Free cable hat knitting patterns
Are you on the lookout for a free cable hat knitting pattern? We don't blame you – the great thing about cables is that, as well as looking brilliant, they add bulk and texture to your hats which make them even better for keeping ears and heads cosy.
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Cables can be a bit tricky for knitting newbies, but once you've got the hang of them you'll be working cables into all your knitting projects. Check out our how to cable knit article for all you need to know!
You will need
- Rowan, Pure Wool Worsted (100% wool, 100g/200m)
1 ball of Soft Cream (102) - A set of 4½mm double-pointed needles (DPNs)
- A 4½mm cable needle
- A stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Pompom maker (optional)
Tension
Yarn used knits as worsted to this tension: 20 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4½mm needles. 1 pattern panel measures 5cm.
For more about tension and why it is important, see our article on knitting tension squares
Measurements
Actual circumference: 40 (48: 56)cm, 153/4 (183/4: 22)in after blocking
To fit head circumference approx: 46 (53: 61)cm, 18 (21: 24)in
Abbreviations
C2F Slip 1 st to cable needle and hold at front, K1, K1 from cable needle
C2B Slip 1 st to cable needle and hold at back, K1, K1 from cable needle
C3F Slip 1 st to cable needle and hold at front, K2, K1 from cable needle
C3B Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold at back, K1, K2 from cable needle
See our knitting abbreviations post for a full list of UK knitting abbreviations
Free cable knit hat pattern
Cast on 80 (96: 112) sts using 4½mm DPNs and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. PM to mark beginning of round.
Rounds 1 & 2 P1, *k2tbl, P2; rep from * to last 3 sts, k2tbl, P1.
Round 3 *P1, C2F, P2, C2F, P2, C2B, P2, C2B, P1; rep from * to end.
Rounds 1–3 set cable rib.
Rep rounds 1–3, 2 more times.
Cable pattern
Round 1 *P2, C4F, C2F, C2B, C4B, P2; rep from * to end.
Rounds 2–4 *P2, K12, P2; rep from * to end.
Rep rounds 1–4, 5 (6: 7) more times.
Decrease for crown
Round 1 *P2, C4F, C2F, C2B, C4B, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 2 *P2, ssk, K8, k2tog, P2; rep from * to end. [70 (84: 98) sts]
Round 3 *P2, K10, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 4 *P2, C3F, C2F, C2B, C3B, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 5 *P2, ssk, K6, k2tog, P2; rep from * to end. [60 (72: 84) sts]
Round 6 *P2, K8, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 7 *P2, C2F, C2F, C2B, C2B, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 8 *P2, ssk, K4, k2tog, P2; rep from * to end. [50 (60: 70) sts]
Round 9 *P2, K6, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 10 *P2, K1, C2F, C2B, K1, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 11 *P2, ssk, K2, k2tog, P2; rep from * to end. [40 (48: 56) sts]
Round 12 *P2, K4, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 13 *P2, K1, C2F, K1, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 14 *P2, ssk, k2tog, P2; rep from * to end. [30 (36: 42) sts]
Round 15 *P2, K2, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 16 *P2, K2, P2; rep from * to end.
Round 17 *P2, ssk, p2tog; rep from * to end. [20 (24: 28) sts]
Round 18 *P2, K1, P1; rep from * to end.
Round 19 (P2tog) to end.
[10 (12: 14) sts]
Round 20 Purl to end.
Round 21 (P2tog) to end. [5 (6: 7) sts]
Finishing
Cut off yarn leaving a long tail, thread through sts and fasten off. Weave in the ends. Make a pompom and attach securely to top of hat.
Download this Free cable knit hat pattern
Here's a PDF download of the Free cable knit hat pattern that is easy to print out or that you can save on your computer.
Free one skein cable hat knitting pattern
Kirstie McLeod's free cable hat knitting pattern only takes one skein of yarn, so spoil yourself with a new hat!
Using just 100g of aran-weight yarn, this hat is ideal if you need to knit a gift in a hurry, or if you want a pretty accessory for yourself.
If you’re a new knitter, you should be able to knit this free cable hat knitting pattern. Working in the round on a circular needle is quite a simple process, and you’ll always have the right side of the cables facing you, which should make it easy to spot if you make a mistake.
For more tips if you are a new knitter, check out our knitting for beginners guide. Experienced knitters will whip up the hat in no time. This free cable hat knitting pattern was first published in Simply Knitting magazine issue 75.
You might want to use a stitch marker to show where the round begins.
Designer Kirstie McLeod
Download your free cable hat pattern
To download your free cable hat knitting pattern, click on the link below and it will open in a new window. You can then save the pattern.
Please note: there is a correction to this pattern. The “4th dec round” should read:
4th dec round: *K1, P1, K2, k2tog, P1; rep from * to end of round. [54 (60: 66) sts]
Can't get enough of cables?
You've covered your head in cables, so now it's time to cover your toes with our awesome free cable socks knitting pattern.
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