A fitted beanie featuring a cable section combined with an attractively textured garter rib. Designed in a lofty aran-weight yarn, the epiphyte hat is a quick, simple and satisfying knit and looks lovely in a variegated or hand-dyed yarn like this soft and fluffy Fibresmith yarn. The great thing about garter rib is that after the brim, every second row is all knit. The staghorn cable attached like an epiphyte provides some visual and textural interest and would be a friendly introduction to cabling.

Epiphytes, such as the spectacular staghorn fern, are plants that have no attachment to the ground, and instead grow on another plant or object for support. These are particularly common in moist tropical forests and contribute to the incredible biodiversity of these ecosystems. Epiphytes are not parasitic on their supporting plants and take their nutrients in various ways from their environment such as from the rain and organic matter that collects around them.

Thanks to my Mum for taking the photos and my Dad for modeling the finished product!

This pattern is offered for free for personal use only. Please note, the pattern has not been test-knitted by anyone other than myself and constructive feedback would be gratefully received via Ravelry.

If you like the pattern, consider making a donation to the Australian Conservation Foundation to support their work to protect Australia’s forests, rivers and wildlife, which is especially needed after the 2020 summer bushfires. https://www.acf.org.au

Pattern Notes
This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up beginning with a brim in 2x2 rib. The body and crown of the hat includes a staghorn cable worked in one section and a garter rib pattern forms the rest of the hat. The cable pattern is written only.

Yarn
1 ball of Fibresmith Hand Dyed aran Merino
Available online at https://fibresmith.com.au
‘Forest Floor’ shade used for sample
166m / 181yds per 100g ball
Yardage to complete project: Approximately 70g/116m/127yds.

Gauge
Brim: 15 sts to 10cm/4in over 2x2 rib in the round. I used 4.5mm (US 7) needles.
Body of hat: 17 sts to 10cm/4in over 1x1 garter rib pattern in the round, I used 5mm (US 8)
Ensure you swatch to obtain correct gauge. Use 5mm (US 8) needle as a starting point for swatching.

Size
Fits large adult head
Circumference: 58cm/23in.
Height from brim to crown: 20.5cm/8in.