Urbane

Urbane Knit Hat by Katya Frankel

What Is Being Made

Urbane is a sophisticated knit hat designed by Katya Frankel, crafted to fit head circumferences of 20, 22, or 24 inches (51, 56, or 61 cm). The finished brim circumference measures 18¼, 19¾, or 21¾ inches (46.5, 50, or 55 cm) respectively across the three sizes. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for knitters seeking an elegant, cable-detailed hat suitable for various head sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Urbane is knit in the round from the bottom up, a construction method that creates a seamless, tubular fabric. This approach is popular for hat knitting as it eliminates the need for seaming and produces a professional finish. The pattern features cable stitch work throughout the body of the hat, requiring knitters to manipulate stitches using a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture that defines this classic knitting technique.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitch pattern – the primary decorative element running throughout the hat's body, created by crossing groups of stitches over one another
• Stocking stitch – the foundational smooth fabric used in combination with cables
• Simple decreases and increases – used for shaping the hat to fit properly and create the crown

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. Knitters should be comfortable with basic cabling techniques, working in the round, stocking stitch, and simple shaping methods including decreases and increases. Finishing skills are also required to complete the hat professionally.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for approximately 170, 190, or 205 yards (155, 170, or 185 meters) of DK weight yarn, depending on size. The recommended yarn is UK Alpaca DK, a luxury blend composed of 70% fine alpaca and 30% Bluefaced Leicester, with approximately 132 meters per 50-gram ball. The sample shown uses the color wine. Knitters may substitute any DK weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber characteristics.

Needles and Notions

• Size 4mm (US6) circular needle – primary needle for knitting the hat in the round
• Size 3.5mm (US4) double-pointed needles – used for the final decreases when the hat becomes too small for circular needles
• Cable needle – essential for manipulating stitches in the cable pattern
• Stitch marker – used to mark the beginning of rounds
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in yarn ends and finishing

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern to fit correctly. In stocking stitch using size 4mm (US6) needles, the gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm). In the cable stitch pattern, 16 stitches equal 2.5 inches (6.5 cm). Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match these gauges before beginning the project.