I first DIYed this hat for my daughter— then I started borrowing/stealing it when I was feeling gloomy and needed an instant infusion of vitamin D.

It is impossible (ok, really, really difficult) to feel mopey in this hat — the double tassels, a bright pop of color, some giant cables. Knit in super bulky yarn, it also has the benefit of working up super quick, and that’s another reason for cheer.

The shape was inspired by a hat in one of my first knitting books, Hip to Knit, by Judith L. Swartz, but substantially altered in construction, stitch patterns, and sizing. With Judy’s kind permission, it is shared as a free pattern to bring joy and cheer and sunshine to you.

NOTA BENE:
A tubular cast on creates a beautiful polished edge in this pattern. If you prefer another cast on, make sure that it is at least semi-stretchy.

SIZING
Child/Teen: 16” circumference and 7.5” height (unstretched)
Adult sm/md: 18” circumference and 8.5” height
Adult lg/xl: 20” circumference and 9” height.

YARN
100 (120, 140) yds super bulky yarn, such as Malabrigo Rasta
Child sample knit in Malabrigo Rasta in ‘Fluo’.
Adult sample shown in Malabrigo Rasta in ‘Bahamas Green’ (MC) and ‘Fluo’ (CC).

GAUGE
5 sts and 7 rows = 2”/10cm in moss stitch;
6 sts and 7 rows = 2”/10cm in braid cable.

NEEDLES
US 15 / 10mm needles in 16”/40cm circular, or size needed to obtain gauge

NOTIONS/TOOLS
Stitch marker
Cable needle
Extra knitting needle in US size 13-17
Darning needle

SKILLS
Cast on; knit and purl; working in the round; cable sts; bind off; weaving in ends.
Acquired during the project: tubular cast on; three-needle bind off.