Traveling Cable Hat in Super Soft Merino, for Kids!
In my mind, knitting is a lot like cooking. Start with some high quality ingredients and a master recipe, follow your taste buds (or design sense!), and you’re bound to make something delicious and maybe a little surprising!
So when the Bee team suggested I try my Traveling Cable Hat in our Super Soft Merino instead of its original Alpaca Pure, it reminded me of the great fun I have playing in the kitchen. Rather than casting on 3 repeats, like I did for the Alpaca Pure Baby size, I cast 2 repeats onto some big ol’ needles, and in just a couple of hours, I had a finished hat in an unexpected Kids size!
I love how Super Soft Merino brings big flavor to the scale of the cables. This seriously quick knit is a delightful treat, like discovering the nutty flavor a drizzle of brown butter brings to roasted butternut squash. All the recipe tweaking is done, so just sit back, knit, and enjoy! – Gina
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!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Gina Rockenwagner.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoTravelingCableHat, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino yarn. Each skein of this bulky weight yarn is 87 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 87 yards required. We used the colors Yellow Zest and Pink Grapefruit.
- US 11 (8 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- US 13 (9 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- A set of US 13 double pointed needles
- 2 stitch markers, different colors
Gauge
11 stitches = 4 inches in 2×2 rib (unstretched), on smaller needles
14 stitches = 4 inches in cable stitch pattern, on larger needles
Size
To fit Kid’s head circumference 18-21 inches
- Finished Height: 10½ inches
- Ribbing Circumference: 15½ inches
- Body Circumference: 17 inches
Notes
Left Cross (LC): Slip 3 knit stitches to cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, p1 from left hand needle, k3 from cable stitch holder.
Right Cross (RC): 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
NOTE: This pattern is also available as a printer-friendly PDF! Just click here.
Ribbing
With smaller needle, cast on 42 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a 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 4 inches from cast on edge.
Next Round: *Purl into 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. [60 stitches]
Body
Switching to the larger circular needle…
Round 1: [P2, k3] 4 times, p3, k6, p1, place marker, [P2, k3] 4 times, p3, k6, p1. (This marker will help you keep track of the 30-stich repeat.)
Round 2: *[P2, LC, RC] 2 times, p3, C6F, 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, RC, LC] 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, RC, p2, LC, RC, p2, LC, 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, 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, [LC, p2, RC] 2 times, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one more time.
The hat should now measure approximately 8 inches from the cast on edge.
Crown Decreases
NOTE: Change to double pointed needles when the work becomes too tight to fit around the circular needle.
Round 1: *P3, k2, ssk, k2, p4, k2, ssk, k2, p2tog, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [54 stitches]
Round 2: *P3, k2, ssk, k1, p4, k2, ssk, k1, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [50 stitches]
Round 3: *P3, k2, ssk, p4, k2, ssk, p3, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [46 stitches]
Round 4: *P1, p2tog, k2, ssk, p2, k2tog, k2, p2tog, p1, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [38 stitches]
Round 5: *P2, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, p2, k6, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [34 stitches]
Round 6: *P2, k2, k2tog, k2, p2, C6F, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [32 stitches]
Round 7: *P2tog, k1, k2tog, k2, p2, k1, [k2tog] 2 times, k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [24 stitches]
Round 8: *P1, k2tog, k2, p2, k4, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [22 stitches]
Round 9: *P1, k2tog, k1, p2, k4, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [20 stitches]
Round 10: *K2tog, k1, p2, C4F, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [18 stitches]
Round 11: *K1, ssk, k2tog, k2, ssk, repeat from * to end of round. [12 stitches]
Round 12: [K2tog] 6 times. [6 stitches]
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and sew it through the remaining stitches twice. Pull tight to close the hole at the crown. Bring the tail to the inside of the hat and weave it in. Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy your Traveling Cable Hat!
LEARN ABOUT SUPER SOFT MERINO + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
The best reason to use Super Soft Merino for this project is because it is the dreamiest, cuddliest, toastiest yarn you can imagine! A single ply of 100% merino wool, Super Soft Merino has a nice, loose spin that shows off the softness of its fiber and keeps it nice and lightweight. Its gauge ranges from a chunky/bulky-weight to super bulky-weight (2.75-3.25 stitches per inch), making it a great choice for quick (and beautiful!) hand-knit gifts. And more… Super Soft Merino comes in over 30 amazing colors, too!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Super Soft Merino knitting patterns and cast on!
More Chunky/Bulky + Super Bulky-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of chunky/bulky weight yarns
- Shop our entire collection of super bulky-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool
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!
Hi! I’m wondering how much of the skein you had left over? Think you can get two hats out of one skein?
Hi Gina! It’s so rare I meet someone with my same first name! So it’s a pleasure. Unfortunately it’s not possible to knit 2 hats from one skein. Thank you for writing in with your question and please don’t hesitate to ask any more questions! – Gina
Love it!
Could you let me know what an equivalent weight in English wool would be? A #13 needle is 9mm, so this would suggest a super-chunky yarn?
Thanks,
Gemma
Hi Gemma-
This is very chunky yarn. I am not 100% familiar with the what the English wool equivalent would be but the gauge of the yarn is 11 stitches over 4-inches (or 10 cm) in stockinette stitch when using the US #13 needle.
Thank you so much for your question and please let me know if you need any more help!
Best-
Molly
Great!
Gorgeous Gina, just like you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Does this pattern come in a woman’s size?
Hi Carol, Thank you so much for your question! We are not offering a women’s pattern for this hat at the moment, but tweaking the pattern to fit a head larger than 21 1/2 inches in circumference is a moderately simple fix. Check out the response I wrote for Brittany for further instruction. If I can help with any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask! – Gina
What a lovely pattern. I’d love to make this chunky hat for myself. How would I modify this to fit a women’s small head? I’ve never done cables and don’t want to mess up the beautiful design. Thanks for all your inspirational ideas!
Hi Brittany, Thanks for writing in with your question and kind words! If your 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 your 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 your head with the extra rows added. I sincerely hope this helps to answer your question! Please let me know if I can clarify further. – Gina
Hi Gina,
I’m using your suggestion above to do a second repeat of the cables to knit this for an adult. Just wanted to clarify a pattern question- After round 12 it says to repeat rounds 1 & 2 one more time before moving to the decrease. If I am doing the second cable repeat, should I still repeat rounds 1 & 2 and then start again from 1-12, or just go directly to 1-12?
Thanks!!
Hi Shelly! Thanks for writing in with your question!
You should go directly to rounds 1-12. Once you finish round 12, you’ll need to repeat rounds 1 and 2. At that point, you’ll be all set up to start the decreases. Please let me know if I can clarify further! Happy knitting! -Gina
I loooove this version in the super soft merino, Gina. It’s perfect. How can I make the adult version of this hat in that yarn? Thanks so much!!
Hi Michelle, Thank you so much for your kind compliment! 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! – Gina
Hi Michelle, on second thought, I think adding more length to the hat could allow this hat to fit a women’s medium head, which typically measures 22 1/2 inches. Check out my response to Brittany for specific instructions. Let me know what you think of that idea! Thanks! – Gina
Just to let you know there is an error after round 12 wch I guess is from the original pattern. You don’t repeat rounds 1-12 a second time, just repeat rounds 1 and 2 again then go to the crown shaping
Hi Rachel,
Thanks so much for pointing that out! I have corrected the pattern above. – Gina
Also the PDF still has the error. Took me little bit to figure it out!
Hi Anne B-
Thank you so much for pointing this out! The PDF has been corrected.
Thanks again!
Molly
Love this hat in this yarn . Made one and it was such fun..just enough going on to make it interesting but how could I make it wider i.e. what is the pattern repeat. What would happen if I used the alpaca pure stitch requirement – would it come out too big?
Thanks–An n Marie
Love your patterns and now your yarn
Hi Ann Marie!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed knitting the hat!
We did make a hat in SSM with 3 repeats, the same as the baby hat in Alpaca pure. It turned out HUGE! If I had had more time before the story posted, I would have tried to knit the hat on smaller needles, like US #11 (but following the Alpaca Pure Baby hat instructions), to make an adult sized hat in the SSM. That’s what I think would work. Do make sure to knit the ribbing long enough. Let me know how it goes! I’d love to make one for myself. By the way, the cable pattern repeat is 30 stitches and the ribbing pattern repeat is 21 stitches. All my best to you! -Gina
After reading this comment, I made the Alpaca Pure Baby hat in SSM with 10.5 needles as a Christmas present for my mum and it came out perfectly! She has a relatively small head but it definitely would fit an adult! Thanks for the tip! Worked out perfectly.
Hi Yumiko, Thank you so much for sharing the pattern modifications you used! I’m glad that worked out well for you. Thanks for reading and happy knitting! – Gina
For some reason I am having problems staying in pattern on round 2. The first 30 stitches are fine but the repeat has 3 pulls at the beginning. I’ve unknitted twice and cannot find my mistake? Any suggestions?
Hi Susan! Thank you for writing in with your question! I double checked that row of the pattern and I don’t see an error. My thinking is that maybe the stitch marker to denote the beginning of the round is in the wrong place. You should have 2 purls to start the round, and the round should end with 1 purl. Let me know if that helps! I’d love to trouble shoot this more if my suggestion is not the solution! – Gina
Hi Friends!
I was so excited to try making this hat for my sweet brother for the holidays. He has a very small head (21 inches), within the range Gina mentioned. I could tell by the time I finished the ribbing that it would be way too small for an adult. Sure enough, I pulled it off the needles and it would have been much, much too small for him. I’m a fairly advanced knitter so I feel confident it wasn’t my error. Just wanted to comment in case someone else was considering following the modifications for an adult. I was super disappointed, as this yarn was at the top of my budget. It is a beautiful pattern, though!
Love,
Julia
Hi Julia,
Thank you for writing in. I am so sorry you were disappointed in the project. I will say that the ribbing does look very small when you are first starting, but it stretches a lot. We tried the finished hat on a 10 year old with a 21 inch head and it fit very well, snug but comfortable. Perhaps with the yarn you bought, you could make your brother the ear flap hat or the super simple super soft baby hat (but cast on 54 stitches instead of 44). I sincerely hope that helps! All my best, Gina
Hi! Silly question, I know, but in the beginning rib, am I supposed to repeat 4 times the p1 [k2,p2], or just the [k2,p2]?
Thank you!
Hi Kristen-
Not a silly question! You just repeat the [k2,p2] four times. Here is the pattern as written:
*P1, [k2, p2] 4 times, k3, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
And here is a more written out explanation:
Purl 1
Knit 2, Purl 2 four times
Knit three
Purl 1
Repeat from beginning until the end of the round?
Does that make more sense? Please let us know if you need any more help!
Best-
Molly
Is it possible to knit this flat? Having problem finding circular needle in that size for 40cm.=(
Hi Kitty-
We don’t have a version of this pattern to knit on straight needles but you could knit it all on double pointed needles if you can’t find the appropriate circulars. We do sell the circular needles in the correct sizes here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/8-knitting-crochet-knitting-needles
Thank you very much for your question and please let us know if you need any more help!
Best-
Molly
Hi! Thanks for the reply! I knitted it on my long circular with the magic loop nethod and it worked!! It’s really a beautiful pattern you have!! Thank you!
When you say it fits kids, would that include a 3 year old? Any suggestions on modifications to fit a 3 year old head? Perhaps stick with the size 11 needle? Thanks! I’ve never tried a cable pattern before, and am looking forward to trying out this one!
Hi Alicia-
Yes, this should work for a three year old. It is designed to fit a head with a circumference of 18-21 inches and most 3 year olds heads lie within this range!
Thank you for your question!
Best-
Molly
Hi! Love the hat and I’m dying to make it 🙂 . How many stitches should I cast on for a baby ? Xx
Hi Mars-
This pattern is only available in one size, kids. We do have another version of this hat that uses another kind of yarn that does have a baby size. You can see that pattern here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/09/04/traveling-cable-hat/
Thank you so much for getting in touch!
Molly
São lindos os gorros, estar de parabéns. Porem eu não sei o que quer dizer as letras antes dos números. Beijos Maria Helena.
Hi! I loved this pattern! I just wanted to know if the rounds written include the wrong side of the knit. Sorry if I’m not really clear, but my english it’s not the best!
Hi Lucia! Thanks for writing us!
The pattern does not include the wrong side of the knit. Since the hat is made in the round, you are always working on the front side. I hope I understood your question correctly. If I haven’t answered well, please don’t hesitate to write back. Happy knitting! -Gina
Hi, I just want to confirm the round 4 of the decreasing:
P1, p2tog, k2, ssk…..
I only have 3 knit stitches on my left hand needle, after I do a k2, there’s only 1 knit stitch left. Do I just do a Ssk on a knit and a purl stitch? Or I’ve done something wrong?
Natalie
Hello Natalie,
During this section, feel free to re-distribute the stitches on your double pointed needles in order to make it easier when you’re decreasing. I would just put that last stitch you have remaining on your needle onto the next double pointed needle.
Hope this answered your question, it doesn’t seem like you have done anything wrong! Happy Knitting! -Alyson
Love this hat. Would like to make it for Christmas gifts. Is it available in adult sizing? Thank you.
Hi Patricia,
So happy you love the hat! Unfortunately we do not have an adult version of this pattern in this yarn, but the original Traveling Cable Hat does! It is made from a worsted weight and has four cable pattern repeats! Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
Hi! I find most patterns frustrating and I am adding this one to the mix. I did not see anywhere in the pattern suggesting linking, even though I am using circular needles and knitting in the round. I am now attempting to get a second side knitted so I can stich the two sides together and get a full hat. Not sure if anyone else had this problem, but I most definitely did.
Hi Sara,
I am sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time with this pattern! We try our hardest to make our patterns as clear as possible and I can see how the sections preceding the actual pattern can add some confusion when starting this pattern. If you look under the Ribbing section, the directions read:
With smaller needle, cast on 42 stitches.
Place a marker and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
That is to say, after casting-on your stitches, you will place a stitch marker on your needle to delineate the beginning of the row and then join your work in the round.
I hope that this helps clear things up!
Cassy
Thank you sooooooo much for these stunning patterns.
Kind regards
Sue
Is there a way to add a pom pom to this pattern? I can’t wait to knit this!!
Thank you,
Kelsey
Hi Kelsey,
Thanks for writing in! You certainly can add a pom pom! You can follow the directions for attaching a pom pom on our Friendly Fair Isle Hat.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi. Can you please tell me what PFB means in the last rib row?
Hi Shelley,
To PFB you are going to Take the yarn in front, purl the first stitch on your main needle. Before taking the stitch off the main needle, insert the tip of your working needle into the backside of the loop and purl it through the back loop. Then pull the stitch off the needle. Below is a link to our video tutorial on how to PFB.
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/purl-front-and-back-pfb/
I hope this helps,
Melissa
I love the look of this hat, but as I have a large head I don’t think simply making it longer would work. I was thinking about using larger needles and a chunkier yarn. Do you have a recommendation on how much bigger I would need to go?
Hi Kara,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s really hard to say how much changing the needle size and yarn weight will affect the finished size of a piece without doing quite a bit of gauge swatching and measuring. Instead, you may want to consider our original Traveling Cable Hat, which comes in an adult size that will fit most adults, even those of us with larger than average heads!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi, what a lovely yarn, I just love knitting with this.
Two questions:
1. I just made one hat for my friend’s 4.5 years old. She asked to make the same thing to her 2.5 years old as well. She said his circumstance is 18.5 inches, within the pattern size but since it stretches a lot, thinking maybe I should use 9 & 11 size. Do you think that’s not necessary?
2. Do you recommend blocking finished products or it’s okay not to?
Thank you,
Tomoko
Hello Tomoko,
Thank you for reaching out! I would stick with the recommended needles so that the fabric doesn’t get to stiff. It shouldn’t stretch enough to be an issue. You certainly can block this hat, but I wouldn’t say that it is a necessity. If you do block it, I would recommend a light blocking or steam blocking for this particular yarn.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi,
My question is about the row just before BODY (the increase row). When I start this row, I have 42 stitches on my needle (21 per repeat). However, following the instructions, there seems to be 28 stitches per repeat. I am missing something?
Thanks!
Hi,
I submitted a question earlier about the increase row before BODY – and I wanted to let you know that I figured out my problem. I was making my mk1r incorrectly and using the stitch instead of the bar. It’s working out now. Sorry for the trouble!
Lynne
Hi Lynne,
I’m so glad to hear everything is turning out correctly! Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Julianna
Por favor pueden agregar tutorial de RC y Lc
Gracias
Hi Ceci,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this; however, it is the same as knitting a cable, which we explain in our Cable Tutorial, except you will be knitting and purling the stitches as instructed in the Notes section of the pattern.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi I am in Australia
Do you ship wool here
Also can I knit this pattern on straight needles do you have a pattern for them they are the travelling cable hats for kids
Happy to have any other kids ones
Love love your web site can’t wait to come to NY shop
Love love your things
Thank you Bernice Stub
Hi Bernice,
Thank you so much for the kind words! Yes, we do ship to Australia! You can review all of our international shipping rates and policies on our Shipping page. Unfortunately we don’t have instructions for knitting this hat on straight needles, but you might be able to make the modifications yourself! The main change would be, on all the wrong side rows, you will have to knit your knits and purl your purls as they appear on the needles, rather than following our written instructions, and you can follow the right side rows as written. Almost all of our hat patterns come in kids sizes, so hopefully you find even more inspiration browsing our hat pattern collection!
All the best,
Julianna
Hi there,
I started knitting this hat in the Super Soft Merino using the recommended needles but I’m finding my gauge is a little tight. Do you think it would look ok if I go up in needle size, or would it be too loose? I am thinking to use size 13 for the ribbing and 15 for the body. (I could test out the 13 ribbing, but don’t own size 15 needles!)
Also, I noticed in one of the older comments that you only recommend light blocking or steam blocking for this yarn. Do you know why this is? What do you consider a light blocking? I’m thinking if I give the hat a good soak it will stretch to (hopefully) the right gauge, but I’m afraid of ruining the yarn, as only bought the one skein required for the hat.
Thanks, as always, for your help and for the beautiful patterns! – Lilli
Hi Lilli,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! How does your gauge compare to the written gauge of the pattern? If your stitch count is off from ours than I would recommend going up in needle size, but if your gauge is measuring in consistent with our gauge than you may be ok as is! (Our tutorial All About Gauge is a great resource!) As for blocking, in my experience I have wet blocked Super Soft Merino and it has turned out just fine! That is especially a great way to stretch and re-distribute stitches if your knitting is a bit tight. When we say light blocking we typically mean to use steam instead of fully submerging your knitting in water. Our Blocking tutorial is also an excellent resource and will go into depth about different blocking options to get the best result!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi Gianna,
Thank you for your quick response and the links to your tutorials! My stitch count for the ribbing is 14 stitches = 4 inches, and the cable pattern is 16 stitches = 4 inches. I’m going to try going up in needle size and see how that goes.
Many thanks!
Lilli
Hi, Love this hat. I am also confused about the gauge/tension.
The pattern reads;
Ribbing: 11 stitches = 4 inches in K2, P2 rib (unstretched), using the smaller needles
Body: 14 stitches = 4 inches in cable stitch pattern, using the larger needles
Shouldn’t this be the other way around? i.e. less stitches with the bigger needles? I am also too small but my tension is never tight and the knit looks fine. I am 14 stitches in rib using the smaller needles….
Hi Tania,
Thanks for reaching out! The gauge is correct as written, I would recommend going up in needle size for the ribbing! Keep in mind that since it is a cable pattern you are counting more stitches than you would be for a basic stockinette, that is why it is 14 stitches for 4″ in the cable stitch pattern on the larger needle size!
I hope this clears things up, but please feel free to reach out with any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna