If you’ve ever flown over Adelaide in the early summer, you will know two things - firstly, the streets look scarily close and secondly, those same streets are awash with tree after tree of lurid purple jacaranda flowers. The colour is so vivid and so memorable that when I set about creating a gift for my friends 21st, the pale purple-grey yarn she chose was enough to have me thinking about them.

Alex has been my friend since I first moved to Adelaide. While I was briefly notorious in high school for my Ellen Degeneres haircut, she and her white chunky beanie became the stuff of legend because she never. took. it. off. PE class? it’s on. Interschool debating competition? Still on. 40 degree celsius day in the height of Australian summer? Still on.

That beanie was worn to literal death.

’Jacandra’ is a portmanteau of Jacaranda and Alexandra, and is a celebration both of the city I live in and the people I love who live there. The asymmetric cable pattern is inspired by the fluted shape of jacaranda flowers and the chunky feel and fold-over brim is my homage to the infamous White Beanie.

This cozy pattern is perfect for the beginner cable knitter as only three simple cables are used, as well as a few simple tricks to get the folder brim crisp and neat. Experienced knitters will find the asymmetrical cables an engaging knit that’s easy enough for you to enjoy with a cuppa and some good company. It can be knit with DK or fingering held double, making for an excellent stashbuster project.

It’s a quick knit and goes with everything no matter your style, which also makes it a great gift!

Yarn
This design calls for 8ply/DK weight yarn – for best results (and super squishy cables) I recommend using non-superwash wool. However superwash will still produce very pretty cables – please see the suggested needles section to ensure you get the desired fit.

Grey sample uses Wren and Ollie Spin DK, 230m/250yds per 115g in colour way ‘Paperbark’.

Light purple/grey sample uses Fyberspates Vivacious DK, 230m/251yds per 115g in the colour ‘Heavenly’.

Purple sample uses Birdhouse Fibres Hoot! Sock, 400m/437yd per 100m held double, in colour way ‘Quiet Riot’.

Yardage
145, 195, 220 yds // 135, 180, 205 m

Suggested Needles

Non-superwash: 4mm (US 6) for the larger needles on both 16” circular and DPNs, and 3.5mm (US 4) needles in 16” circulars

Superwash: 3.75mm (US 5) for the larger needles on both 16” circular and DPNs, and 3.25mm (US 3) needles in 16” circulars

Gauge
24 sts and 30 rows in cable pattern over 10cm/4”

Sizes
Child – head circumference 19”/49cm
S Adult – head circumference 21.5”/55cm
L Adult – head circumference 23”/58cm