Sumac

Sumac: A Staghorn Cable Beanie by IsolaHandmade

What Is Being Made

Sumac is a knitted beanie hat designed for teen to adult head sizes, ranging from 20 to 22 inches in circumference. Named after the staghorn sumac plant, this winter hat combines functional warmth with decorative cable detailing. The design is ideal for protecting ears and face from cold winter winds while maintaining a stylish appearance suitable for everyday wear.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft, making it an accessible option for beginner-level knitters. The pattern employs circular knitting techniques, which allow for seamless construction in the round. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more polished finished garment. The beanie is worked from the bottom up using both circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown shaping.

Stitches and Cable Details

The Sumac beanie features staghorn cable as its primary stitch pattern element. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing a three-dimensional twisted or braided texture. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch, which forms the smooth, flat background fabric that showcases the cable work. Additional stitches used include knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) for decreasing stitches, particularly during the crown shaping phase of the hat.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for bulky weight yarn, specifically recommending either Knit Picks Biggo or Lambs Pride Bulky. Approximately 110 yards of bulky weight wool is required to complete the project. Knitters should note that using the entire skein of Biggo yarn is necessary, so cast-on tail length should be managed carefully if using the long-tail cast-on method.

The recommended gauge is 3 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch when measured before blocking. This gauge is achieved using US 10.5 circular needles (16-inch length) for the main body of the hat. US 9 circular needles are also required for the ribbed cuff or edge work. For the crown decreases, US 10.5 double-pointed needles (a set of 4 or 5) are necessary to maintain stitches as the circumference decreases.

Additional Notions and Tools

• Cable needle for crossing stitches to create the staghorn cable pattern
• Measuring tape for checking gauge and head circumference
• Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Scissors for cutting yarn
• Stitch marker to denote the beginning of rounds

Finishing Notes

Blocking is optional but recommended, particularly for knitters who tend to work with tight tension. Blocking can relax the cables and ensure the finished hat reaches its intended fit if it ends up slightly snug. This simple staghorn cable beanie pattern by designer Kali Sierra Berg offers an excellent introduction to cable knitting while producing a practical, wearable winter accessory.