Cable Unleashed

Cable Unleashed Scarf and Hat Set by Cheryl Andrews

Project Overview

Cable Unleashed is a coordinating knit set featuring a long, skinny cable scarf and a matching four-cable super bulky hat. Designed by Cheryl Andrews and published by Wooly Bear Hand Knits, this collection celebrates liberated cable design with quick and easy projects perfect for displaying independent style. Both pieces work together as a cohesive set or can be made individually.

What Is Being Made

• Scarf: A long, skinny cable scarf measuring 2 inches wide by 91 inches long after blocking, ideal for wrapping and layering
• Hat: A four-cable super bulky hat with a finished circumference of 20 inches (with stretch) and 7 inches in height, designed as a matching companion piece

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Both projects feature cable stitches as the primary design element, with the cables described as "unleashed" to emphasize their prominent, liberated appearance throughout the garments. The projects utilize stockinette stitch as the base fabric, which provides the smooth background that allows cable patterns to stand out visually.

Cable work requires the use of a cable holder (or alternatively, a double point needle) to temporarily hold stitches while crossing cables over one another. This fundamental cable technique creates the twisted, rope-like texture characteristic of cable knit designs.

The hat construction involves circular knitting worked in the round on double point needles, a traditional method for creating seamless crown shaping. The scarf can be worked flat on straight needles or in the round on double point needles, offering flexibility in construction method.

Materials and Yarn Weight

Cable Unleashed is designed for super bulky weight yarn, making these projects quick to complete. The pattern requires approximately 194 yards total to knit both the hat and scarf together, or approximately 65 yards for the hat alone.

Sample projects were knitted in two different super bulky options:

• Rowan Big Wool: 100% merino wool, 100 grams per skein, 87 yards per skein (2 skeins used for samples)
• Cascade Lana Grande: 100 grams per skein, 87 yards per skein (2 skeins used for samples)

Both yarns showcase the cable definition beautifully while maintaining the quick-knit advantage of super bulky weight.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for Size 11 needles throughout both projects. For the hat, a set of 5 double point needles in Size 11 is required for circular knitting, along with a cable holder or smaller double point needle (Size 11 or smaller) for managing cable crosses. The scarf can be worked on Size 11 straight needles or double point needles, also requiring a cable holder or smaller double point needle for cable work.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes gauge as 10 stitches by 17 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch, providing the foundation for accurate sizing. The hat begins with a cast-on of 56 stitches divided across 4 needles and joined in a ring for seamless circular construction. Final dimensions after blocking are 20 inches in circumference (with stretch capacity) and 7 inches in height for the hat, while the scarf reaches 91 inches in length with a 2-inch width.

Difficulty Level

Cable Unleashed is rated as an intermediate project, appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with cable techniques. While cable knitting requires attention to stitch management and cable holder manipulation, the super bulky yarn weight and straightforward construction make these projects accessible and rewarding for intermediate-level makers.

Format

Cable Unleashed is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, allowing immediate access to complete project instructions and stitch details.