Keelback is an easy-to-wear, fun to knit hat with a bit of slouch.

The hat is worked with an unusual construction: first, the cabled band is started with a provisional cast-on. Buttonbands are picked up from the top and bottom when the cable is complete. Then stitches are picked up from the sides for the bottom ribbing and the stockinette stitch crown.

Also available as a set with the matching fingerless mitts here!

SIZES
Medium (Large), to fit heads from 21-22 (23-24)“ or 53.5-56 (58.5-61) cm

Finished hat circumference: 20.25 (22.25)“ or 51.5 (56.5) cm

MATERIALS NEEDED
Yarn:
Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK (100% merino; 225 yds/206 m per skein); 1 skein; color Grey Garden

Recommended needles (check gauge and change size if needed):
US #5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 16” long
US #6 / 4.0 mm circular needle, 16” long
US #6 / 4.0 mm double-pointed needles, set of 4 or 5

Notions:
Cable needle, yarn needle, stitch marker, smooth waste yarn, stitch holder, four buttons (3/4”/2 cm in diameter)

Optional: crochet hook in size US #7 4.5 mm or US #8 5.0 mm, if using crochet provisional cast on

GAUGE
25 sts/30 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in cable pattern on larger needles
24 sts/27 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch on larger needles

Important Gauge Note: Because the cable panel is worked sideways, row gauge is more important for proper fit than stitch gauge for this pattern. Make sure you knit a swatch and check your gauge carefully.