Twist and Shout

Twist and Shout Knit Hat by MADuNaier

What is Being Made

Twist and Shout is an advanced knit hat pattern designed to fit head circumferences of 20-23 inches. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a structured cap featuring prominent cable twists that spiral outward from the crown, distinguishing it from similar designs that feature inward-twisting cables. The hat is part of the MAD Cap Fancies collection by independent designer MADuNaier.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The hat is constructed in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless construction. The primary structural technique involves cable knitting, where stitches are crossed over one another using a cable needle to create the signature twisted texture.

The cable pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches to frame the cables, with the cables themselves twisting outward in a specific sequence. The pattern uses both cable crosses worked to the back and cable crosses worked to the front to create directional twists. Additionally, the pattern incorporates ribbing as a structural element, providing elasticity and shape retention to the finished hat.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundation stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in 2x2 ribbing and to frame cable sections
• Cable crosses – created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle and holding them either in back or in front while working subsequent stitches, then working the held stitches
• Make 1 increase (M1) – for shaping increases
• Knit 2 together decrease (K2tog) – for shaping decreases
• Purl 2 together decrease (P2tog) – for shaping decreases
• 2x2 ribbing – a combination of 2 knit stitches and 2 purl stitches worked in alternation

Materials and Gauge

The Twist and Shout pattern requires 150 yards of worsted weight yarn. The pattern is shown worked in Plymouth Encore Worsted, demonstrating the finished appearance in this specific yarn. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches over 4 inches when measured unstretched (or 6 inches when stretched) using size 6 needles worked in 2x2 ribbing.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires multiple needle sizes and types. For the standard 20-23 inch fit, crafters need a 16-inch circular needle in size 6, a 16-inch circular needle in size 8, and double-pointed needles in size 8. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses. For a larger fit, the pattern recommends increasing all needle sizes by one size (using size 7 and 9 needles instead), which will proportionally enlarge the finished hat.

Pattern Structure

The cable pattern repeats over 11 stitches and works over a 10-row repeat. The pattern begins with a brim section cast on using size 6 circular needles with 88 stitches. The cable motif features alternating sections of purl stitches flanking nine knit stitches, with the cable crosses occurring on specific rows to create the outward-twisting effect. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including Rnd for round, Rep for repeat, and CN for cable needle.