Just like dropped stitches a few years ago, knitted cables had been intimidating to me until recently. During my last visit to India, my mom gave me a knitting book which she used to use to learn new stitches, until digital resources took over. It’s a really old book and has definitely seen better days. It was published in 1970.
While I was going through that book, I came across the cables section and it felt like the perfect opportunity to expand my knitting skills. And can you believe that in this age of internet and everything digital, I learnt cable knitting from this book. Quite contrary to my belief, it wasn’t actually difficult to follow written instructions for this new stitch I was learning.
I practiced making cables on a flat piece and next wanted to try them in the round as it seemed like the perfect challenge I was waiting for. One thing let to other and I combined the cables with some ribbing and after a few tries on the crown shape, I ended up with this beautiful braided cables hat. I’m totally in love with it and every bit proud of this creation.

 

I have made this hat with different thickness yarns and a suitable needles size and it works great with all.
When I started, I didn’t know how to make cables and by the end I’d designed something of my own. This project has made me realize that it’s so important to take the leap and believe in yourself. I have decided to share this pattern with you all, so those of you who are scared to try a complex looking pattern, jump in and give this beanie a try.

Supplies:

  • Red heart comfort yarn. Any worst weight yarn should work too. Red Heart comfort yarn comes in a huge ball, you’ll use less than quarter of it for this hat.
  • 6 mm, 16″ circular knitting needles (for the cable pattern)
  • Cable needle of similar thickness as above needles for making cables
  • 5mm, 16″ circular knitting needles (for the ribbing)
  • 5mm double pointed knitting needles (for when we start making decreases for the crown)
  • Large Tapestry needle and scissors

Abbreviations:

CO – cast on
K – knit
P – purl
M1 – make one
C3F – cable 3 front – Left leaning cable – refer to the video HERE
C3B – cable 3 back – Right leaning cable – refer to the video HERE
SSK – slip slip knit decrease
KLL – knit left loop increase. Refer to the video HERE
KRL – Knit right loop increase. Refer to the video HERE

Tips before you start:

  • Read abbreviations section for useful videos on new stitches.
  • I have learnt by experience that the cables look better when they are knitted a bit loose. Also the cables are stretchy if knitted loose. If you are tight knitter, it helps to use bigger needles.
  • German twist cast on is a super stretchy cast on and can be used for hat brims.
  • Refer HERE or HERE for tips on a neater ribbing.

 

 

Switch to 6mm circulars after ribbing edge is done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pattern:

Cast On 80 stitches using long tail cast on method. If you are a tight knitter, I’d recommend using the German twist cast on as it’s stretchy.  Refer to the video HERE.
Round 1-10: K1 P1 ribbing for 10 rounds or until 2 inches.
Round 11: (K4, Invisible knit left increase(see abbreviations section for video link), K4, Invisible knit right increase)* all around – 100 stitches
Round 12: ( P1, K9 ) 10 times
Round 13: ( P1, C3F, K3 ) 10 times
Round 14: ( P1, K9 ) 10 times
Round 15: ( P1, K3, C3B ) 10 times
Round 16: ( P1, K9 ) 10 times

Repeat above Round 13-16 , 9 times or as long as you need the hat to be. At the end of this you should see 9 braids.

Round 17: ( SSK, K2, SSK, K2, SSK ) 10 times – 70 stitches left.
Round 18: K all * 2 rounds
Round 19: SSK all around – 35 stitches left
Round 20: K all * 2 rounds
Round 21: ( SSK, K1, SSK ) 7 times – 21 stitches left.
Round 22: K all around
Round 23: (K2tog, K1) * 7 times – 14 stitches left.
Round 24: K2tog all around – 7 stitches left.

 

Cut yarn and use tapestry needle to sew through each of the 7 stitches and slip them off all three dpns and cinch the hole shut, sew the top of the hat securely and weave in the tail on the inside of the beanie.
This is my first ever cable beanie and I’m so happy to share the pattern with you all!!!
Add a pom if you fancy or wear it as is. Looks great both ways.
This would definitely make a great gift for any occasion for your family and friends(specially for the holiday season). If you happen to make one, tag me on Instagram and Facebook @asmihandmade . I’d love to see your beanies
Also don’t forget to pin this pattern to your Pinterest board and share it with friends!!!
Till I post again!
Ranjitha
♥️♥️♥️