Ravensdowne Hat

Ravensdowne Hat by Margaret Kendall

What is Being Made

The Ravensdowne Hat is a fitted knit hat designed by Margaret Kendall, sized to fit a 22 inch (55.8 cm) head with an additional 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of stretch. The finished hat measures 8 inches (20.3 cm) in length and 19 inches (48.2 cm) in circumference. This is an advanced-level knitting project worked in the round using bulky weight yarn, featuring a distinctive cable panel design on the front with stockinette stitch forming the back of the hat. For those preferring a slouchier silhouette, additional repeats of the cable pattern can be incorporated into the design.

Techniques Used

This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up, a construction method that creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The knitter uses circular needles for the main body and transitions to double pointed needles as the crown decreases. Cable work is central to the design, with a trio of plush cables forming a prominent panel on the front of the hat. The back is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth contrast to the textured cable panel. Working in the round requires familiarity with circular knitting techniques and maintaining even tension throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – Used for the back of the hat and measured at a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm)
• Cable Stitch (C4B) – The primary decorative element, created by slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle and holding to the back of work, then knitting 2 stitches from the main needle followed by 2 stitches from the cable needle, creating a twisted rope-like texture

Materials

This project requires bulky weight yarn totaling 85 to 95 yards (77.7 to 86.9 meters). The pattern is demonstrated in two colorway options: the Rust model uses Lion Brand Yarns Wool-Ease Chunky in the color Spice, while the Red model is worked in Cascade 128 Superwash in color 809 Red and features one extra repeat of the cable pattern for additional texture and length.

Needles required: Size US 10 (6 mm) 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle for the main body and Size US 10 (6 mm) double pointed needles for working the crown decreases as the circumference reduces.

Difficulty Level

This is an advanced knitting project. Success requires solid foundational skills including working in the round with circular needles, reading cable charts, executing cable stitches with precision, and managing gauge consistency. The combination of cable work and shaping makes this suitable for experienced knitters seeking a challenging and rewarding project.