Black Tea

Black Tea Knit Hat by BabyCocktails

What Is Being Made

Black Tea is a beginner-friendly knit hat designed by Thea Colman of BabyCocktails. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a fitted, elegant hat available in two sizes: a smaller size with a 16.75" (42.5cm) ribbed brim and 19" (48.25cm) body circumference, and a larger size with an 18.5" (47cm) ribbed brim and 21" (53.5cm) body circumference. The hat measures just under 11" (28cm) deep for both sizes, making it a classic, proportional hat design suitable for various head sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners while incorporating visual interest through stitch pattern work. The hat is constructed using circular knitting methods, worked in the round on circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs). The design features a ribbed brim section that provides elasticity and a secure fit, followed by a body section worked with a cable motif. The transition from smaller needles for the ribbed brim to larger needles for the body creates the proper gauge and fabric characteristics for each section.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Black Tea hat showcases two primary stitch sections. The ribbed brim is worked in a classic ribbing pattern, which provides stretch and helps the hat stay securely on the head. The body of the hat features a cable motif, adding textural depth and visual appeal to the finished piece. Cable stitches require the use of a cable needle to create the twisted, rope-like appearance characteristic of cable knit designs. The combination of ribbing and cables makes this an excellent beginner project for learning cable techniques while maintaining overall pattern simplicity.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern was originally designed and sampled using The Plucky Knitter Bello Fingering yarn, a luxury blend containing 54% merino and 45% cashmere goat fiber, providing 380 yards (347 meters) per 105-gram (3.7-ounce) skein. When worked doubled (two strands together), the pattern requires 350–375 yards (320–350 meters) of fingering weight yarn.

The pattern offers excellent yarn flexibility for knitters with different preferences. Black Tea has been successfully knit in alternative yarns including The Plucky Knitter Primo DK, Bello DK, and Primo Worsted, as well as other DK and light worsted weight yarns worked in a single strand. When substituting with DK or light worsted weight yarn in a single strand, approximately 175–190 yards (160–175 meters) are needed.

Needles and Notions

• US #5 (3.75mm) circular needles – 16" (40.5cm) – used for the ribbed brim section
• US #7 (4.5mm) circular needles – 16" (40.5cm) – used for the body of the hat
• US #7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) – for working the crown decreases
• Darning needle for weaving in ends
• Cable needle for working cable stitches
• Stitch marker for tracking rounds

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The gauge for the cable motif body is 23 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on the larger US #7 needles. The ribbed brim section has a gauge of 26 stitches and 32 rounds per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on the smaller US #5 needles. All gauge measurements are based on final blocked fabric, so blocking the gauge swatch before measuring ensures accuracy.

Difficulty Level

Black Tea is classified as a beginner-level knitting pattern. While it incorporates cable stitches—which may be new to some knitters—the overall structure and stitch count keep the pattern accessible. Beginners will gain experience with circular knitting, working with multiple needle sizes, reading a stitch pattern, and executing cable techniques, all within a manageable, wearable project.