Tango Hat

Tango Hat by Kathy Norris

Project Overview

The Tango Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Kathy Norris that showcases a rhythmic interplay of two-color cables. This downloadable knitting pattern combines advanced colorwork techniques to create a striking, flamboyant accessory. The design allows knitters to either create bold contrast with two distinctly different colors or achieve a more subtle blended effect by selecting similar tones.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces an adult-sized knit hat available in two finished dimensions. The small size measures approximately 21 inches in circumference with a height of 8 inches, while the large size measures approximately 23½ inches in circumference with a height of 10 inches. The hat features a cable-based construction with integrated two-color patterning throughout.

Techniques Used

The Tango Hat employs two sophisticated colorwork techniques working in tandem to create its distinctive appearance:

• Intarsia technique: This method allows for large blocks of color changes by using separate bobbins of yarn for each color section, preventing long floats across the back of the work
• Stranding technique: Also called fair isle, this method carries unused yarn across the back of the work to create color patterns, ideal for smaller repeating designs

The combination of these two techniques enables the cable motifs to emerge distinctly in contrasting colors while maintaining structural integrity and a professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which serves as the foundation fabric. The gauge is 18¼ stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on U.S. 5 needles. Cable stitches form the primary design element, creating the "rhythmic dance" of twisted strands that give the hat its visual impact. The cables are worked using a cable needle to manipulate stitch placement and create the characteristic twisted rope effect.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tango Hat is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors. The small size requires 120 yards of the main color and 120 yards of the contrast color, while the large size requires 140 yards of each color, for a total yardage of 240 to 280 yards depending on size.

The sample shown in the pattern was created using Knit Picks Swish Worsted in "Amythest Heather" for the main color and "Sugar Plum" for the contrast color, demonstrating how complementary jewel tones can enhance the cable design.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires U.S. 5 needles in two formats: a 16-inch circular needle for the main body of the hat and U.S. 5 double-pointed needles (dpn) for the crown shaping when stitches become too few for the circular needle. Additional notions include a cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable work, at least one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and increases, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

The pattern instructions note that contrast yarn should be divided into two bobbins before beginning, which is essential for managing the intarsia colorwork sections cleanly and preventing tangling.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Tango Hat is suitable for knitters with experience in basic construction and stitch techniques who are ready to tackle colorwork methods. Familiarity with cable knitting and managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously is recommended for successful completion of this project.