“But, oh, what providence
What divine intelligence
That you should survive
As well as me…”
-The Mariner’s Revenge Song, The Decemberists

The Mariner’s Revenge came about after falling in love with the look of traditional sailor Gansey sweaters and I wondered if that look could translate to a smaller, faster project like a hat! Bold knit and purl motifs are combined with simple rolling cables to create a richly textured fabric that can handle frigid ocean air or a cold winter commute.

This pattern has been tech-edited and test-knit and includes both fully written-out and charted versions to work from. Testers reported that it was an engaging knit while still being easy enough for TV knitting.

An unusual stretchy cast on for a clean, braided edge was used for the sample, and the YouTube tutorial link is shared in pattern and below if you want to give it a try. Otherwise, your preferred stretchy cast on including long tail will work just great! Small, repetitive cables are perfect for practicing cabling without a needle as well.

Aran-weight yarn yields a squishy, delightful experience for your hands and warmth for your head. Finally, the crown decreases to a sand dollar on top to complete your own Mariner’s Revenge!

Chinese Waitress Cast On

Center Double Decrease

Measurements

• Full schematic is provided.
• Unstretched ribbing 19”/48.2cm circumference, stretched to fit 21”-23”/53cm-58.5cm Adult size head
• Beanie- 8.5”/21.5cm length
• Slouchy-10”/25.4cm length

Shown on head circumference of 22”/55.8cm

Materials

• 165 yards/151 meters Aran or heavy worsted weight yarn
  Sample used one skein Woolfolk TOV in “Denim”

Needles

• Sizes 6 (US)/4.0mm & 8 (US)/5.0mm 16 inch/40cm cable circular needles or size needed for gauge

• Size 8 (US)/5.0 mm double pointed needles or your preferred method of working in the round in small circumference.

Gauge
(measured in pattern with larger needles after gentle blocking)
22 st /31 rows = 4 in. (10.1cm)

Notions

• Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle

Skills Used

• Knitting, purling, knit front & back, knit 2 together, purl 2 together and Center Double Decrease