Cords

Cords Knit Hat by Willer1

What Is Being Made

Cords is an adult-sized knit hat designed to be worked in the round from the bottom to the top. The hat features a distinctive cable pattern that spirals around the entire crown, creating a textured, dimensional design. Available in two sizes—Small and Large—the finished hat measures 46 cm (18 inches) or 48 cm (18.8 inches) in circumference after blocking, with a length of 23 cm (9 inches). This intermediate-level project is ideal for knitters looking to expand their cable work skills while creating a wearable, stylish accessory.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several key techniques to achieve its signature look. The hat is constructed using circular knitting, worked continuously in the round to create a seamless garment. Cable stitches form the primary design element, with cables spiraling vertically around the hat body. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging at the base for a fitted, elastic finish. Shaping at the crown is achieved through strategic decreases, including knit-two-together reductions to taper the hat smoothly toward the top. Blocking is recommended to achieve the final measurements and even out the cable texture.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• 2x2 Rib: Alternating knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches, repeated along rows to create the elastic cuff
• C4B (Back Cable): Slip the first two stitches onto a stitch holder and position it behind the work, knit the next two stitches, then knit the held stitches to create a cable twist
• C4F (Front Cable): Slip the first two stitches onto a stitch holder and position it in front of the work, knit the next two stitches, then knit the held stitches to create a cable twist in the opposite direction
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the crown
• Increase Purlwise: Purl into a stitch without removing it from the left needle, then purl again through the back loop to create an additional stitch

Materials and Tools

The Cords hat requires 60 to 70 grams of yarn in DK or Worsted weight. The designer used Ístex Lettlopi for the original sample. Two circular needles are needed: US6 and US7 sizes, allowing for needle adjustments to achieve proper gauge and fabric density. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches during cable crossings, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends after completion.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters, which should be measured over stockinette stitch. The Small size begins with a cast-on of 84 stitches on US6 circular needles, while the Large size uses 88 stitches. This stitch count provides the foundation for the cable pattern that repeats around the hat's circumference. The combination of cable stitches with strategic decreasing creates a hat that fits securely while maintaining visual interest from the ribbed base through the textured crown.