Cables and Lace Hat (Free Knitting Pattern)
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The Cables and Lace Hat combines classic cables with mock cables and a lace panel to create a beautifully textured hat that’s perfect for spring and fall. A slouchy fit gives the hat a relaxed look.
This hat is knit in the round from the brim to the top of the hat. Strategic decreases keep the cable and lace design intact all the way to the top!
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Materials
- 73g (200 yds/183 m) Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport in color Pale Lavender (50g = 136.5 yds / 125 m)
- one 40 cm / 16” 3.25mm [US 3] circular needle
- one 40 cm / 16” 4mm [US 6] circular needle
- one set of 4mm [US 6] double-pointed needles
- 5 stitch markers, including one distinct one for the beginning of round
- tapestry needle
- plastic bag (for blocking)
- towels or t-shirts (for blocking)
- large bowl (for blocking)
Gauge: 23 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm / 4” in stockinette stitch using larger needles
Notes on Yarn Choice:
Because of the stretchy open nature of lace, knitting gauge does not need to be 100% accurate.
I would recommend a gauge of 5.5-6 sts per inch using larger needles. This yarn weight is as a heavy sport weight or light DK weight.
The term “sport weight” can be a bit squishy. I’ve found that yarn manufacturers use “sport weight” to encompass yarn weights from heavy fingering all the way to DK weight!
For this reason, I would recommend working up a gauge swatch instead of relying on the weight category on a yarn label. Yarn that knits up at 23-24 sts per 4” is perfect for this project.
Recommended Yarns:
Knitting Difficulty: 4/5
This is an advanced project. You’ll need to be familiar with the following techniques to knit this hat successfully:
- cast on
- knit
- purl
- knit in the round
- knit with DPNs
- K2tog
- SSK
- read a knitting chart
Finished Hat Measurements
Sizing: One Size
This hat is designed for a head with a circumference of 53-56cm / 21-22”
Blocked and un-stretched:
Height: 9.9” / 25cm
Circumference: 22.5” / 56.5 cm
Adjusting the Hat Size
As written, the pattern is ideal for someone with a head circumference between 53-56cm / 21-22”. If your head is larger than this, the best way to adapt the pattern is with the following strategies:
- Cast on with the German twist cast on for maximum stretchiness at the brim of the hat
- Use a thicker yarn weight like a DK weight with a gauge between 21-22 sts per 4” in stockinette stitch.
- Block the lace portion of the hat more aggressively by making a larger blocking mold (how to do this is covered in the video tutorial)
To knit a hat for a smaller head circumference, choose a lighter yarn weight like a light sport weight or heavy fingering weight yarn with a gauge between 25-26 sts per 4” in stockinette.
Cables and Lace Hat Video Tutorial
The Cables and Lace Hat pattern includes a step-by-step video tutorial that walks you through the entire knitting process.
Pattern Notes:
1×1 Rib in the Round:
Round 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of round
Repeat Round 1
Charted Pattern Instructions
With smaller circular needles, CO 108 sts and join in the round without twisting the sts. For larger heads, use German twist cast on for a stretchier edge.
Knit in 1×1 rib until work measures 1.5” from cast on edge.
Increase Round: Switch to larger circular needles and work as follows: *K1, P1, K1, P1, M1; repeat from * to end of round (135 sts)
Work Chart 1 a total of eight times. Piece measures 7.5” from CO edge.
Work Chart 2 once to decrease the stitches on the hat (10 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving a 10” tail and weave through remaining stitches.
Weave in ends. Block to desired size.
Finishing
Cut yarn, leaving a 10” tail and weave through remaining stitches.
Weave in ends. Block to desired size.
Knitting Abbreviations:
CN: cable needle
CO: cast on
K: knit
K2tog: knit 2 sts together (1 st decreased)
K4tog: knit 4 sts together (3 sts decreased)
Sl: slip a stitch(es)
SSK: Sl1 st as if to knit, Sl1 st as if to knit, knit 2 slipped sts together from the front
M1: make one stitch (either right-leaning or left-leaning is fine)
P: purl
PSSO: pass slipped st(s) over
St(s): stitch(es)
Wyib: with yarn in back
YO: yarn over
* *: work instructions within the asterisks the number of times indicated
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