A hat for outdoor pursuits in cold weather, this is knit nice and firmly in a super-soft, super-warm alpaca yarn with lots of negative ease so that it stays put on your head, but won’t make it itch! All this is topped off with my signature cool crown decreases that are worked into the pattern to make an attractive finish.

Pattern contains
Charts and written instructions for main pattern and crown decreases. There is an option included for a slouchy version (yarn requirements are for beanie as shown; allow extra yarn if wishing to work a slouchy version). Links to tutorials for suggested cast on.

Sizes :
Choose a size approx. 10-15cm (4 -6 in) less than your actual head size for a snug fit (sample is shown with 16cm negative ease) or 3-5cm/1 ¼ -2in less for more relaxed slouchy fit. Hat lengths are with brim doubled. Be sure to measure from the top of your crown to the base of your ear to check required length and work additional ribbing if required.

Finished sizes:
Toddler- adult XS: 37cm/14 ½ in circumference and 20.5/ 8 in long
Adult S: 41.5cm/16 ½ in circumference and 21cm/8 ¼ long
Adult M: 46cm/18 ¼ in circumference and 21.5cm/8 ½ in long
Adult L: 51cm/20 in and 23.5cm/9 ¼ in long

Gauge:
26 stitches and 27 rows over 10cm/4 in over main cabled pattern st.

Skills required:
Knitting in the round
Decreasing
Cables

Needles:
4mm (US 6) circular needle or correct needle size to achieve gauge and a needle 0.5-1mm (1-2 US sizes) smaller for the start of the hat. You can use DPNS if you prefer. Pattern assumes magic loop, but you may substitute your preferred method for small circumference knitting when decreasing the crown.

Notions
Tapestry needle to weave in ends.
Stitch marker
cable needle

Yarn and yardage
King Cole baby alpaca DK (WPI 11) in colourway 3070 Stone. All sizes can be completed with 2 balls of the suggested yarn or the following yardages:

Toddler- adult XS: 116m/126yds
Adult S:133m/145yds
Adult M:151m/164yds
Adult L: 182m/199yds

Always allow extra yarn