Pomtastic Cabled Hat

Pomtastic Cabled Hat by Knitatude - Chantal

What is Being Made

The Pomtastic Cabled Hat is a knitted beanie designed for a cozy, comfortable fit with a bold statement. This intermediate-level project features decorative cable work throughout and is topped with an oversized pompom. The finished hat measures 18 inches in circumference (unstretched) and stands 8 inches tall without the pompom, extending to 11 inches with the pompom attached. The design emphasizes the dramatic impact of the large pompom, which uses approximately one-third of a yarn ball and is created using a Clover large Pom Pom Maker (3 3/8 inches).

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture:

• Cable work: The primary decorative technique, featuring multiple cable variations including Cable 2 Back (C2B), Cable 4 Back (C4B), and Cable 4 Front (C4F) stitches that create raised, twisted rope-like patterns across the fabric
• Stockinette stitch: The base stitch pattern used for the body of the hat, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Decreasing: Shaping techniques including Knit 2 Together (K2Tog) and Purl 2 Together (P2Tog) stitches are used to shape the crown
• Circular knitting: The hat is constructed in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Pompom construction: A large decorative pompom is created separately and attached to the crown

Stitches Used

The Pomtastic Cabled Hat incorporates the following stitches:

• Knit (K)
• Purl (P)
• Cable 2 Back (C2B)
• Cable 4 Back (C4B)
• Cable 4 Front (C4F)
• Knit 2 Together (K2Tog)
• Purl 2 Together (P2Tog)

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 2 skeins of Sugarbush Chill or approximately 96 meters / 104 yards of another Bulky weight yarn (category 5/6 super chunky). The generous yardage allows for the substantial pompom, which accounts for significant yardage usage.

Needles and Notions: Size US 15 / 10 mm circular knitting needles (16 inches) are used for the main construction. Additional tools include a cable needle or holder for managing cable stitches, a tapestry darning needle for weaving in ends and attaching the pompom, and a Clover large Pom Pom Maker (3 3/8 inches) for creating the statement pompom.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches by 13 rows equals 4 inches when worked in Stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring proper fit.

Design Notes

The Pomtastic Cabled Hat is designed for knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable working with cables and shaping techniques. The use of super chunky yarn and large needles means the project works up relatively quickly despite its intermediate difficulty level. The standout feature is the oversized pompom, which requires advance preparation and uses a significant portion of yarn, making it a defining characteristic of the finished hat.