Reversible Cable Hat & Scarf

Reversible Cable Hat & Scarf by Mary Ann Moran

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from independent designer Mary Ann Moran presents a versatile two-piece set featuring a reversible cable hat and matching scarf. Both pieces showcase cable stitch techniques that are visible and attractive from either side, making them truly reversible designs. The set is suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking a project that combines classic cable work with modern construction methods.

What Is Being Made

• Reversible Cable Hat: A fitted hat designed to accommodate head circumferences of 20-22 inches when stretched, worked in the round using circular needles for seamless construction
• Reversible Cable Scarf: A one-size-fits-all scarf that can be knitted to 5 feet or longer according to personal preference, offering flexibility in finished length

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. Cable stitches form the primary decorative element, created using a cable needle to manipulate stitch order and create twisted, rope-like textures. The reversible nature of the design means cable techniques are worked to be visually appealing from both sides of the fabric. Circular knitting is used for the hat, worked in the round to eliminate seaming. The scarf can be worked on either circular needles or straight needles, offering flexibility based on knitter preference. Gauge swatching is emphasized to ensure proper fit, particularly important for the fitted hat.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and specialized cable stitch instructions. Core stitches include:

• Knit (K, k) and Purl (P, p): The fundamental stitches creating the fabric base
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) and Purl 2 together (P2tog): Decrease stitches used for shaping
• Place marker (Pm, pm) and Slip marker (Sm, sm): Techniques for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Cable stitches: Including C3B (Cable 3 Back), where 3 knit stitches are placed on a cable needle and held to the back while the next 3 stitches are knitted, then the held stitches are knitted to create the twisted cable effect

Stockinet stitch is used as the base fabric for gauge measurement, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric background for the cable patterns.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies Cascade Cherub DK yarn, a blend of 55% nylon and 45% acrylic, offering durability and easy care. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a light worsted weight ideal for garments requiring drape and flexibility. A total of 4-5 skeins are needed, with each skein providing 180 yards or 165 meters, allowing approximately 720-900 yards total for both the hat and scarf. Yarn color selection is left to individual preference.

The needle requirements include multiple sizes to accommodate different pattern sections and achieve proper gauge:

• Size 3 (3.25mm) 16-inch circular needle: Likely used for ribbed cuff or edging sections requiring tighter tension
• Size 5 (3.75mm) needles: The primary needles for pattern stitch, available as a 16-inch circular needle and as a set of 4 double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences or hat crown shaping
• Size 6 (4.0mm) 16-inch circular needle or straight needles: Used for the scarf, with the option to choose between circular and straight needles based on knitter preference
• Cable needle: Essential for manipulating stitches during cable stitch execution
• Stitch markers: Used to denote pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends and finishing

Gauge and Fit

The pattern establishes gauge as 24 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinet stitch on size US 5 needles.