Straight as an Arrow The Hat

Straight as an Arrow The Hat by Fatimah Hinds

What is Being Made

Straight as an Arrow The Hat is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted, cable-detailed hat designed by independent designer Fatimah Hinds. This intermediate-level project creates a structured hat available in three sizes (S, M, L) with finished flat measurements of 16", 18", and 20" respectively. The pattern showcases two distinct colorways—a pink version finished at 9.5" tall and a brown version at 8" tall—each with unique design elements and charted instructions.

Techniques and Construction

This knitting pattern employs classic top-down hat construction using double-point needles or a long circular needle. The design features a prominent cable section as the primary decorative element. A key feature of this pattern is its flexibility: the cable instructions are written to allow knitters to work cables without a cable needle, though traditional cable needle techniques are also accommodated. The pattern offers customization options for slouch level—knitters can adjust the number of cable repeats to create a more or less slouchy silhouette according to personal preference.

The pattern recommends choosing a size with 1-2 inches of negative ease for the fitted look shown in the pictures, or selecting no ease for a looser, more relaxed fit. This sizing flexibility makes the hat adaptable to different head shapes and style preferences.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base
• Cable stitches forming the main decorative pattern element
• Stitch markers used for pattern tracking, including one unique marker for round identification

Materials Required

Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Traveller, a superwash merino yarn at DK weight (100% superwash merino; 280 yards per 4 ounces). The pattern is worked in two colorways: Coleus (pink) and That Ol Chestnut (brown), each with separate charted instructions to achieve the distinct looks shown.

Needles: One set of US #7/4.5mm double-point needles or one long circular needle, depending on preferred knitting method.

Notions: Three stitch markers (including one unique marker for round beginnings) and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Pattern Details

The gauge for this pattern is 18 stitches by 29 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern format is a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use once purchased. This intermediate-difficulty project is suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques and cable work, whether using traditional cable needles or the cable-without-needle method provided in the instructions.