Traveling Cable Hat
Although cables look complicated, they’re only slightly more difficult than putting one foot in front of the other! These Traveling Cable Hats present the perfect opportunity to hone your cabling skills. Where an Aran sweater is the marathon of cable knitting, these hats are the 100-meter dash, every bit as beautiful but with the finish line in sight!
And with its remarkable stitch definition and undefeated softness, Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure is the ideal yarn to show off the hard work (and beauty!) of cable knitting.
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Update: November 2014
We now have a Traveling Cable Hat for Kids! Rather than casting on 3 repeats, like I did for the Alpaca Pure Baby size, I cast 2 repeats onto some big ol’ needles in our Super Soft Merino! For more photos and the full pattern, click here!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Gina Rockenwagner.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoTravelingCableHat. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 1 (2) skein(s) of Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure, 100% alpaca. Each skein is 109 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 109 (218) yards required. We used Heirloom White and Artemisia Green.
- US 5 (3.75 mm), 20-inch circular needles, or a set of double pointed needles
- US 6 (4 mm), 20-inch circular needles
- A set of US 6 double pointed needles
- Stitch markers, including 1 unique
Gauge
30 stitches and 14 rows = 3½ inches by 2⅛ inches in cable stitch pattern, using larger needles
22 stitches = 3 inches in rib pattern (unstretched), using smaller needles
Sizes
Baby (Adult)
To fit actual head circumference of 14–16 (20–23) inches
- Finished Circumference at Widest Point of Body: 10½ (13½) inches
- Finished Circumference at Ribbing: 9 (12) inches
- Finished Length: 8½ (12) inches
Samples: The Heirloom White hat is the Baby size, and the Artemisia Green hat is the Adult size.
Note
Cables
NOTE: For help with the following cables, including photo tutorials, visit purlsoho.com/create/cable/. The only cable you won’t see in our tutorial is the Cable 4 Front, but it’s just like the Cable 6 Front, only worked over 4 stitches instead of 6!
3/1 Left Purl Cable (3/1 LPC): Slip 3 knit stitches to cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, p1 from left hand needle, k3 from cable stitch holder.
3/1 Right Purl Cable (3/1 RPC): Slip 1 purl stitch to cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k3 from left hand needle, p1 from cable stitch holder.
Cable 6 Front (C6F): Slip 3 knit stitches to cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, k3 from left hand needle, k3 from cable stitch holder.
Cable 6 Back (C6B): Slip 3 knit stitches to cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k3 from left hand needle, k3 from cable stitch holder.
Cable 4 Front (C4F): Slip 2 knit stitches to cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, k2 from left hand needle, k2 from cable stitch holder.
Pattern
Ribbing
With smaller needles, cast on 63 (84) stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a unique marker and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Round 1: *P1, [k2, p2] 4 times, k3, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until ribbing measures 3 (4) inches from cast on edge.
Round 2: *Purl front and back (pfb), [k1, make 1 right (m1R), k1, p2] 3 times, k1, m1r, k1, pfb, p1, k1, m1r, k1, m1r, k1, m1r, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [90 (120) stitches]
Body
Switching to larger circular needles…
NOTE: In the following round, place a marker every 30 stitches to separate cable repeats.
Round 1: *[P2, k3] 4 times, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *[P2, 3/1 LPC (see Notes), 3/1 RPC (see Notes)] 2 times, p3, C6F (see Notes), p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *P3, [k6, p4] 2 times, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: *P3, [C6F, p4] 2 times, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 5: *P3, [k6, p4] 2 times, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 6: *[P2, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC] 2 times, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 7: *[P2, k3] 4 times, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 8: *P1, 3/1 RPC, p2, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, p2, 3/1 LPC, p2, C6F, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 9: *P1, k3, p4, k6, p4, k3, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 10: *P1, k3, p4, C6B (see Notes), p4, k3, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 11: *P1, k3, p4, k6, p4, k3, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 12: *P1, [3/1 LPC, p2, 3/1 RPC] 2 times, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1–12 one (3) more time(s).
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one more time. [Piece measures approximately 6¾ inches (10½ inches) from cast-on edge]
Crown
NOTE: Change to double pointed needles as needed.
Round 1: *P3, k2, slip slip knit (ssk), k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, purl two together (p2tog), p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [81 (108) stitches]
Round 2: *P3, k2, ssk, k1, p4, k2, ssk, k1, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [75 (100) stitches]
Round 3: *P3, k2, ssk, p4, k2, ssk, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [69 (92) stitches]
Round 4: *P1, p2tog, k2, ssk, p2, knit two together (k2tog), k2, p2tog, p1, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [57 (76) stitches]
Round 5: *P2, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [51 (68) stitches]
Round 6: *P2, k2, k2tog, k2, p2, C6F, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [48 (64) stitches]
Round 7: *P2tog, k1, k2tog, k2, p2, k1, [k2tog] 2 times, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [36 (48) stitches]
Round 8: *P1, k2tog, k2, p2, k4, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [33 (44) stitches]
Round 9: *P1, k2tog, k1, p2, k4, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [30 (40) stitches]
Round 10: *K2tog, k1, p2, C4F (see Notes), p1, repeat from * to end of round. [27 (36) stitches]
Round 11: *K1, ssk, k2tog, k2, ssk, repeat from * to end of round. [18 (24) stitches]
Round 12: [K2tog] 9 (12) times. [9 (12) stitches]
Cut yarn.
Thread tail onto a tapestry needle and draw twice through remaining stitches, pulling taut to secure. Bring tail to inside of hat to weave in.
Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy your Traveling Cable Hat!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I love that the pattern is written out; I have such a hard time with charts! Thank you!!
Is there a way to print the pattern without having to print all the pictures? There are several patterns that I love & want to make but the pictures being printed would make it a small book :0)
Thanks!
Hi Erin-
We are working on making printing our patterns easier but in the meantime we recommend that you copy and paste the pattern into a Word or Text doc and print from there.
Thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
If you use Print Friendly (http://www.printfriendly.com/) you can delete any pictures you don’t need and then safe as pdf. It’s very useful!
Have a nice day,
Sabrina
Thank you for the link to the printer friendly site, it works a treat and I now have this lovey cable hat pattern on pdf.
Thank you so much. Very helpful. Will definitely visit that printfriendly website again.
Hi,
Lovely design! Loving that you included the tutorial photos/breakdown. If I wanted to make it less slouchy and more of a toque, would you suggest maybe leaving out one of the 12 round repeats?
Also, out of curiosity-I have no experience creating patterns!-why does the rib repeat end with k3, p1? Would it be that different if I did p1(k2p2k2)p1?
Thanks!
Hi Katrina,
Thanks for writing in! Leaving out one of the 12 round repeats would be a great way to make the hat have less of a slouchy fit. The great thing about wearing this hat is you can easily adjust the length by folding the cuff more or less generously according to your desire.
To answer your question about the ribbing – the rib is designed to transition seamlessly into the cable pattern. It seems unconventional to have a K3 in a rib that is other wise mostly K2 P2, but the K3 portion becomes the 3×3 cable after the increase round. If you were to follow another stitch pattern for the ribbing, your ribbing will not align perfectly with the cable pattern. I hope that makes sense, let me know if I can clarify more!
Gina
Will you be uploading the pattern to Rav so we can link to it? Thanks! It’s beautiful!
Hi Christina-
This project info is up on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/traveling-cable-hat
But the pattern is only available here on the Purl Bee!
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Row 4 of the body appears to be incorrect? This is my first time knitting and I’m making the baby hat.. all the other rows have 30 st but this one has 34. Please help!
Hi Cerrine,
Thank you so much for catching that! Round 4 should read:
Round 4: *P3, [C6F, p4] 2 times, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
I’ve corrected the pattern above. Please let me know if I can help with any other questions!
Gina
Hats look great! And your patterns have been my favorite for the last two years!
What kind of cast on do you use? It looks much neater than mine…
Hi Natalie-
We recommend using a long tail cast on. Here’s a tutorial: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/09/29/long-tail-cast-on/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi, thank you so much for this pattern, cables on a smaller scale than an Aran sweater, works for me! My question is I want to use a skein of the Purl Worsted twist for the adult size, will one skein by enough?
Hi Tamara,
Worsted twist would be a great substitution, but to make the full adult size hat you need about 200 yards. I would advise getting 2 skeins unless you want to make the hat shorter than the pattern suggests. Thanks for your question!
Gina
I’ve ordered the yarn and can’t wait to start! One question: I saw a photo on Ravelry showing the cap as worn. What is the overall length of the hat? If I want more of a cap and less “toque,” how long would you recommend that I knit before decreasing? Thank you!
Hi Megan!
Please see my response to Katrina above. Thanks for your question!
Gina
Hi there, I have two boys but they are nearly one and two and a half. I’d like to make this for them but I think I would need a toddler size. Is there one or if not, any recommendations as to how to alter the size to fit toddlers?
Thanks,
Manuela
Hi Manuela,
There are 2 different ways you could size this hat to fit a toddler.
1. Use the Alpaca Pure yarn, but knit with the yarn held double throughout. For a more detailed explanation on how to do this, please see my response to Tonya’s question above.
2. Follow the baby pattern but use Purl Soho Super Soft Merino yarn in place of the Alpaca Pure yarn. I would suggest using US #8 needles for the ribbing and US #9 needles for the body, but make a gauge swatch just to make sure.
Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have more questions!
Gina
I will make one for my kid this winter.
I love the pattern, and I just received the yarn to make a few for my family. How should I modify the pattern to make it for a child?
Hi Tonya,
A great way to make this hat for a child would be to follow the pattern for the baby hat, but knit with the yarn held double and use slightly larger needles. I would suggest an 8 for the ribbing and a 9 for the body, but as always you should make a gauge swatch to judge that the tension feels right. For a child’s hat, you’ll want the hat to have a circumference around 19-20 inches, so aim for each repeat of the cable to be 6.5 inches wide. I hope that helps! If I can help to clarify more, please ask away!
Thanks!
Gina
Hi there,
Somewhat in line with Erin’s question about being able to print a pattern, I like to upload my patterns to KnitCompanion on my iPad. It’s super easy to mark which row I’m on, so I always know where I am even when I put the work down for a few days. KnitCompanion requires a PDF version of a pattern to get started… I’d love to be able to access your pattern in PDF form, perhaps with just one or two of the more helpful photos. Is there a way to do that?
Thanks!
Hi Beverly-
Unfortunately this pattern isn’t available as a PDF but this is something we are working on for future patterns. You can save it as a PDF yourself by copying and pasting all the info you need into a Word or Text doc and saving as a PDF from there. I’m sorry there’s not a simpler solution! Thanks so much for writing in!
Molly
Hi,
I’m fairly new to knitting, so I’m not yet a pro on gauge/swatches/etc. I have a skein of 100% baby alpaca in my stash that I would love to knit this hat with. It is 100g/218 yd, 4.75 stitches per inch on US 7. Is there a way to convert the pattern to accommodate the yarn I have and achieve the same size hat?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Sarah,
Great question! I would suggest, rather than altering the pattern, to knit with the yarn held double throughout. This will bring the yarn closer to the weight of the Alpaca Pure.
Thanks for writing in!
Gina
I am one of those rare souls who is allergic to alpaca. What other yarn would you recommend for the traveling cable hat?
Thanks
Hi Genia,
I know Alpaca allergy is rare, but surprisingly, you are not the first person I have heard of being allergic to Alpaca!
Our Worsted Twist is a great choice, assuming you are not also allergic to wool! It’s soft and equally enjoyable to work with. You will need 2 skeins to knit the Adult sized hat. Let me know if I can suggest more substitutions.
Best,
Gina
I’m knitting this now and trying to knit relaxed and not too tight but the adult hat still seems like it’ll be too small on the head. What circumference is the adult hat supposed to be? Just to put my mind at ease…
Hi Heather,
When completely relaxed and laying flat, the widest point of the hat should measure about 7 inches wide. It should easily stretch to fit a 22-23 inch circumference head. That being said, I am a pretty loose knitter myself, so if you are a tight to normal knitter, it may be wise to use a needle one or two sizes bigger for the body. Let me know if that helps, and thanks for your question!
Gina
I’d say your gauge is pretty incorrect in the pattern, especially if any yarn substitutions are made. Using a worsted weight yarn, I cast on the number of stitches for the adult hat, knit the ribbing, and then checked the gauge. Though it was correct according to the pattern, even with a very stretchy cast on the hat barely fit over my 11 year old sister’a head. I have to rip it all out and start again, which is very frustrating considering I’m normally a loose knitter and also have repetitive motion stress problems and can’t knit for long periods of time. Expecting any hat to double in circumference when put on a head is too much of a stretch, and I’m very disappointed.
Hello Mary!
We’re so sorry this hat didn’t come out as you would like! If your gauge is indeed 8.5 stitches per inch in the cabled pattern, the finished body circumference should be 17 inches and the hat is designed to fit an 18 to 21-inch head, so it’s not expected to double. I would recommend trying to block the hat so that it stretches a little more so that you don’t have to rip it out!
Best of luck and please write in again should you continue to have any issues with any of our patterns. We appreciate your feedback! -Alyson
I love this pattern.
Can I use a size 4 needle for the ribbing instead of a size 5?
Hi Mayuri-
You can use any size you need to get the correct gauge for the ribbing section. Many people find that they need to go up or down a needle size (depending on how loosely or tightly you knit) to get the correct gauge. If you are a loose knitter the size 4 needle might be the best. The only way to tell for sure is to knit a gauge swatch with the needles you’d like to use.
Thanks so much for your question!
Molly
I just finished knitting this and it may be my favorite item I have ever knit. I have already had two friends request that I make one for them, too. Thank you for continuing to provide such amazing free patterns!
I’m having trouble with copy and paste for this pattern and the links don’t work. Is it me or you? thanks, deb
Hi Deb-
The links seem to be working alright for us. Can you maybe try from another browser? Let us know if you’re still having problems.
Best-
Molly
Beautiful pattern! I am a tight knitter, so I used size 7/8 needles the first time I knit this hat.
I was wondering if I could alternatively use 5/6 size needles as suggested, but make the hat bigger by adding another repeat (5 instead of 4 repeats) of the ribbing/body (i.e start with CO 105 stitches)? It seems like the pattern is set up so that this would be okay, but I just wanted to check.
Thanks!!
Hi Camila,
It would certainly be ok to knit the hat at a tighter gauge and add an extra repeat. You are right, I set up the pattern so you can easily change the number of repeats (I wouldn’t recommend making a hat with less than 3 repeats though. 2 repeats would make more of a mitten shape!). You will need more yardage to make the hat with 5 repeats, so be sure to buy a little extra yarn. Thank you for your question! – Gina
Beautiful hat, lovely squishy yarn. Dropped by Purl Soho for something else and just had to grab this too. Was wondering whether anyone has charted the cable pattern? I’d do it myself but don’t have the software. Thanks!
Hi Jo-
We don’t have a chart of it but if anyone else has done it maybe they’ll post you a note here!
Thanks
Molly
Hi,
love this pattern bought some yarn to knit it up! I was just wondering though (and i’m not sure if I just missed this in the pattern…are we knitting in the round or is this Magic Loop?
Hi Irene-
This is knit in the round.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
This is a beautiful pattern. I needed a present that I could mail flat with a card to my dad for his birthday in a couple weeks and this fit the bill. I used US 6 and US 8 needles and left out one 12 round repeat so it would fit his wider head and not be too slouchy. Best of all I could finish the hat in a couple evenings. Thank you for providing a pattern that was so fun to knit!
Hi,
I absolutely love this pattern, and I’m doing a bit of translating at the moment (I’m a dane) to get knitting asap. I’ve encountered a slight problem (might just be my poor translating):
In the ribbing “round 1” has 21stitches in each repeat. That fits well with the 63 stitches alltogether for the babysize and 84 stitches for the adult. “round 2” is where I seem to get lost.
I’m supposed to end up with 30 stitches in each repeat as this is an increasing round. There are 9 pbf’s and m1r’s alltogether, and that adds up to 9 increases + the 21 stitches = 30. Yipee I thought, it all fits, but there are more stitches.
If i count all of the stitches I get 28 stitches, instead of the 21 i have from “round 1”. 28 stitches + the 9 increases (from pbr and m1r) = 37 stitches. What do I do with these extra 7 stitches? Or am I reading this pattern the wrong way.
Best regards from a desperate Dane 🙂
Hi Hanne,
Thank you for writing in! I think I have figured out what may be confusing you. It’s the difference between pfb and m1r. pfb takes one stitch and doubles it. Meaning, you have one stitch, then you work pfb, and that one stitch becomes two.
M1r adds a stitch between two stitches. M1r basically makes a stitch out of thin air, whereas pfb makes 2 stitches out of one. Knowing that, can you recount the stitches as you were counting, and let me know if you get a different result? I want to help you figure this out! All my best, Gina
Hi Gina!
Thank you so much for your answer – now it all adds up and I can get started on making these gorgeous hats! (Just wish I saw your reply before now)
Thank you for your help, and thanks for a great knitting community here on PurlBee.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
– The not-so-desperate Dane, Hanne 🙂
Hi,
I’ve just started to knit this fantastic hat and I’ve a question right away 🙂
When knitting the rib you say “*P1, [k2, p2] 4 times, k3, p1, repeat from * to end of round”.
and for the second round:
“Repeat Round 1”
but I see a different stitch than what I’m supposed to knit, i.e. I start with a P1 and I see a K1, then K2, P2 and I see P3 etc. Should I stick to the pattern or I have to knit what I see?
Thank you so much!
Eleftheria
Hi Eleftheria,
Thank you for writing in!
Are you working the hat in the round, on circular needles? If so, then you should follow the pattern for each row of ribbing, which would be the same as “knitting what you see”. Let me know if that makes sense. All my best, Gina
Can you suggest the best way to swatch the body of the hat? I knit a flat swatch last night before I realized that it wouldn’t work since the pattern is written for knitting in the round. Do I basically have to cast on 60 stitches, knit 2 repeats of the hat in the round and then fold it in half?
Hi Christina,
Thanks for writing in with your question! We have a tutorial for swatching in the round, just click here. Please let me know if I can help with any other questions! – Gina
Thank you for the pattern. I am wondering which ssk method you recommend; slip knit wise twice or slip knit wise, slip purl wise before knitting the two stitches. The latter method offers a flatter stitch. Which method do you recommend?
Hi Laura,
Great question! I use the latter method. This tutorial shows you how: Let me know if I can help with any other questions! Thank you for writing in! – Gina
I cannot find how to do the ssk referred to in the pattern. There is no tutorial attached on your Nov 13 2014 post.
Thank you
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for writing in! We do have a tutorial for ssk available. It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/slip-slip-knit-ssk/
We hope that this is helpful!
-Cassy
Is there a place I can get this pattern in .pdf format? When I print it from here it is really tiny. My eyes are too old for tiny.
Thanks, this looks like a challenging project for me.
Hi Lisa-
This pattern is available as a PDF. It is linked directly under the “Pattern” headline.
Thanks for getting in touch and good luck with the project!
Molly
Hi, I was wondering how much extra yarn you have left over from the baby size? I have a skein of alpaca pure from the garter ear flap hat left over that I would like to use. It is a pretty full skein, I didn’t need much to finish the hat, but if the baby size uses the entire skein I doubt I would have enough.
Thanks!
Hi Shelley, I used about 3/4 (three quarters) of the skein for the baby hat. Thanks so much for writing in with your question! I hope you enjoy knitting the hat. – Gina
Thanks so much for providing such a wonderful, free pattern! I’m having a difficult time finding 20″ needles, though. Do you think it would be possible to knit the pattern on a 16″ circular needle?
Hi Kerry, Thank you for writing in! 16 inch circulars would absolutely work for this project. All my best and happy knitting! – Gina
Hi, I’m about halfway through the adult sized hat and I’m realizing it’s much too small, even though I’m using a needle size larger than the pattern indicates. I’m freaking out because I’ve spent a lot of time on this, and just wondering if there’s anything I can do to stretch out the finished hat without ruining it? Thanks!
Hi Ruby,
Thanks for writing in with your question!
100% alpaca yarn has a lot of give and stretches very easily. You may notice that it stretches out after a couple wears. If the hat is still too tight for your liking, you can block the hat and stretch it in the process. To stretch the hat, soak it in luke warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water. Stretch the hat gently with your hands. Lay the hat flat to dry, stretch it again periodically as it dries. I hope that helps! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions. – Gina
I am trying to knit the Baby size, on page 1 the description the it says “Baby (Adult). When I get to the pattern part, round 1 (P2, k3) 4 times is the directions in the () for baby or adult? Sorry I am just a little confused.
Thanks, Jodi
Hi Jodi,
Thanks for writing in with your question! The brackets like this [] contain information for all sizes. The parenthesis like this () contain information for the adult size only. Please let me know if I can clarify further! Enjoy! -Gina
Hi there. The cable in this kid’s hat is beautiful and I’d love to make it for myself! I’m an adult with a 22 inch head. Can you give me any advice on how to modify the pattern so I can make this hat for myself? Thanks!
Hi Elena-
There is pattern is for both adults and children! Check out this information under the “sizes” headline!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Your most recent freebie pattern (Traveling Hand-Warmers) uses Mulberry Merino. I’d like to knit both the hand-warmer sand this hat out of the Mulberry Merino. Would you provide the conversion for the yarn change for this pattern?
Hi Julia, Thanks for writing us with your question! It’s not possible to knit the Traveling cable hat in Mulberry Merino without substantial pattern adjustment. A quick fix would be to knit with 2 strands of Mulberry Merino instead. Then you can follow the pattern as written. You’ll need around 360 yards of Mulberry Merino to knit the hat this way. Happy knitting! -Gina
Thank you absolutely love it
What is the weight category of this yarn?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing us with your question! This is a worsted weight yarn.
Have a great day, Gina
Is there any way I could get the cable in chart form? It’s easier for me to know which cable I am knitting that way. Or could you tell me which of the instructions are the traveling cable? Or is it from a book? Thanks so much.
Hi Molly,
Great question!
I’ve heard that someone made a chart for this and uploaded it to ravelry. I would check there! Let me know if you find it. Thanks for writing us! -Gina
BrenBoone charted it, bless her.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BrenBoone/traveling-cable-hat
Thanks for sharing, Jo!
I love this hat and I’m so excited to make it! But I can’t even get passed the first row … I’m not a new knitter and I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what I’m doing wrong. I’ve restared the hat 3 times and the frustration is intense.
I’m assuming that the first row ends where the pattern ends with a k3, p1 … but I’m ending up with 12 extra stitches. Where am I going so wrong!?
Hi Emmie! Thanks for writing and very sorry that you’ve been having trouble! Let’s figure out what might be happening! Have you finished the ribbing and have you worked Round 2 of the Ribbing, which would leave you with 120 stitches on your needle? Let us start from there and we’ll figure out where you may be getting stuck!
I am having the same problem – I must be reading the round 1 repeat incorrectly? You cast on 84 stitches but round 1 is in a pattern of 24, which divides into 84 3.5 times – shouldn’t it repeat/end evenly? I do the 4 sets of 5 and then the 1 set of 4 and it doesn’t seem right. Thanks for any help!
I don’t know how to delete my previous comment, but I figured it out!
Kristy,
Hello! We are so glad that you figured it out! If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi,
I’m quite new to knitting and I love this pattern but I’m not quite sure what wool to buy. Do you know of an equivalent wool I can use that is available in the UK? I’ve been searching for 100% baby alpaca but have not had any luck finding anything yet.
Many thanks!
Hello Chantal!
While we love our Alpaca Pure, you can definitely use any heavier worsted weight yarn for this project. Keep in mind that this hat is knit very densely, so make sure to check your gauge!
If you want to go with our yarn, we ship internationally! Its available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9307-Purl-Soho-Alpaca-Pure
Happy knitting! -Alyson
The circulars I have are all 24″. Do you think that would be terribly uncomfortable to knit an adult size hat with?
Hello Becky,
Since the circumference of the hat is much smaller than 24″, you will be essentially using the magic loop method if you proceed with that length of needle. Its not impossible, you will just have to pull the cord and it would be slightly uncomfortable.
Hope this helps and happy knitting! -Alyson
Hi! Anyway this could be modified for sport weight yarn? I REEEAAALLLLY want to make both the fingerless gloves and hat but the yarn I want to use for the gloves only comes in a sport weight.
Hi Jasmine,
We don’t currently provide these patterns in sport weight yarn, but they shouldn’t be too difficult to modify. The first thing you would need to do is work up a gauge swatch in pattern of the yarn you’d like to use and see what your measurements are. Since sport is a finer weight, you would just need to figure out how many more repeats of the pattern would give you the circumference you need. Feel free as you proceed to write back with any additional questions. Good luck and thanks for writing!
Kristy
Great pattern! I’ve been a knitter for over 40 years, and it’s still exciting to find a pattern that is not difficult and looks great. I’ve also cheated and with a pattern this intricate lookng it worked, and used straight needles and just seamed it. Since there’s so much going on people look at the pattern not the seam. Going to try the arm warmers next… Thanks!
We’re so glad you like the pattern! Enjoy! -Alyson
Hi
I’ve can’t get away with the round so is it easy to convert to straight needles.
Hello Linda!
This pattern is written in the round, so in order to convert it to straight knitting, after the ribbing, you would have to make every other row purl all, while keeping all the cable rows on the right side of the piece. You’d also have to break the round and then seam it up at the end.
It won’t be too hard–give it a shot! Best of luck! -Alyson
I love this pattern. But I am new to knitting in the round, but ironically, I feel more comfortable knitting with double pointed needles than the circular needles. If I want to knit an adult size hat, with 84 stitches, how many needles do I use? I guess I’m a little confused because it says in the pattern if you want to use just double pointed needles you could put 30 stitches on each needle…since winter is coming I d
would love to knit this soon but just want to wnow what to do before I do! Thanks. 🙂
Hello Hannah!
If the size you’re making calls for 84 stitches, then its perfectly divisible by 4, so I would put 21 stitches on each needle. I wouldn’t want to try and squish a pattern like this on only 3 needles, it would feel too snug! Congrats on mastering double pointed needles! Keep up the good work! -Alyson
Hello,
I had a few questions about using the tubular cast on for this pattern. If I use a 1×1 tubular cast on, does it work with this kind of ribbing? Or do I need to alter the tubular cast on to fit this type of ribbing? If so, how do I do that? What type of cast on is used in the image on this page and Is there another type of cast on other than a cable cast on that would work well for this pattern?
Hello Megan!
Good eye! Because of the unusual ribbing in this pattern, it would take a lot of extra work to adapt a tubular cast on for this pattern. Throughout our patterns, unless otherwise specified, we tend to use the Long Tail Cast On method. Take a look at our tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/09/29/long-tail-cast-on/
Best of luck and happy knitting! -Alyson
Hello to do it for adult how many stitches do I need to cast on?
I did´t understand the adult measures and I love it!
Thank you,
Valeria,
Hello Valeria!
The adult size is in parenthesis () throughout the pattern and you’ll need to cast on 84 to get started! Best of luck and thanks for your kind words about the pattern! -Alyson
Really want to make this pattern, it’s gorgeous! But I need it to be a bit wider for a larger man’s head. I don’t want to use bigger needles as that will only make the hat less dense & less warm. I’m using acrylic yarn so it doesn’t stretch much. Can you tell me how many more stitches I could add & then how I would decrease properly? Really appreciate any help!!
Hello Rose!
So sorry for the delay in responding. Since this pattern is quite intricate and very carefully planned out, the best bet really would be to use slightly larger needles and slightly thicker yarn, so that you don’t have to change all the mathematics of the pattern. Then you wouldn’t have to change the density of the yarn, just the proportions of the item entirely.
Please let us know if this makes sense and if you need any other tips! I would make sure to do a gauge swatch so that you can measure how many stitches per inch you get and then figure out if it would be large enough for the size you would like. Hope this helps a bit, sorry its not an exact answer. Best of luck! -Alyson
Thanks for the reply! Was really hoping to use a worsted weight yarn but if there’s no way then I will try with a bulky & a bit bigger needles as you suggest. Such a beautiful pattern… Cheers 🙂
i have tried row 2 3 times and never come out correct. The pattern I am following makes 26 stitches . Is this correct? i have 26 times 4 with 10 stitches over.and not completing
Hello Aimee,
With the smaller size, you should be increasing a total of 27 stitches in the second row. Remember to do the original pfb before the bracket in your repeats, since that is included in the asterisks as well. Please let us know how it turns out! -Alyson
Hi there! Beautiful pattern. I am a little confused about the size of the circular needles — in the pattern, it says to use 20″ circulars. I have an interchangeable set and a short 16″ cable. When attached to the needles, the total measures 18.5″; however, there are way too few stitches to join in the round to make the baby-sized hat. Am I doing something wrong? Should I just be using size 5 DP needles for this project instead of circulars? Help! Thank you!
Hello Vanessa!
Yes you’re correct. You can use the double points only for the entire Baby sized hat and for the adult size you can totally use the 16″ instead of the 20″. Best of luck and thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Hi,
I accidentally ordered the purl soho super soft merino 2 skeins for this hat as I was looking at the kids travelling hat. Is there a way to make the adult travelling hat with the super soft merino? Was wondering if I could either add a repeat to the kids hat or use the adult pattern and take off a repeat?
Thx!
Hi, Dana!
Thank you so much for writing in! Sorry about the delayed response! If the hat is for a women’s small and the head measurement is not larger than 21 1/2 inches (measuring around the largest part of your head), you won’t need to make any changes to the hat and it should fit just fine. If the head is larger than 21 1/2 inches, you could knit the hat longer (2 repeats of the cable pattern instead of 1). This will give you a little more space. The yarn has a lot of give, especially when knit at the correct gauge for this pattern, so it should stretch to fit with the extra rows added. Again, thank you for your question. If you have further questions please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
I’m new to knitting and have never followed a pattern before. I’m confused about the joining in the round. The first stitch of round 1 is a purl. Does this mean I purl to join in the round? Or do I knit to the first stitch passed my marker and then begin with my 1 purl stitch?
Hello, Erik!
Thank you for writing in and sorry for the delayed response! You are correct, you will purl (instead of knit) to join in the round. If you have further questions please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
I really love this hat and really would like to make it but i usually have a hard time with written patterns rather than just watching a video about it so if anyone knows a link to a video tutorial on this hat or just on the traveling cables please write it down 😀 Thank you!
Great pattern! Super easy and straightforward. I love my new hat I made, thank you!
Hello! I can’t wait to get started on this hat (the yarn just came today). I was wondering if you have a chart for this pattern? I feel it’s much easier to keep track of where I am with a chart in front of me. I love charts. Thank you!
Hello, Katy!
Thank you so much for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! Unfortunately, we do not have a chart for this pattern. Sorry we can’t be of more help!
Again, thank you for taking the time to write in!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Is there any copyright issues if I want to make and sell some of these hats? I’m looking at adding some knit items to my Etsy, and I love this pattern. But definitely want permission before listing anything!
Hello, Megan!
Sorry about the delayed response! Thank you so much for your interest in our Traveling Cable Hat pattern. Unfortunately, all items made from our patterns cannot be sold. All of our patterns are copyrighted and are intended for personal home use only. We hope you understand. Thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
Help! I am having trouble with the direction [k1, make 1 right (m1r), k1, p2]. I do not understand what ‘make 1 right means.
I knitted a lot many years ago and picked it up again just recently. I really want to knit socks but thought I’d better work my way up to that.
Your help is much appreciated.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for writing in! Directional increases can be confusing and for that very reason, we have made a handy video tutorial. It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/make-one-right-m1r-make-one-left-m1l/
Best of luck on your project and good luck on your future socks!
Cassy
Hi! I already knit the traveling cable hand warmers and I love them! I was wondering if it would be possible to knit this hat out of the same yarn? I have about 250 yards extra and would really like this hat to be the same color as the hand warmers. Thanks!
Hi Maggie,
We are so glad that you love the traveling cable mittens! You can certainly make the matching Traveling Cable Hat out of your remaining yarn. It should take around 218 yards or so!
Happy knitting!
-Cassy
Hi. I am excited to try this lovely hat. I have some of your Merino Script on hand. Would it work for this hat? I am not so good at comparing gauges and unfortunately I’m not up for making a sample swatch!
Hi Joy,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately the Merino Script will not achieve gauge because the yarn is much larger in some areas and smaller in others, being a slub yarn. However, it is close in gauge, so if you are feeling adventurous, you should give it a shot! If you still want to make a hat in the Merino Script, I suggest you do our Classic Cuffed Hat pattern, which we have made in Merino Script. Please see the link to this pattern below! Good luck and happy knitting!
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/02/04/classic-cuffed-hat-in-merino-script/
Best,
Adam
Hi I was very excited to start this pattern but I’m having a difficult time with my set up row my knits and pulls are off set and I ended up with too many stitches(129) instead of (120) do have any recommendations how keep track of what I stitch I have knitted. I hope this makes sense .Thank you.
Hi Helen,
Thanks for writing in! You might have increased too many on the set up row, which means you’ll have to rip back a row and start the increases again. I like to cross off each move I make during this section because there are a lot of directions. I know it’s a pain, but I have made this hat many times and it is worth all the work! Good luck and happy knitting!
Best,
Adam
Here’s a funny thing – I consistently end up with 129 stitches instead of 120, and for the life of me I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. This is the second time I try it all over again and the second time this is happening. 🙁
I figure that I can’t have accidentally increasing my stitches in the previous rows, because I would notice if I was reaching the end of my rows at the wrong place in the pattern.
I’m new to purling front and back and making 1 right, I can only imagine that I’m doing something wrong in these are creating extra stitches…
Hi Shalaka,
Thanks for writing us. Make sure that you are doing the initial pfb once and only once per section. The bracketed instructions are supposed to be repeated three times only and afterward you do a series of M1R to take the knit stitches at the end of your repeat from thee stitches to six. I suggest placing a marker after each repeat and making sure you have 30 stitches in each section after you’ve finished. This way you won’t get to the end and realize you’ve made a mistake. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi! Can I knit this pattern with your Merino Script yarn? I’m not good at comparing at gauges. Thanks!
Hello, Joy!
Thank you for writing in! You can knit this with the Merino Script, but it will have a different look to it because the the Merino Script is a think and thin, slub yarn. If you are planning on substituting the Merino Script I highly recommend making a gauge swatch just to be sure you’re getting the right gauge! If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi can this pattern be amended for toddler size? I started with the baby pattern but it was too small. Thanks!
Hi Gabby,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern. The difference in the adult size and the baby size is one cable repeat, so it would be hard to adjust the pattern. You could try to do the baby size with a slightly larger yarn. We have also knit this hat in Super Soft Merino. Please see the link below and good luck!
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/11/26/traveling-cable-hat-in-super-soft-merino/
Best,
Adam
Purl Bee, your print options are masterful! How did I not see that before, when I would awkwardly copy and past your patterns? On the print screen, I can *customize* what I want to print! Oh, I’m in love.
Could I use your Spun Silk for this Cap? If so how many skeins would I need?
Hello Audrey,
Thank you for writing in! Unfortunately, I do not recommend using Spun Silk for this hat. Firstly, the gauges are very different and the pattern is hard to adapt because each cable repeat is 30 stitches. Also, I do not recommend using 100% silk for hats because once it stretches it does not bounce back. This would result in a very loose hat!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I am having a tough time with the LC, RC right after the ribbing. I’ve increased but don’t know how to start cabling… If I LC and hold the 3 stitches in front do I p1 and leave the next purl for the RC? I think it is the combo of LC, RC one after the other that is boggling my mind. Any help would be much appreciated!
Hi Jocelyn,
Thank you for contacting us! Yes, you are correct. If you do the LC you will hold the 3 knits in front, purl 1 and then immediately do the RC. Since the RC requires that you first slip the purl stitch on to the cable needle and then knit 3 off the left needle, you should see that there is a purl followed by 3 knits after completing the LC. I hope this makes sense! Let me know if you have questions!
-Adam
Thanks Adam! You did unravel the mystery and I’m now making progress in time for cooler weather!
So glad it worked out!
-Adam
I was wondering if I could use lace weight yarn and just double it up to make this hat? Do you think that would work?
Hi Mariana,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely hat we used our Alpaca Pure. It comes in at roughly a Worsted Weight. The rule of thumb is that 2 strands of one weight make the next weight up. In this case, 2 strands of lace weight would roughly equal a fingering weight which is far smaller than the worsted used for this hat. This is only a guide and yarn weights can vary dramatically between producers. The only real way to know is to knit a gauge swatch. In this case, I do believe that 2 strands of lace weight will be quite a bit too small.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi! Quick question – I’m starting in on the ribbing for the adult size (84 stitches) and at the end of the first round I have 4 stitches that won’t be a part of the scheme “K2P2 x 4” + “K3P1” – they will be an extra K2P2. When I start the next round, do I completely start over with 4 K2P2 followed by 1 K3P1? I’m curious about the ribbing because it seems it won’t be even/consistent throughout due to the 4 extra stitches… I feel like I should have only cast on 80 stitches.
This may be a dumb question – but I’m a cabling (and relative knitting) newbie and need the help! Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Annie,
Thanks for writing us! The pattern repeat is actually *P1, [k2, p2] 4 times, k3, p1, repeat from * to end of round. You might be missing the p1 at the beginning of the repeat. Let me know if that works better!
-Adam
Thanks, Adam – yes that would solve the problem! I think I need to start over with a pearl in front of the K2P2 sequence! Thank you.
I wrote up a quick chart of this in google sheets. You can find it here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bxS-s0getSpLvhEdCpFCa3l39kvqmPwrT9Z_pbSM2R4/edit?usp=sharing
Purl Soho: let me know if you don’t want this out in the wild…but I figured since I’d done the work and the pattern was free…
Love the pattern!
Hi Claire,
Thank you for this! While we can’t put it on the site, it can certainly live here in the comments for those who are interested. I appreciate all your work on this and I’m sure that it will help more than a few people out with this pattern!
All the best,
Adam
Can the alpaca pure yarn be substituted for the Maxima yarn? I am looking to use this pattern to make a fun beanie for my brother and the Maxima yarn has the bright colors that I’m looking for. The yarns seem to be similar in size but would the hat change drastically if I were to use the other yarn?
Hi Megan,
Thanks for the question! I think you could get away with using Manos Maxima for this project. You might want to go up a needle size on account of the thickness of the Maxima, but maybe not. Best of luck! Sounds fun!
-Adam
I was intimidated at first, but, 2 days later, I’m halfway through my second hat! Wonderful pattern. Super easy and clear instructions. Lovely result!
Love the way this is working up…however 3 pattern repeats is too large and 2 is too small. I was wondering how the decreases would change if I do 2.5 repeats (so 1-12, 1-12, 1-6)?
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the kind words! The decreases actually start on round two because after your third repeat you complete rounds one and two again. The decreases will not work if ending on round six because the stitch count is different and you’ll end up with an obvious change in pattern. I suggest ending after the second repeat, doing rounds one and two, and decreasing over the 12 rounds as in the pattern. You’ll end up with more of a beanie or a watch cap. If you are up for it though, you can make up the decreases as you go whenever you want to start to eliminate stitches. Just be sure that your decreases are mimicking the cable direction as in the pattern. We do this by doing SSK for cables going to the left and K2tog for cables going to the right. It might take some experimentation but it does work!
All the best,
Adam
Hey Adam,
Thanks for the reply…I actually did knit the hat with only 2 repeats and it was too small.
Thanks!
Hi there,
Could the confusion be coming from this line in the instructions?:
“Repeat Rounds 1–12 one (three) more time(s).”
Seeing as that comes after working the 12 cabling rounds once, that adds up to four repeats (for an adult hat) before the decrease starts. I had 10.5″ after the third repeat (so, two MORE times), and was using thinner yarn and smaller needles already.
Hi Frankie,
Thank you for writing us! The 12 round cable pattern is repeated twice total for the baby size and four times total for the adult size before decreasing. The adult size can be modified to end after three total repeats, which will give you more of a beanie. Also keep in mind that the decreases take place over 12 rounds, which will also add length. As for your hat reaching 10.5″ so early, it could be that your row gauge is off or that the yarn you are working with knits up differently than the Alpaca Pure. Hope this clears things up!
-Adam
Hello,
This is a wonderful pattern, but I have a question. The person I’m knitting this for has a 25″ head. Would you know how I could adapt this pattern?
Thanks in advance?
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for the question! There is no way to adapt the pattern without adding in another 30 stitch repeat, so I suggest knitting it with an aran weight or heavy worsted weight yarn. This will make the hat slightly larger to fit a 25″ head. All the best!
-Adam
When following the instructions exactly, I end up with to many stitches when I work the set-up row after the ribbing. I have redone it 3 times, what am i missing?
Hi Bim,
Thanks for writing in to us. At the beginning of the increase section there is a pfb outside of the brackets. This should only be repeated once per increase section. In total there are nine increases per cable section. Best of luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Just wondering, with this pattern, is the 63 stitches for the baby hat? And the 84 stitches for the adults?
Sorry if it is obvious.
And can I use normal needles? I am having trouble when I come to the end of the row and I need to turn over, what do I do for the 2nd row?
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct, casting on 63 stitches is for the baby size and 84 stitches is for the adult size. We used circular needles and then double pointed needles to knit this hat. You will not be able to use straight needles to knit this pattern as it is constructed in the round. Knitting it on straight needles would require a reworking of the pattern that would be quite challenging. If you need help with knitting on double pointed needles, we have a handy tutorial that can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/07/25/double-pointed-needles/
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I absolutely love this pattern, and have made 5 hats out of Worsted Twist. Just wondering, what is your preferred cast on for ribbing?
Hi Renee,
Thanks for the kind comment! For this pattern I would use the long tail cast on. I think it works best and looks neat!
-Adam
It is absolutely what I need, but I am still a bit perplexed by the ribbing pattern. It first goes k2, p2, as any regular ribbing would, and then suddenly k3, p1. Won’t it produce uneven parts of ribbing?
Hi Elena,
Thanks for your question! The ribbing here is purposely uneven. This is so that the cables line up nicely with the cabling. The beauty of this hat is how the cables flow into the shaping and the ribbing and this is why you will see a non-standard rib!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m knitting this hat for a 23 & 1/2 inch head – will there be enough stretch in the knit for this? To make it bigger could I go up in the needle size, or will this make the pattern too loose (I noticed that the pattern uses size #6 needles and the yarn recommends size #7 or #8 needles)?
Thanks!
Hi Rachelle,
Thank you for your question! I suggest that you knit this on a US 7 for the ribbing and an 8 or the body of the hat in a yarn that can handle those needles. This does include the Alpaca Pure but there are also some other heavy worsted yarns our there that would knit up nicely on these size needles. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi,
I have about a 24″ head myself and am interested in knitting this hat. I almost always size up one size in my needles due to how tightly my knit. Would I also want to knit on a US7 for the ribbing and a US8 for the body, or would you recommend sizing up to an 8/9, respectively?
In addition, are there any heavy worsted yarns in particular you might recommend? Thank you!
Hi Claire,
Thanks for writing in! I suggest Woolfolk Tov or Cascade Aran for you. These are heavy worsted yarns and can be knit on a US 7 for the ribbing and a US 8 for the body of the hat. If needed, because you knit so tightly, you can also go up to a US 8/US 9 for these yarns. Best of luck!
-Adam
Having a problem with round Two, doing the increase from 84 to 120. Repeat from the asterisk, does that mean just the section that is done 3 times, then the last section is added at the end?
Hi Mary,
Thanks for the question. The increase round is repeated from the * to the end of the directions. This means that you will pfb, then repeat the directions within the brackets three times and finally the directions that follow. All this will be repeated four times total. I suggest placing a marker after each section because these note your cable repeat sections (four total). Best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
-Adam
This might be a dumb question but during the increases (right after the ribbing is finished) when it says
“Round 2: *Purl into front and back (pfb), [k1, make 1 right (m1r), k1, p2] 3 times,” does that mean you do this 4 times in total? or do you do it a total of 3 times before moving to the next section of increases? I did it a total of 3 times and something didn’t seem to line up right so i ended up taking a few rows out to start again. I hope this question isn’t too confusing!
Hi Emmi,
Thanks for the question. You’ll pfb once and then repeat the directions in the brackets three times before moving on to the following directions. Hope this clears things ups!
-Adam
How would you swatch this pattern?
Hi Gail,
I would swatch in the round, which we have a tutorial for. Click here for it!
-Adam
I have made the hat. However, I used just k2/p2 ribbing and did not use the one you indicated. Turned out fine. Why is the ribbing done that way
Hi Marie,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely hat, we used an unusual ribbing in order to make the cables flow nicely out of the ribbing, creating a cohesive look! We have seen the hat knit in 2 x2 rib as well and both are quite lovely!
Best,
Cassy
Hello, I am struggling with this pattern. The color yarn wasn’t available so I bought a merino wool. It’s 50 g. The gauge is US 7-8 = 17-20 inches =4″. I tried to gauge the rib on a size 4. I keep g thing around 4 1/2 of ribbing. I don’t see how the 22 stitches can only be 3″. Thanks for your help.
Hi Ann,
Thanks for the question. Are you swatching in the round? This will ensure a more accurate gauge. Also, you might be knitting with a thicker wool. Let me know if you have any other questions and I’d be glad to help!
-Adam
Thanks for this email “chatting.” I have had the same questions about that Round 2 row, and now, because of others’ Q’s and your A’s, I’m able to understand the directions. Thank you, Jan
I do not understand this instruction: (k1, make 1 right(m1r). k1)
What is the make 1 right mean?
Hi Jan,
Make 1 Right (M1R) is an increase technique which you can find a tutorial for here. Let us know if you have any questions!
-Adam
Hello!!
So my knitting teacher and I are working on this pattern – obsessed with it by the way – but i am having a lot of trouble with it. So I am at the body section on step three, and I was working my way around doing my thing, until I noticed that each section had been increased at some point (Instead of having 30 loops for 4 section I had 31). I’m just curious as to what I did and how to fix it? I already back-tracked as if i just completed round 2. I hope i did not ruin it! thank you 🙂
Hi Mary,
Thank you for the question! Bummer you have 31 stitches instead of 30. I would read the directions and look back at your knitting to make sure that the stitches make sense in regards to the pattern. You’ll be able to find out pretty quickly where you are off by a stitch. Since you are not that far into the pattern I would unknit the rows of the body you’ve done and start from the increase. If you rip back to just after the increase, make sure you have 30 stitches in each section before continuing on with the pattern. Best of luck and happy knitting!
Adam
Bonjour,
Serait-il possible d’avoir les explications en français de ce bonnet.
Merci beaucoup. Bien cordialement bob
[email protected]
Hi Odile,
Merci pour votre message! Malheureusement, nos patrons sont toujours en anglais!
Merci,
Cassy
Wish you had a matching scarf! I’m teying to figure out a pattern for a scarf but it’s not easy for me z
Hello Damaris,
Thank you for the suggestion- I will certainly pass it along.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi. Can you explain to me the first part of the pattern where it says Ribbing
Row 1: P1 [k2,p2] 4 times, k3 p1 repeat from * I didn’t understand this :/
Hi Rosie,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to help! For round 1, if find that it is sometimes helpful to write the line out a bit more fully.
Round 1 reads: *P1, [k2, p2] 4 times, k3, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 1 expanded: P1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k3, p1, p1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k3, p1, p1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k3, p1. For the second size there will be one more repeat of P1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k3, p1.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
THANK YOU FOR THIS EXPLANATION! I was about to give up and just do a normal k2p2 ribbing until i came across this comment. I feel stupid for not getting it the first time around, who knew algebra would be helpful in knitting.
If I add another 3o stitch repeat could I make the hat for a larger head? Or could I use size 6 & 7 needles, instead of 5 & 6? Thanks for your help!
Hi Maura,
You can adjust the number of stitches but the stitch repeat will make a pretty big difference in size. What is the circumference you are trying to adjust the pattern to?
Best,
Carly
Thanks for responding Carly! It would be for probably a 26in. circumference. I guess changing the size needles would not be an option?
Hi Maura,
You can change the needle size for a bigger hat! Try a gauge swatch with the bigger needle to be sure you like the density of the fabric. It might end up having a lot more drape than the original hat.
Best,
Carly
+
Great! Thank you so much for your help!
There is a .pdf version of the child’s cap. Is there a .pdf file for the adult version? Thank-you Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for writing in! We do have a print function available on each of our projects! You can use this to print the pattern or save them as a PDF. If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I don’t have a 20” circular needle cord. Would this hat work using a 16” set, as most hats I’ve knitted have called for?
Hi Paula,
Thanks for writing in! You can absolutely use a 16″ needle for this lovely hat!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi. I’m new to altering patterns so, if I need to add an inch to accommodate my huge noggin, where would I place them and how many stitches? Can I assume the extra stitches would be added in between the cabling? Thank you.
Hi Monique,
Thanks for writing in! There is no real way to adapt the pattern without adding in another 30 stitch repeat, so I suggest knitting it with an aran weight or heavy worsted weight yarn. This will make the hat slightly larger to fit a larger head.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello! I have made the traveling cable mitts a few times and now I’m trying the hat. The thing is, the yarn I’m using is 210 yards, do you think it will be enough?
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for reaching out! It will be close, but you should have just enough! You could also make this hat slightly shorter to be on the safe side.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Love this hat! I am wondering if I can use understory ? I have 2 skeins. If so, what size needles would you suggest? Thanks
Hello Emily,
Thank you for reaching out! Alpaca Pure is a thicker yarn that our Understory so it will knit up at different gauge. If you wanted to do some experimenting you could certainly go down in needle size and add a cable section, though I’m not sure this will work out perfectly. The best thing to do at this point is to knit up a gauge swatch to see how many stitches per inch you are getting. This will help you determine how much you will need to adjust the pattern by. I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Can I use worsted twist for this?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! Although you should always knit a gauge swatch when substituting yarns, Worsted Twist usually knits up to the same gauge as Alpaca Pure, so it would be a wonderful alternate yarn for this hat!
Best,
Julianna
I’m on the second set of the cabling rows. I did row 5 correctly. But when I get to the last cable, I have 4 purls before my k6, p1 instead of the 3. I cannot figure out what I did wrong on it.
Hi Lindsay,
Hmm, this is a tough one to figure out without seeing your work! I would probably start by counting your total stitches on the needle to make sure you haven’t accidentally added or dropped a stitch somewhere, and if that doesn’t sort it out, take out the previous two rows, since a problem in Row 5 is probably caused by a mistake somewhere in Row 4. If that still doesn’t clear things up, please feel free to send us a picture of your work at [email protected] so we can troubleshoot this for you!
Best of luck!
Julianna
Hello,
I using 3.75mm (US #5) needles (for the rib) with Malabrigo worsted yarn and the gauge is as mentioned at the pattern, but I think its too tight!
I just finished the rib part and I was wondering if this is ok. ?
Thank you,
Hello Despoinia,
Thank you for reaching out! If you hat is on gauge this shouldn’t be an issues due to the stretchy quality of the rib stitch. However not being able to see the hat in person it is hard to be 100% sure.
Let us know how it goes and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello I am in love with this design, I have started to knit the hat and I was wondering if it is possible to convert this into a adult male sweater. I would love to knit one for my hubby.
Thanks a bunch
Hello Annie,
Thank you for reaching out! You could add this cable pattern into a simple stockinette sweater pattern, though it will change the gauge of the original pattern. I would also check out Brooklyn Tweeds patterns as they have some great men’s cabled sweater patterns.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I visited your store recently and purchased Cashmere Merino Bloom and wonder if this yarn would work for this pattern. I’m chomping at the bit to get started. If not, good thing I have another trip planned in two weeks. Just might NEED to buy more yarn. Thanks for your help.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately Cashmere Merino Bloom is quite a bit too lightweight for this pattern. You could knit our Fluffy Brioche Hat, however, as it is written for Cashmere Merino Bloom, and if you do stop by, we’d love to help you pick out something new for our Traveling Cable Hat!
Best,
Julianna
Just made two adult size hats, one for my husband, one for a friend. Working on baby size. One question, Instructions say to repeat rows 1-12 a total of twice for the baby size and four times for the adult size, but the measurements (after the ribbing) seem off. If you repeat the 12 row pattern twice as many times for the adult as for the child’s (aside from the additional repeat of rows 1-2), you should have roughly 2x the length for the adult as for the child, but the measurements you state are 6.75″ (baby) and 10.5″ (adult). This makes me think the child size needs to add on another 8 rows or so. Am I correct?
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for reaching out! Since the ribbing that you worked previously to the cables is also one inch shorter for the baby sized hat, the two sizes will not be in proportion at this point. The decrease section of the baby hat will also be shorter than the decrease section of the adult hat so the final dimensions of the hat will match those given at the beginning of the pattern.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi,
Will 16″ needle be too short to accommodate stitches?
I am used to using 16″ needles for hats, so I was curious why this pattern calls for 20″ needles.
Thanks.
Hi Natalie,
Great question! Although the cables require a good amount of extra stitches, if you don’t mind your stitches being a bit squished on the needles, you could certainly knit this on a 16″ needle. The 20″ needle just has some extra space so the stitches can spread out more.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Is there a chart available for this pattern?
I was so excited about this project when I was at your shop and bought the yarn…but a chart would be so much easier, no?
Hi Tatiana,
Thanks for writing in! At present we do not have a chart for this pattern. Charted or written patterns tend to be a matter of preference with some loving charts and others preferring written directions. For myself, I always find that if a pattern is charted, that I spend the time to write it out as charts don’t work well for me. For some other folks here, they will chart out written patterns as charts work better for them! This is one of the things that I love most about crafting is that we all approach things differently and thus can all learn from each other!
We certainly appreciate the request and will keep it in mind for the future and for future cabled patterns!
Cassy
Carpe Diem!
I went on Ravelry last night and found that many people were sad that there was not a chart. Please, consider adding a chart to the pattern so people have a choice. This hat is classic, timeless….please don’t wait until you create a new pattern rich with cables in order to use a chart. People will be using your pattern next week, next month, next year. Please add the chart now! 🙂
Thank you.
Hi Tatiana,
Thank you for writing in! I will be sure to pass your suggestion along to the design team!
Best,
Julianna
I love this pattern and have made several versions of this hat for various friends. I am now making one for my son who requested it without the pom pom (haha) but he does not like the Alpaca Pure colors. Will it work well with your Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes? It appears to be a very similar weight yarn, available in more vibrant colors, but I just wonder if anyone has made this hat using that yarn? Thanks!
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out- i’m thrilled to hear that this pattern has become your go to! Blue Sky’s Worsted Hand Dyes would be perfect for this pattern. It has incredible stitch definition which will work beautifully with cables.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I have DK weight wool and would like to use it to knit this hat in baby size. Should I make any adjustments to the pattern or increase the size of my needles to account for the lighter wool?
Thanks,
Jen
Hello Jen,
Thank you for reaching out! You will want to keep your knitted fabric dense so that your hat will keep its shape. The best thing to do at this point is to knit up a gauge swatch to see how many stitches per inch you are getting. This will help you determine how much you will need to adjust the pattern by. I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi Jen, I am planning on making a baby hat with DK weight wool too. Did you end up needing to make adjustments to the pattern/increase your needle size? Thanks!
love this pattern.. i have started it up however i don’t really like folded brims so how many inches would you suggest for the ribbing. would half be okay?
Hi Jade,
Thanks for reaching out! If you prefer not to fold up the brim, I would suggest knitting the ribbing to about 1.5 inches before beginning the cable pattern.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I noticed the link to the Alpaca Pure no longer exists and would love a breakdown of yard/oz for the adult pattern so I can get an idea of other yarn that could work.
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out! You will need approximately 109 (218) yards for this lovely pattern.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I’ve started the hat and read ahead. It states the adult hat is 12 long. Does that include the ribbing or is it slouchy?
Thank you for the beautiful pattern ?
Hi Darlene,
Thanks for reaching out! Our finished measurements were taken with the ribbing folded up – before folding up the ribbing, the adult hat measures 16 inches long. This may be slightly slouchy on some heads, but you can adjust it by folding the brim less if you wish!
Best,
Julianna
I know this is an old comment but I’m confused by the 16” measurement. The pattern says the hat should be 10.5” long from the cast on edge at the end of the body section…but that would mean the crown decreases add 5.5” to the total length which doesn’t make sense. Is it actually 10.5” from the folded brim instead of the cast on edge or is the hat only 12” in total length?
Hi Erica,
Thanks for reaching out. The 16″ measurement includes the 4″ of ribbing, the 10.5″ inches of the body of the hat, and the approximately 1.5″ added by the crown decreases! Once you fold up the ribbing, the hat will measure 12″. I hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Am in the process of knitting this beautiful hat and have run into a small bump- row 12, when I count the pattern has 31 stitches and there are only 30 stitches to each repeat. Can you tell me where the error is. Thanks for your help.
Hi Camille,
Thanks for reaching out! Row 12 does add up to 30 stitches so it should work out! Each LC and RC takes up 4 stitches, so the total bracketed section is 10 stitches.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I love this pattern, but I’m so confused! How can I cast on 84 stitches, and then do a repeat that is 13 stitches long, to the end of the row? Or on the last repeat, you just don’t finish it all? Sounds weird, so please help me understand.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out! The repeat for the ribbing is actually 21 stitches, which does divide evenly into 84. The ribbing row reads:
Round 1: *P1, [k2, p2] 4 times, k3, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
I think you might not be repeating the entire bracketed section 4 times. First you will p1, then [k2, p2] 4 times, working all four stitches each time, then k1, p1, and start all the way over from the asterisk.
I hope that helps clarify things!
Julianna
Hello: I have been experiencing a lot of problems with this pattern because the stitches counting doesn’t match at all. example,above it reads * P1[k2,p2] 4 times,k3,p1, repeat from* that gives a total of 24 stitches ,which gives a total of 96 and not 84. Even you marked wrong since you wrote after were it says 4 times in the pattern says k3 and not k1 like you wrote. For both patterns either adult and childrens the stitches count it doesn’t match the rounds counting for the design.
Hi Pastora,
Thank you for writing in! I’m sorry you are running into trouble knitting this pattern. I sometimes find it helpful to add stitch markers in between the repeats to help me better visualize each section separately. After working the *P1[k2,p2] 4 times,k3,p1*, you will have worked 21 stitches, this would be a great place to place your marker, and then work *P1[k2,p2] 4 times,k3,p1*, again, and place your marker. You will complete these steps 2 more times for the large size and once more for the small size. This will give you 63 (84) stitches with all of your sections separated by markers.
I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Has this yarn been discontinued? If so, could you please recommend an interesting substitute? Thanks!
Hello Pastille,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes, this yarn has been discontinued. I would recommend either Cashmere Tend or Worsted Twist.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I made the kid version in supersoft merino for a friend’s son. He loves it but has outgrown it. How would you knit the adult traveling cable hat in supersoft merino rather than a worsted yearn?
Thanks,
M
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out! So it’s a pleasure. Unfortunately, making this hat for a head size larger than 21 1/2 inches, in this yarn, is a little tricky and not a simple change to the pattern. We don’t have plans to add an adult size to this pattern at the moment, but I will keep it in mind for the future!
-Marilla
Hi, I ended up doing this pattern in a yarn with much smaller gauge than written down. My solution was to add two more repeats. My advice would be make a swatch in the pattern with your yarn and figure out how many repeats you need for the bigger version.
Hope that helps 🙂
I would love to knit this hat for a child. I saw you have a pattern for bulky yarn, but I quite like the thinner yarn look here. Do you have advice how I can fit this for a child? Thank you!
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your question! For this lovely hat the difference in the adult size and the baby size is one cable repeat, so it would be hard to adjust the pattern for a size in between. You can try using a thinner yarn for the adult size (along with smaller needles) to get a hat that is in between. We will certainly keep your kind request for additional sizes in mind!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you! I may make this for an adult I know. It’s a beautiful pattern.
Hello, I’m having a little trouble understanding the decrease rounds. The first round of decreasing says to P3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1 and that you should be left with 108 stitches by the end but I was left with 92. I added it up and you are decreasing each section of 30 by 7 stitches and it doesn’t add up. I’m very confused can you help me?
Thank you!
Hi Amanda,
I am happy to help clear things up! For the first decrease round, you will be decreasing 3 stitches for every 30 stitch section. The repeat on this round is “P3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1.” I have put each decrease in bold and each of these decreases uses two stitches but reduces just by one. For example, with the ssk, you slip 2 stitches and knit them together creating one stitch from two and thus reducing by one stitch.
I also find that it is sometimes helpful to write out the full row to get an idea of where all of the decreases are. I will also bold all of the one stitch decreases here and hope that this helps!
P3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1, p3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1, p3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1, p3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1.
Best,
Cassy
I just finished this beautiful pattern in a bright pink yarn. I lined it with a pink ribbon fleece and sent to a friend going thru chemo. I told her how every twist and turn in this pattern symbolized her journey but a beautiful ending will be the result. Thank you for this free pattern.
I have made many adult traveling cable hats for friends and family, and am so sorry that the lovely Alpaca Pure yarn is no longer available. Cashmere Tend seems to also be unavailable in most colors (and is so much more expensive!) Are there any nice soft alpaca blend wools that would work with this hat? I tried Maxima and it was quite a bit less soft, as well as a much less bulky yarn. Not ideal. Thanks for any help!
Hi Jil,
Thanks for writing in, and I’m so sorry that Alpaca Pure is no longer available! I think you might be happy with using Season Alpaca held double as a substitute. It is also spun from super soft baby alpaca, and two strands of sport weight yarn should be about equivalent to an aran weight, though I would still recommend knitting a gauge swatch to make sure! If necessary, you can add a strand of Tussock to bulk up the yarn slightly. Another option would be our Worsted Twist. Merino yarn does feel a bit different from alpaca and has a bit more body, but it’s still very cozy, and it has a softer, loftier texture than Maxima.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi I’d like to download this as a pdf. Is that possible?
Thanks in advance.
cheers Mary
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, absolutely! Our print function can be used both to print and create PDFs. If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi
I bought a skein of cashmere merino bloom to make the fluffy brioche hat and stumbled onto this pattern which is so beautiful. Do you think I could use it for this pattern? I have taken a look at the yarn specs and the suggested needles seem to be the same on the pattern as in the yarn description but different from those in the description of cashmere tend you suggest so am not sure if this is a good idea.
Thank you for your reply
Have a nice day
Lula
Hi Lula,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, Cashmere Merino Bloom is a much thinner yarn than the aran weight this pattern is written for. You are correct that the needles for the hat are the same size as those recommended on the label for Cashmere Merino Bloom, but we do intend for you to use a heavier weight yarn on smaller needles so that the cables turn out nice and dense and have crisp stitch definition, so you won’t be able to obtain the correct gauge or look using a thinner yarn. I would recommend sticking with the Fluffy Brioche Hat – it’s one of my favorite patterns, so I’m sure you will be happy with it!
Best,
Julianna
Could I start this lovely pattern with size 4 circular 16″ needles, bunching up the ribbing, then switch to size 6 double pointed ones, as I have those sizes already? I think Yarn Stories Fine Merino DK would work, and it’s machine washable.
Why is this style called a “travelling hat,” I wonder?
Hi Judy,
Great questions! Yes, a 16 inch needle would be fine – you could even use a 16″ US 6 needle for the main body of the hat if you prefer! These types of cables are called traveling cables because they travel across the surface of the fabric, rather than staying in columns like plain cables.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello!
I have a question about the decrease rounds.
Does “p2tog” mean: Purl 2 stitches together?
Thanks in advance for your reply and I love the pattern!
Hi Linsey,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, that is correct! You can find the meanings of all the abbreviations we use in our patterns in our Knitting Abbreviations + Terms directory, and tutorials for many of these stitches – including a p2tog – on our Knitting Tutorials page!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi
I did this lovely pattern but am confused as my twist section where it’s the single row looks different then yours and not sure what I did as I’ve looked back at the pattern and it’s exactly what it says to do but mine has longer gaps before it twists again
Hi Britney,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say what might have gone wrong without seeing your work. If you used a yarn that’s a slightly different weight or less bouncy than ours, it’s possible that the cables could look more relaxed, even if the cable twists are worked correctly. Please feel free to send us a picture of your cables at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to take a look!
Best,
Julianna
Hi am I the only one having insane difficulty with this pattern? I don’t understand why the pattern set up in row one of the body is completely screwed up in row two. The instructions don’t match the setup. Why do I p2 k3 4 times only to do the LC/RC twice? Why then does it want me to do the C6F after two repeats of that when the setup for that section is still 2 more sections ahead? This makes no sense whatsoever
Hi Abby,
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to help and I think that I see the issue! Round 2 starts with *[P2, LC, RC] 2 times. This will mean that you will P2, LC, RC, P2, LC, RC. The p2 will use the first p2 from round 1 and then the LC and RC will use the K3, p2, k3, from round 1. You will then p2 again (using p2 from round 1) and the LC and RC will use the next K3, p2, k3 from round 1 leaving you will the k6, p1 from round 1 that you will use to C6F and then p1.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Hello! I wonder if you would recommend the long tail tubular cast on for this? I’ve given it a try but it’s tough to match it up with this particular ribbing pattern.
Hi Sarah,
Great question! While you can use a long tail tubular cast on for 2×2 ribbing by moving the stitches around as you knit the first row to match the ribbing pattern, I’m afraid it won’t work out for this pattern due to the k3, p2 that crosses over the end of each row. If you are up for some experimentation, you might be able to get around this by increasing a stitch in the first row to create the third knit stitch in each repeat!
I hope that helps, and please let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Thanks for the swift reply, Julianna!
Hi Friends @ PurlSoho,
Do you think that 2 skeins of Purl Soho Worsted Twist would be enough yarn for the adult version of this hat?
Thank you!
Hi Nancie,
Thanks for writing in! Two skeins of Worsted Twist should be plenty for an adult size!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi! I am almost done with this hat and began the decrease rounds and got stumped on row 4.
Where it says to k2tog, it lines up with a knit stitch and a purl stitch. In the end, the stitches line up so I don’t think I missed a stitch somewhere on the previous rows.
Can you k2tog a purl and knit stitch?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes you can k2tog with a purl and knit stitch!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
If I want to knit this lovely pattern beanie size, how many repeats would I knit/when would I start the decreases?
Hi Elisabeth,
Thanks for reaching out! Our Adult size I would consider a “beanie size” so I would follow the written directions for that size!
All the best,
Gianna
I loved this yarn and have knitted two of these hats. Itching to knot another, which yarn would you recommend knitting this in since Alpaca Pure is discontinued?
Thanks :)!
Hi Enting,
Thanks for reaching out! In place of Alpaca Pure you could use any worsted/aran weight yarn! I would recommend Worsted Twist or Linen Quill Worsted!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi,
I came upon Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Worsted. I thought I could substitute this yarn for this hat.
There are 204 yds in the 100g skein. Compared to the Alpaca pure, it is almost twice as much yards per weight. Is this a factor in how well this yarn would work? Does it indicate that the yarn is thinner? Perhaps holding the yarn double will be necessary?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out again! I am not familiar with that yarn so I can’t advise on how it would feel or knit up in person. However, when a yarn is at that price point for 200+ yards the quality typically isn’t the best, and certainly not comparable to our quality of our yarns! But sometimes you can find a really great quality yarn at an inexpensive price! The best way to tell if this yarn would work is to order a skein and work up a few swatches with it to see how it feels and knits and if it would be a good substitute for Alpaca Pure in this pattern.
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Gianna
Beautiful hat and it knits up beautifully. I’ve scanned through the pattern twice, but don’t seem to find where it says how many pattern repeats of 12 rounds I should knit before starting the decreases.
I’m also thinking of knitting the child size. How many repats of the rounds should I make.
Thanks,
Hi Liz,
Thanks you for reaching out! You will work rounds 1-12 and then Repeat Rounds 1–12 either one or (three) more time(s) depending on which size you are making! You can find these instructions in the BODY section of the pattern!
All the best,
Gianna
I’m a big fan of the Anzula for Better or Worsted Yarn. Do you think that would work well for this hat? If so, do you know how many skeins I would need for an adult sized hat?
Hi Tamar,
Thanks for reaching out! Anzula For Better or Worsted would be a great option for this hat! For the adult size 2 skeins should be plenty. Also, I always suggest working a gauge swatch when changing yarn from the original pattern to insure you are consistent with the written gauge!
Warmly,
Gianna
Bonjour!
Is the cable pattern for this hat available in a diagram form (grid with symbols for the C6F, C6B, etc.).
I find diagrams easier to follow.
Thank you.
LC
Hi LC,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t offer this pattern as a chart, we only have the written instructions but thank you for expressing your interest!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello! I have really enjoyed knitting the traveling cable! I am at the point when I need to begin the crown decreases -Round 1 starts with P3. I have 2 purl stitches at the beginning of this round. This worked for me as I was going from Round 12 to Round 1 – repeating the Body portion of the pattern. Should I forge ahead with P3?
Hi Robin,
Thanks for reaching out! Did you adjust the cast on or change the pattern at all in the beginning? If so this may be a bit of a problem going into the decrease rounds. I recommend continuing with the pattern as written (Purling 3) and if you are having any issues with the stitch pattern please let us know!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi! I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved this pattern. It was the first hat I’ve made in a while and my first fancy cable thing. I used a self-striping yarn. I know I’ll come back to this pattern again in the future. Thank you for sharing! Brought me loads of joy in 2021! 🙂
Hi Aurora,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this pattern! That yarn sounds so fun as well!
We would love to see your finished work, feel free to tag us on instagram using the hashtag #Purlsohobusyhands
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi! I’m so bummed- I think this is going to be too small for me. I’ve started a couple of times and it looks too little. My head is 23 1/2″. Would someone be kind enough to help adjust the pattern for a larger size? I don’t mind if it’s a little bigger than that even- better too big than too small! I would be very grateful because this is so beautiful. Thank you!
Hi Meredith,
Thanks for reaching out! Luckily since this hat has a rib/cable pattern it will actually be much more stretchy than it appears! The adult size should comfortably stretch to fit a 20-23″ circumference, so even though it may look too small it will stretch out quite a bit and should actually fit quite comfortably on a 23 1/2″ head! You can even get a little more stretch out of the hat by blocking it once you have finished. I think this would be a better solution to re-sizing the hat since it would be quite complicated with the cable pattern!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I see in your class that Worsted Twist is recommended. Would you still use size 5 and 6 needles or go up a size?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! Worsted Twist would work well, but it is a bit thinner than the original Alpaca Pure so you may need to adjust your needle slightly. We now have a lovely new yarn, Plenty, that is a very close match to Alpaca Pure and should work with the pattern as written! I would suggest starting off by working a gauge swatch, with either yarn, to ensure you are consistent with the pattern.
I hope this helps!
Gianna
I’ve restarted this pattern a couple of times because I can’t seem to get the gauge right. I’m using an Aran weight wool and size 6 needles for the ribbing and it’s still too small (un-stretched I’m getting 27 stitches to 4 inches). Should I be using a heavier wool? Or go up a couple more needle sizes?
Hi Gill,
Thanks for writing in! The yarn you are using sounds like the perfect weight for this project (we also used an Aran weight!) And actually, since this is an older pattern of ours the gauge as it is now is a bit wonky… The ribbing over 4″ would be about 29 stitches, so if you are getting 27 you are very close! We also measure our gauge from the samples once they are blocked, so I would suggest blocking your swatch to see if you can get the gauge to match then!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thank you Gianna!
I’m so sorry, I just realized that I said 4” but I actually meant 3”. So I’m getting 27 stitches to 3”. Is that close enough that I could fix it in blocking or should I go up another needle size?
Hi Gill,
Thanks for your response! I would still try blocking first before adjusting the needle size.
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Hello. I love this pattern and its the best i’ve ever seen. Im a beginner to knitting and use videos to help me make hats. Is there a video recording of this hat being made? Thank you so much.
Hi Kay,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! We don’t have a video of this hat being made, but we do have tutorials for several of the techniques used! Each technique is highlighted in pink in the pattern, and if you click that it will take you directly to the associated tutorial! You can also find our whole selection of tutorials here: Knitting Tutorials
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I’m starting to make this lovely hat for a great niece who’ll be going off to college and needs to keep warm while walking around campus. I’m using a merino and plan to adorn it with a fur pompom. In checking gauge, I needed to go down to a size 4 needle on the rib pattern to reach gauge. I believe I’ve followed the pattern correctly to determine the adult size. I cast on 84 stitches. It just looks so small. The ribbing is 13” in circumference. I know it will stretch, but I am making the adult version, right?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for writing in. Yes, you’re definitely on track to make the adult version of this hat, with 84 stitches! The ribbing should indeed look quite smaller than expected, as it will stretch significantly when the hat is worn. I hope this helps clear things up!
All the best,
Lili
Want to make a hat using up some Jade Sapphire 8 ply cashmere. Would you recommend the Traveling Cable Hat?
Hi Jeanne!
Thank you for asking. This would be a perfect yarn to knit with Jade Sapphire’s 8-ply Cashmere! As always, we recommend making a gauge swatch to double check that everything will turn out as intended, especially when substituting yarns. If that seems daunting, we have a handy tutorial to reference called All About Gauge with tips for each step of the process!
All the best,
Margaret
I have some beautiful Partridge yarn I’d like to use for a cabled hat. I have 3.5 skeins left. Would it work for the pattern? Or is there another pattern I should consider instead
Hi Amy,
Thanks for reaching out. Partridge would be perfect for this hat, and 3.5 skeins is more than enough! I’d just recommend knitting up a gauge swatch in pattern before beginning to determine the best needles to use with the yarn. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi! I wanted to use the body of this hat on the 1898 hat brim (super popular pattern from the Seaman’s Institute) That pattern uses a Size 7 needle, would you change to a size 6 when I start the body or could I stick with a size 7?
Thanks!!
Hi Emily,
I just looked up the pattern you mentioned, and it looks really interesting! You can absolutely add on body of the Traveling Cable Hat to the brim of the other one. I’d recommend sticking with the needle size you need to achieve the gauge of each pattern, for their respective sections! One other small modification I’d recommend is making the body of the hat shorter. The pattern for the brim looks pretty wide, so it’ll take up a lot of height when worn. To avoid the hat ending up too tall and pointy, you can omit some of the cable pattern repeats.
We’d love to see how your hat turns out eventually!
All the best,
Lili
I am doing the adult hat 84 sts and having problems with the setup round to 120 sts. I can never get to 120 stitches. I don’t have enough sts at the end to complete the full repeat. I can do the first part but not the k1, m1r, k1, m1r, k1,m1r,p1. Is there something that I’m doing wrong? Because I’ve counted numerous times before I’ve started and I’ve got the correct number of sts.
Hi Stephanie,
I am so sorry you are hitting a roadblock in the pattern but we are determined to get you back on track! It’s a little hard to tell over comments exactly what the issue might be but I have a few suggestions that will hopefully help! First, are you repeating the first bracketed [k1, Make 1 Right (m1R), k1, p2] section three times total? Occasionally this gets read as ‘3 more times’!
Another thing you can try that I always find helpful is to mark off each stitch in the pattern as you knit it. I like to do this with pencil to make sure I stay in line each time a stitch is knit and I can erase when I am ready to repeat.
I hope this helps but if you have any other questions, please let us know. We are also always available at [email protected]
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Hello, I can’t seem to find 20 inch circular needles, would you recommend going with 16 or 24?
Hi Hannah,
You’ll need to go with 16-inch needles for this pattern! That’s because the finished circumference is always smaller than 24 inches, so the stitches won’t fit around 24-inch needles. But they’ll definitely fit around 16-inch needles!
All the best,
Lili