A cosy beanie with wrapped rib and lace cables

First light marks the breaking of dawn, waking up to a fresh day and a new adventure. When my Dad (who taught me to knit!) has somewhere fun to be, chances are he’ll be up at First Light to get there.

The construction will keep you interested but is simple enough to memorise, and incorporates a combination of twisted stitches, smocked or wrapped stitches, yarn overs and decreases, and has been greatly inspired by the works of Hitomi Shida and her Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible. If you haven’t heard of her, look her up. More designers need to give her credit for their designs.

Designed in 10ply/Worsted weight yarn with built in ease, this hat comes in six sizes to cater for all ages and head sizes. If you’re stash diving but don’t have 10ply/worsted weight yarn, try working with a lofty 8ply or two strands of 4ply/fingering/sock held double - as long as you get a gauge of 18st/10cm.

There are two larger sizes in this pattern which will work up large (think loose, on a large head bearing dreadlocks), however these sizes will also enable use of a thinner 8ply yarn at a gauge of approximately 22st/10cm.

In that instance, I suggest working the “slouch” option in the lace cables which will add depth.

Instructions are both written and charted.

Sizes
Child Small 40cm/15.75in
Child Large 47cm/18.5in
Adult Small 53cm/21in
Adult Medium 60cm/23.5in
Adult Large 67cm/26.25in
Adult XL 73cm/29in

Materials

Yarn: 1, 2, 2, 2, 2 balls Worsted weight yarn approx 86m/50gm.

Jess (grey) is wearing an Adult Large made with Zealana Kauri Worsted, using a total of 80gm/95m.
Hamish (teal) is wearing a Child Small in Crucci Aran 10ply, using a total of 45gms/78m.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 26 rows in 10cm/4inches worked in lace cable pattern.

Needles: 3.75mm/US#5 and 4.5mm/US#7 40cm circular needles (or as required to meet gauge)
4.5mm Double pointed needles for final decrease rows of the crown.

Notions: Stitch marker to indicate beginning of row, 4mm or equivalent cable needle, tapestry needle.