The Playford Hat, named for the music publisher and bookseller John Playford, is knit in the round from the bottom up in a delicate all-over cable pattern following the twining lines, hearts, and flourishes inscribed on a Baroque violin. This hat is part of the Twisted Strings collection - five accessory patterns inspired by the decorative tracery found on Baroque string instruments.

Skills & Techniques:
Knitting in the round, and working 1-over-1 cables which can be knit without a cable needle (instructions for my favourite twist method are included).

Materials Needed:
1 skein of Malabrigo Arroyo (100% superwash merino wool; 335yds/306m per 100g skein), or 205yds/187.5m of sport-weight yarn. Sample colourway: ‘Borraja’.
You will also need a cable needle (optional), a stitch marker, and a needle for weaving in the ends.

Finished Measurements:
Relaxed after blocking: 18”/46cm circumference, and 8.75”/22.5cm length. To fit 19-23”/48-58.5cm head circumference.
To resize, cast on 24 fewer (or additional) stitches for a 3.25”/8.5cm change in circumference after blocking.

Charts and written instructions are both provided in full.

Read more about the Playford Hat and its inspiration on my blog:
New collection: Twisted Strings

Tutorials: How to work mini-cables without a cable needle
How I block my hats