UKHKA 152 Pompom Hat - UKHKA152pdf - Downloadable PDF

UKHKA 152 Pompom Hat – Aran Knitting Pattern for Adults

This downloadable PDF from UKHKA (pattern reference UKHKA 152) provides instructions for knitting a classic Pompom Hat in an Aran weight yarn, designed to fit an average adult head in a single, universal size. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore cable knitting. The finished hat features striking cable panels and a traditional handmade pompom embellishment, giving it a cosy, textured appearance ideal for cooler weather.

Design Overview

The pattern presents two distinct versions of the Pompom Hat, each with slightly different material requirements and colourway approaches, though both are worked to the same one-size adult fit. The core construction method is consistent across both versions: a ribbed brim worked on smaller needles transitions into a bold cable panel body on larger needles, before decreasing to shape the crown and finishing with a handmade pompom on top.

Version One – Multi-Colour Striped Pompom Hat

The first version of the hat is worked using three colours of Aran yarn, creating a striped or colour-blocked effect across the cable panels. The materials required are:

• 100g each of Aran Yarn in Grey (A), Light Grey (B), and Purple (C)
• A pair of 5mm (US 8) knitting needles
• A crochet hook
• A pompom maker or cardboard for creating the pompom topper

The use of three separate yarn colours – Grey, Light Grey, and Purple – allows knitters to introduce colour changes at intervals, producing a visually dynamic hat that pairs well with the textured cable stitchwork. The crochet hook is likely used as a finishing or joining tool rather than for the main fabric construction.

Version Two – Single Colour Cable Pompom Hat

The second version is a more classic, single-colour interpretation of the same design. Materials for this version include:

• 150g of Aran Yarn in a single colour
• A pair each of 4.50mm (US 7) and 5mm (US 8) knitting needles
• A cable needle
• A pompom maker or cardboard

The use of two needle sizes is standard practice for hat construction: the smaller 4.50mm needles are used for the ribbed brim to create a neat, firm edge that grips the head comfortably, while the larger 5mm needles are used for the main cable body of the hat to achieve the correct tension and stitch definition. A dedicated cable needle is essential for working the cable crossings in this version.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is important for ensuring the hat fits as intended. The pattern specifies two tension measurements:

• 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm/4in square over pattern using 5mm needles
• 18 stitches and 2 rows to 10cm/4in square over stocking stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles

Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and adjust needle size accordingly to match these measurements.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a range of knitting techniques that place it firmly in the intermediate skill category. The key stitches and methods involved include:

• 2x2 Rib (p2, k2) – used for the brim section to create an elastic, stretchy band
• Cable stitch panels – the main body of the hat features a repeating cable pattern set over 14-stitch repeats (12 cable stitches flanked by 2 purl stitches)
• C6B (Cable 6 Back) – a six-stitch cable crossing worked to the back, creating a left-le