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.