Sally - 8ply cable beanie

Sally - 8ply Cable Beanie by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

The Sally beanie is a firm-fitting knitted hat designed by Jennifer Lee, available in four sizes to fit head circumferences from 52cm (age 2-5) to 56cm (Lady). This downloadable knitting pattern produces a classic beanie suitable for children and adults, with a structured construction that maintains its shape through careful tension and stitch selection.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project rated at intermediate difficulty level. The beanie demonstrates fundamental hat construction techniques, combining two distinct stitch patterns to create visual interest and structural integrity. The main body features a four-row cable pattern that creates a textured, dimensional fabric, while the brim utilizes ribbed stitching to provide elasticity and a neat finish. The combination of these techniques requires knitters to be comfortable with both basic knit and purl stitches as well as cable manipulation.

Stitches Used

• Cable Stitch (C4B): A four-stitch cable created by slipping two stitches onto a cable needle, holding it at the back of the work, knitting the next two stitches, then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle. This stitch is repeated throughout the four-row cable pattern that forms the main body of the beanie.
• Knit Stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern, including within cable sequences and as part of the overall fabric construction.
• Purl Stitch (P): Used to create the ribbed brim, which provides elasticity and helps the beanie maintain a snug fit.
• Ribbing: The brim is worked in rib pattern, combining knit and purl stitches in alternation to create vertical lines of texture that stretch and recover.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for 2 balls of Cleckheaton Country 8ply yarn in 50g balls (approximately 96 metres per ball), though the designer notes that quantities may vary depending on individual knitting tension and yarn type. The yarn weight is specified as DK (double knitting), which is a medium weight suitable for creating fabric with good drape and definition of stitch detail.

Essential tools include 4.00mm knitting needles (UK size 8, US size 6), a cable needle for manipulating stitches in the cable pattern, and a wool needle for sewing seams and weaving in ends during finishing.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 29 stitches and 29 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over the cable pattern using 4.00mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for this project, as it ensures the beanie will fit properly across all four available sizes. The sizing range accommodates ages 2-5, 6-10, Teen, and Lady, with head circumferences ranging from 52cm to 56cm (20½ to 22 inches).