs but I do know Magic Loop. I was thinking of doing it as ML, but just wanted to confirm that I could finish it just in the round. Thanks!

stephanie

[purl bee]

Hi Stephanie-

Yes, it is possible, to finish the top of the hat without double pointed needles, it will just be a bit tight for the last few rows.

Thank you!

Molly

[Allie]

This is wonderful. I'm thinking a darker color could make a handsome beanie for a man as well. How do you recommend modifying the pattern for a larger size?

[im]

What type of cast on did you use?

[purl bee]

Hi Im-

Faye used a Long Tail Cast on:

http://www.purlbee.com/cast-on-tutorial/2006/9/29/cast-on-long-tail-method-1.html

Thank you!

Molly

[Katiana]

Is this hat, knit with original pattern, slouchy?
Seems like 11 inches tall would make it slouchy?
Would be helpful for pictures of it on someones head to see!!
thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Katiana-

It is slouchy! You can see it on Faye by checking out our instagram feed here:

http://instagram.com/purlsoho

Thank you!

Molly