This pattern is being offered for Free.
I want to share the joy of knitting this hat with as many knitters as possible. Knitting is a balm for the trials of life; it can’t fix systematic issues but it can help individuals feel in control of SOMETHING.

It all starts with tubular cast-on. Once established, the edge stitches appear to grow out of nowhere. Next the 1x1 rib creates an understated border. Then the body. Mostly easy to work stockinette, broken up by reverse stockinette flanking a slightly spicy cable. The crown is shaped either with a spiral or a quadrant style decrease. You may choose to top it all off with a pom-pom, or leave it plain.

Its a relatively fast and interesting knit. Once the cable is established, that too becomes intuitive. Its Unisex appeal makes it a great gift! I plan on making a bunch to give out during the holiday season. If I run out of recipients: local organizations are always in need of donations of warm winter hats for cold weather.

This pattern can accommodate a variety of yarn weights. One skein of fingering held double, a worsted, a light worsted, or even a DK depending on your gauge. Samples were knit from a variety of weights: all producing beautiful results. The gauge varied slightly (5.25-5.75 stitches per inch) from weight to weight, but not enough to be significant. The three samples in the pattern fit myself, my spouse, and both of our young kids; albeit with varying degrees of snugness. The finished diameter is 20.5-22” with 8” of height.

If your gauge is larger than 5.25 stitches per inch, it is advised to drop your needle size or reconsider your yarn choice. Your hat will be too large for an average adult otherwise.

You will need approximately 195-210 yards of worsted or light worsted yarn, or 400-420 yards of fingering held double.

Needles: size 6/4mm 16” circular needles and DPNs (for the crown)

Other materials: Cable Needle, yarn needle for finishing, optional pom-pom and thread for attaching.