Braided Cable Hat
How to Knit a Braided Cable Hat (Magic Loop + Chart Tutorial)
IIf you’ve been wanting to try cable knitting in the round, this braided cable hat pattern is the perfect next project. In this free tutorial, you'll learn how to knit cables with worsted weight yarn, use the magic loop technique, and follow a knitting chart in the round — a must-know skill for advancing your knitting!
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
What You'll Learn in This Tutorial:
How to knit in the round using Magic Loop
How to follow a cable chart in circular knitting
How to knit a braided cable stitch pattern
Crown shaping and finishing tips for a clean, professional look
This project is ideal for intermediate knitters or confident beginners who want to grow their skills with cables and chart reading.
Gauge
• Ribbing on US 7: # sts x # rounds = 1” x 1”
• Cable Pattern on US 8: Cable Chart Repeat (20 stitches x 20 rounds) = #” x #”
Size
• Fits Circumference up to #” (# cm)
• Unstretched Circumference: #” (# cm)
• Total Length: #” (# cm)
Materials
• Cable Needle Amazon
• Lykke US 7 (4.5 mm) 40” or longer circular knitting needle Amazon
• Lykke US 8 (5 mm) 40” or longer circular knitting needle Amazon
• Tapestry Needle Amazon
• ## yds (## meters) Worsted/Medium/#4 Weight Yarn
Shown in Crow and Crescent Rhea Worsted in the color Meridian. I purchased this yarn from their Etsy shop.
Disclaimer: Some links provided are affiliate links and I receive a small commission when used. These commissions help to support the free content I offer!
What You'll Learn in This Tutorial:
How to knit in the round using Magic Loop
How to follow a cable chart in circular knitting
How to knit a braided cable stitch pattern
Crown shaping and finishing tips for a clean, professional look
This project is ideal for intermediate knitters or confident beginners who want to grow their skills with cables and chart reading.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
In the video, I’ll walk you through:
Magic Loop cast-on
Understanding knitting charts in the round
Braided cable techniques
Crown decreases + finishing touches
Tips for Reading Cable Charts in the Round
If you're new to knitting charts, this pattern is a great place to start. When working in the round:
Always read charts right to left on every round
Use stitch markers to mark chart repeats
Highlight rows as you go to keep your place
I cover all this (and more!) in the video, so don’t worry — I’ve got you!
Cast On
Use your US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needle to cast on 100 stitches using a stretchy cast on method. I recommend the backward loop cast on, the long tail cast on, or the German twisted cast on.
Once you have cast on, divide your stitches and prepare to join in the round using magic loop.
Ribbing
Ribbing Repeat Round: *Knit 1, Purl 1* continue working between the *s across the round
Continue working the Ribbing Repeat Round until your work measures 4” (10 cm).
Customization tip: if you do not want a folded brim, only work the Ribbing Repeat Round for 1.5” (3.8 cm).
Cable Chart
For the first round of your cable chart you will want to do two things:
(1) Increase your knitting needle size to a US 8 (5 mm)
(2) Place a stitch marker every 20 stitches to identify your cable chart repeats
Work Round 1 of the cable chart increasing your knitting needle size, and placing your stitch markers.
Continue to work Round 2 of your cable chart one time.
Cable Chart Repeat
Repeat Cable Chart Rounds 3-10 a total of 5 times.
Customization tip: if you would like to increase or decrease the depth of your hat, increase or decrease the number of cable chart repeats you complete.
Cable Chart Decreases
Work the decrease rounds 11 through 19 one time. When you are complete you should end up with 3 stitches between each set of stitch markers, or 15 stitches total.
Finishing
Cut yarn leaving a 18” (46 cm) tail. Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle and thread the tapestry needle through the remaining stitches. Thread the yarn tail to the inside of the hat, then tie a knot to secure. Weave in all ends.
Customization Tip: if you would like to add a pom-pom to your hat use your cast off yarn tail to attach it! I would recommend the largest size pom-pom maker that clover makes. Clover Pom-Pom Makers on Amazon
To block your hat, soak your hat in a bowl of lukewarm water for approximately 10 - 15 min. Gently squeeze to remove the excess water then roll it up in a towel to squeeze out remaining water. Lay flat to dry.
Final Thoughts
The braided cable pattern adds a classic texture that makes this hat a favorite for gifting, fall fashion, and learning new knitting skills. With the help of magic loop and a chart-based design, it’s a great introduction to advanced beginner knitting projects.
Happy Knitting!
- Madeline