Ah, mitosis, that special time in a cell’s life when it gets tired of being alone replicating DNA and wants to split into two. The cable evolved from a doodle motif meant for a sweater into a hat. As I knit the prototype I realized that the main motif reminded me of cell division, which begs the question: why was mitosis on my mind?

Even the less scientifically-inclined can appreciate the simplicity of the cable and the comfortableness of the fit. This beanie is long enough to cover your ears and stretchy enough to fit up to a 25-inch.

There are two versions of the hat chart included. One has the 1-st cable wandering, and in the alternate it stays put. Both versions have been test-knitted.

The details:

Finished size: 16”(unstretched) to 25” (stretched about max stretchiness) brim circumference and 9” long. Length can be adjusted.
Gauge: ~20 sts and 22 rows = 4” in ss.
Tools needed: Us 6 (4.0 mm) set of five DPNS.
Material needed: About 200yds of worsted weight yarn. Hat shown in is Berroco Vintage color 5194/turquoise

Pattern Difficulty: intermediate
Techniques used: knit, purl, yo, ssk, sssk, k2tog, right twist, left twist, knitting in the round, cables.