(Old Version) Cable Knit Hat

Learn to read a knitting cable chart!

Note: I now do have a new version of a cable knit hat tutorial that features an adult size hat!

Click HERE to see the new pattern and tutorial!

The hat shown in this version (old version) is a smaller size, both in terms of circumference and length (youth/teen size).

Materials
• Cable Needle Amazon
• Lykke US 7 Amazon
• Lykke US 8 Amazon
• Lion Brand Heartland Yarn Olympic Amazon
• Lion Brand Yarn Vanna's Choice Colonial Blue Amazon

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!

Free Knitting Pattern

This is the original cable hat, with folded-brim and non-folded-brim options. Keep the sizing note above in mind when choosing between this hat and the newer version. The cable chart and symbol key are included below.

Yarn, Needles & Gauge

Use worsted weight (#4) yarn: 160 yards (146 m) for the folded brim, shown in Lion Brand Heartland in Olympic, or 120 yards without the folded brim, shown in Vanna’s Choice in Colonial Blue.

US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 8 (5 mm) circular needles: 36-inch cords for magic loop, or 16-inch cords plus US 8 double-pointed needles for the crown. You also need a cable needle, scissors, tapestry needle, and 4 markers for magic loop or 6 markers when using a short circular needle.

Gauge: 19 stitches × 23 rows = 4 × 4 inches in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing in the round on the smaller needles.

Cast On

Using the US 7 needle and long-tail cast-on, cast on 96 stitches. Place a marker and join in the round. For magic loop, divide the stitches between the two needle tips. (Video 5:36; magic loop 9:42)

Ribbing

Ribbing Round: Repeat (knit 2, purl 2) around.

Folded brim: Continue until the ribbing measures 4 inches (10 cm) from the cast-on edge. Without a folded brim: Work ribbing for 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Change Needle Size & Place Markers

With the US 8 needle, work one more ribbing round, placing a marker every 16 stitches. For magic loop, arrange 48 stitches on each needle; the needle ends mark the beginning and midpoint of the round. (Video 15:44)

Increase Round

MP: Pick up the bar between the stitch just worked and the next stitch with the left needle from back to front, then purl into the front of the bar.

Repeat (MP, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, MP, purl 2, MP, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2) around. Each section increases from 16 to 19 stitches; 114 stitches total. (Video 22:04)

Work the Cable Chart

Using the chart and key above, work Rounds 1–28, repeating the chart across all six sections of the round. Read each round from right to left, starting at the bottom. (Video 28:57; chart-reading overview 19:05)

Crown Decreases

Work Rounds 29–35 of the chart. If using a short circular needle, change to US 8 double-pointed needles when the stitches no longer fit comfortably. 6 stitches remain. (Video 42:24)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches with the tapestry needle and draw the crown closed. (Video 50:51)

Folded-brim version: Turn the hat inside out and fold the brim in half. Hold it in place with removable markers so it does not twist. Using approximately 24 inches (61 cm) of yarn, sew the cast-on edge to the inside of the hat. Weave in the ends. (Video 52:07)

Non-folded version: Weave in the ends.