Crazy Hands

Gradient Two Color Cable Knit Hat Pattern

two color cable knit hat pattern

two color cable knit hat pattern

Eye-catching cables and gradient two-color design of this knit hat makes it stand out from the crowd and make your friends feel a bit envy. I’m sure you won’t have any difficulties working out this pattern and will finish it in no time. You can even create a set – one for you and another one for your little one. Check out baby version of the gradient cable knit hat here. Simply follow the laid-out directions and ask questions in the comment section if you stuck anywhere. Don’t postpone knitting the hat, add your individual touch, and enjoy wearing it during the winter.

Knitting materials and tools:

<> 16” long, circular needles 3.5 mm (US 4) for ribbing part and 4.5 mm (US 7) for body part;

<> Alize baby wool – 40% wool, 40% acrylic, 20% bamboo. Light blue and gray colors: 50 grams = 175 m. (192 yds.) In total 1 gray and 1 light blue balls.

<> White real fur pom pom

Two-color cable knit hat size:

Adult size: 54-56 cm

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

26 stitches = 4 inches in ribbing – not stretched

two color cable knit hats - one for baby and another one for adult

Note for knitters:

Knit with two strands of yarn at once.

Common abbreviations of knitting stitches:

k – knit

p – purl

k2tog – knit two together

inc – increase

Cable 3 Back (C3B)Slip 3 knit stitches to the extra needle and hold in back of work, 3k from the left hand needle, 3k from the extra needle.

Cable 3 Front (C3F): Slip 3 knit stitches to the extra needle and hold in front of work, 3k from the left hand needle, 3k from the extra needle.

skpo – Slip, Knit, Pass Over: Slip one stitch to the right needle knitwise, knit in the next stitch and drop this stitch off the left needle, insert the left needle into the slipped stitch, pass it over the knit stitch and it’s done.

two-color cable knit hat decorated with fur pom pom

Two color cable knit hat pattern

Knitting the ribbing of two color hat:

Cast on 100 stitches and rib  1 by 1 *k1, p1 keep knitting until piece measures 5 cm or 2 inches.

Knitting the body of two color hat

I am going to use the same cable pattern as I used for my Bulky Braided Knit Headband.

It is time to change knitting needles from 3.5 to 4.5 or even 5 mm. At this point we are going to increase. Please check my Youtube video to get a better idea how to increase from the previous round.

Body part knits in a multiple of 20 stitches (20 sts – 1 cable). Add 20 more stitches to get in total 6 cables.

Round 1: [inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k1, p2, k4, inc, k1, k5, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, p2, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k5, inc, k1, k1, p2 ] – repeat twice.

Round 2: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 3: *k9, C3B, k3, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 4: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 5: *k6, C3B, C3B, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 6: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 7: repeat Round 3.

Round 8: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 9: *k3, C3F, k9, p2 repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 10: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 11: *C3F, C3F, k6, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 12: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 13: repeat Round 9.

Round 14: *k18, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Repeat Rounds 3-14 two-three more times.

knitting cables of the two color cable hat
adding the second yarn color to knit cable hat with gradient pattern

Shaping the crown of two color hat:

You can start decreasing part at any point. With my gauge, I decided to knit Rounds 3 and 4 and start decreasing at Round 5.

Round 1: *skpo, k14, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 2: * k16, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 3: *skpo, k12, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 4: *skpo, k10, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 5: *skpo, k8, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 6: *skpo, k6, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 7: *skpo, k4, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 8: *skpo, k2, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 9: *skpo, k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Round 10: *k2tog, p2, repeat from* to the end of the round.

Cut working yarn leaving 10 cm or 5 inches. Thread it through remaining stitches. Pull tight and weave in ends.

Look at this beautiful crown and family set that you can make for your beloved ones.

crown's look of the two-color cable knit hat

two color knit hat on the mannequin's head - side view
two color knit hat on the mannequin's head - back view

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70 comments

Caterina 13th November 2017 at 14:59

Hi, nice pattern. Why does it say Baby if its 54-56 cm? Its actually my adult size

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editor 13th November 2017 at 15:15

hi, you are right, it is an adult size, thanks for comment

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Name 28th December 2017 at 03:02

This pattern is for adult click on the link that says Hat knitting pattern for baby it should be in orange it will take you to the pattern

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Chantal Bédard 17th November 2017 at 15:38

la laine est telle dégradée ou non?

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editor 17th November 2017 at 22:49

Hi again, I explain it more clear in this hat, check it please https://crazyhands.net/baby-hat-knitting-pattern/

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Chantal Bédard 17th November 2017 at 15:43

je ne comprends pas ton choix de laine tu parles de 2 balles, 1 bleu et une grise et tu parle de dégradée, si tu prends la dégradée ce n,est pas 2 couleurs différentes je suis un peu perdu , moi je voudrais dégradée alors quelle laine je doit acheter?

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editor 17th November 2017 at 22:45

Hi. You can make gradient using two different colors. The only moment you have to knit with two strands of yarn at once. For example knit 10 cm (gray+gray) cut one strand of yarn and add another color (gray+blue), knit again 10 cm cut the second strand (blue+blue). I dunno if it was your question and if it is clear now. Please let me know.

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Sharon Ford 21st February 2018 at 08:06

Oh, so you are changing the colors…are you knitting two strands of the same color on the ribbing, then changing to two different colors, then changing again at the crown to two strands of the same color (i.e. both strands of blue)? I am an old blonde, so I just want to make sure I understand before I ruin a beautiful pattern. 🙂

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 21st February 2018 at 10:44

hello Sharon, ahahah you are absolutely right. 2 strands of gray, then 1 gray and 1 blue and at the end 2 strands of blue. 🙂 Hope to see your hat soon, Good luck!

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Rachel 21st November 2017 at 04:55

Is there a crochet pattern for this? Or a way to convert it to crochet? It’s gorgeous!!

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editor 21st November 2017 at 13:26

Hello Rachel, you should definitely try knitting, it’s fun 🙂

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Robin 21st November 2017 at 19:17

I need a toddler size…. baby size was too small. How many stitches would you reccomend casting on? And then how many stitches should i increase for the body?

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editor 21st November 2017 at 22:24

Hello Robin. What hat are you talking about? Adult and baby hats in gradient color have absolutely different patterns. What is circumference of your baby head? Use bulky yarn and bigger needle size. Follow the same pattern and it will definitely suit. Like this it suits even adult’s head. Let me know if it worked.

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Ivana 3rd December 2017 at 10:17

Hi, how many stitches do you recommend to cast on for baby hat using same needle size and yarn? I would like to try the pattern for my baby (head circ 41cm) thanks

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 3rd December 2017 at 12:22

Hi. I think it will be fine if you have 4 braids after ribbing part but I would suggest to add some stitches between braids, instead p2, make p3 or p4. I am sure if you knit 5 braids it will be big for that small circumference. Let me know if you have more questions.

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Ivana 4th December 2017 at 11:16

Should I still cast on 100?

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 4th December 2017 at 11:20

no, it will be about 84-88 stitches but I can not guarantee that it will suit perfectly, please try and let me know if it worked.

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Ivana 4th December 2017 at 14:54

Ok thanks, I’ll let you know once I’m finished ?

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Ivana 8th December 2017 at 13:50

Hi, so I’m done with the hat. I casted on 64stitches, dbl stranded which fits perfectly my 5.5mth old baby. I used yarn which u suggested but another one was little bulkier then this one but I’ve worked it out 🙂 I didn’t look at whole pattern and didn’t realize that 20 stitch braid has 2P included so I ended up with 4P but still looks good. I’d love to send you picture. Thanks for this beautiful pattern.

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 8th December 2017 at 16:34

Wow, great. Thanks for feedback. I would like to see it of course. You can add me in FB or follow my group https://www.facebook.com/groups/crazyhands.net/, or tag me in Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amurushka_amur/. Looking forward.

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Penny Vere 6th January 2018 at 21:22

Love this pattern however I used a worsted weigh yarn of a different brand and found that once starting the pattern it was very dense and turned out quite stiff and hard to knit the cable turns. I should have increased the needle size but I would then have had to adjust the stitch count too so I just soldiered through. It is hard to change materials and get acceptable results but love the pattern and will try again with adjustment.

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 6th January 2018 at 21:37

Hi, I can help you with adjustment. There are actually 2 variants how to increase the size: You can add one more cable (+20 stitches) or you can add purl stitches between cables(plus 2-3 more stitches). I am sure you will get an amazing result. Hope it will help!

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Bonnie 9th January 2018 at 15:20

I would like to know where you can find those labels (Handmade). Love this pattern.

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 9th January 2018 at 21:34

Hi, I bought labels in local knitting store

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Glenda 30th January 2018 at 23:38

I just joined your community, which is now my community and my question isn’t about this pattern, although I do want to make it. I have never made socks. I am not a beginning knitter but have never made very advanced things. Is there a sock pattern out there that isn’t too terribly difficult? My son loves crazy socks. He is 27 and hard to buy for but I would love to make socks for his birthday. I am leaving Feb.7 to go to Spain for three weeks. My daughter lives there. His birthday is Mar 30. I should have free time to knit in Spain. Any suggestions for me? Dundaduck

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 4th February 2018 at 12:37

Hello Glenda, unfortunately I don’t have any sock patterns now but you can knit and present to your son this practical knit man set https://crazyhands.net/fishermans-rib-knit-scarf-pattern-for-men-on-circular-needles/.

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Norma 17th February 2018 at 06:52

Love this hat!! Question….how do you do the earflaps?
Thank you!

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 19th February 2018 at 01:10

hi, check this pattern to see how I did earflaps https://crazyhands.net/baby-hat-knitting-pattern/

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shar1ford 20th February 2018 at 22:40

Love this pattern. How can I buy it and how can I print it from my Kindle Fire?

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 26th February 2018 at 00:16

Hello, I didnt get you. Do you like to buy a printed version of adult knitting hat in the gradient color?

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Sharon Ford 21st February 2018 at 08:02

How do you get the top to be one color like the picture? I LOVE this pattern. If you are holding two fingering weight yarns, can you do this with DK weight (one strand) instead. I want to do the one shown though, but cannot figure out how you get the one color to start small but bloom into one bold color at the top. Soooo cute!!

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loretta 16th April 2018 at 17:50

im trying the pattern Im confused regarding the body of the hat on the increase it says inc 20 sts yet if I repeat the ist row from * to* twice I would inc more than 20 sts as there is 10 inc in the section

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 17th April 2018 at 23:43

Hello Loretta,
here is increase round – Round 1: [inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k1, p2, k4, inc, k1, k5, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, p2, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k5, inc, k1, k1, p2 ] – repeat twice.
After increase round you will get in total 120 stitches. You can also make increases in you own way if you dont like how I did them. Hope it helps.

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Cynde 22nd December 2019 at 08:20

So your direction to repeat twice should only be repeat. Once to the end then do it one more time. Correct? Sorry I am a bit confused as if I do the increase section then repeat it twice I end up with 180 stitches. If I do the increase then repeat I end with 120. So I am doing the increase twice not doing the increase then repeating it twice more. Is that correct? Thanks. I am loving the pattern look and can’t wait to knit it up I. Some hand spun alpaca. Would love to add a pic on FB when I finish. Thanks so much and your increase tutorial was wonderful!!

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Knitting Guru 22nd December 2019 at 09:22

Hi Cynde. Thanks for your question. Everything what is mentioned in brackets you knit twice, or as you said “Once to the end then do it one more time”. If you cast on 100 stitches you have to end up with 120 sts. Please let me know if it is clear as I dont want your spun alpaca wait )))). I am looking forward hearing from you again and waiting to post your hat on FB.

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Cynde 23rd December 2019 at 00:37

Thanks so much. Somehow I ended up with 1 extra stitch so back up to the beginning of the increase. Hoping to finish it soon. Appreciation!

jenny 25th April 2018 at 01:16

Hi.I was wondering can a person use dpns instead of circular needles?If so,what size us dpns does a person use for the pattern?

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 25th April 2018 at 22:13

hi Jenny!
Yes, you can use double pointed needles instead. The size will be the same as for circular needles.

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Jenny 26th April 2018 at 17:13

Hi.I was wondering if you used uk fingering weight for this pattern?also could a person use 2 or 1 strand of sport weight yarn ?Will it still turn out like the picture of the hat?

Thanks.

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 27th April 2018 at 13:32

you can try sport weight with 2 strands of yarn, I assume the result will be the same. Or use gauge that is mentioned in the Hat knitting pattern.

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crochetknitfan 28th April 2018 at 00:52

Hi.I was wondering what does this mean Body part knits in a multiple of 20 stitches (20 sts – 1 cable). Add 20 more stitches to get in total 6 cables?Could you please break it down for me on how you get the numbers?

Also,why does a person use a different size needles for the cuff ?Can a person just use a us 7 for the whole part of the pattern?

Thanks.

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Crazy Hands Knitting Editor 29th April 2018 at 11:28

Hi,
20 sts is equal to 1 cable. Firstly, you cast on 100 stitches for the ribbing part and then increase till 120 stitches for the body part. 120 stitches divided by 20 equal to 6 cables. It can be any other number (140, 160 etc) that can be divided by 20. Adult Hat Knitting pattern in the Gradient Color has 6 cables but it can be more or less depending on size and yarn you use.
Secondly, it is better to use bigger needles size when you knit cables. At the end you might get too tight hat.

P.S Thank you for your “HeartFelt Thanks” letter :). I am happy you enjoy my site and patterns.

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Tracey 26th October 2018 at 12:27

hi
Can you explain what do you mean by:
Knit with two strands of yarn at once?
I am new here but really like your works.
Thanks

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Knitting Guru 29th October 2018 at 23:39

Hi. Take 2 balls of yarn and knit from both, it means with two strands of yarn at once

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Barbara 27th November 2018 at 20:03

This is beautiful. I don’t see in the pattern where you change colors? And did you blend the colors, or simply change from one color yarn to the other? Thanks.

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Knitting Guru 27th November 2018 at 23:05

Hi Barbara. Thank you.You are right i blend them. Check this patter where i explaine how to do it https://crazyhands.net/baby-hat-knitting-pattern/. It doesnt matter where you change the color it is a matter of taste only.

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Jenny 18th February 2019 at 19:49

Hi. I was wondering if a person wants to just knit 5cables instead of 6 after the cast on 100 ribbing how would you do that?

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Knitting Guru 19th February 2019 at 12:42

Hi, Do you have the same head circumference that is mentioned in the pattern? If yes, then cast on 100 sts, add 20 sts and make p4 stitches between cables instead of p2. Hope it helps

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Tiffany 6th March 2019 at 20:12

Hello, if this requires only 1 skein each of the blue and gray colors, does that mean you are dividing each skein in half into 2 balls (4 balls total) as you wind them up in order to knit with 2 strands at a time? Thank you.

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Knitting Guru 7th March 2019 at 18:10

Hi. I usually knit from one ball. I take inner beginning (from the inside) and outer beginning of ball, put them together and knit with 2 strand. Then I cut 1 strand (does not matter inner or outer and add 1 strand of another color) and so on. Tiffany I hope it is clear

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Tiffany 5th December 2019 at 22:51

Hi Ann,
Did you use any special cast on for the gradient knit hat, or just a long tail cast on?
Thank you,
Tiffany

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Knitting Guru 5th December 2019 at 23:48

Hi Tiffany , I have use simple long tail cast on. Nothing special )

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Inger Denny 13th January 2020 at 16:58

I apologize for being another person slightly confused by the first row ([inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k1, p2, k4, inc, k1, k5, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, p2, k3, inc, k1, k3, inc, k1, k5, inc, k1, k1, p2 ] )

My question is with the inc, K1, K3… inc, K1, K1, etc.
Does this mean increase one, then Knit one, and then knit 3 (total of 5)? Or should there not be a comma between inc. and K1 – meaning the increase is the K1 stitch, then knit 3 more stitches – totaling 4 stitches ?

I hope my question makes sense.

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Knitting Guru 14th January 2020 at 06:23

Hi Inger, I see your problem. I will try to explain: inc, k1, k3 meaning you make increase from the previous round as shown in the video then you knit the same stitch of current round, and then you knit 3 stitches. It means that you knit 4 stitches and got 5 in total due to inc from the previous round. Tell me plz if it is more clear now?

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Erin 16th November 2021 at 08:49

I misunderstood this instruction and have only just found this clarification. I’ve knit an extra one for each k1 so now only have 40 stitches left to repeat this with! Is there something I can do to adjust or do I need to undo the 60 stitches I have done? (Sorry complete beginner!)

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Knitting Guru 16th November 2021 at 21:38

Hi Erin. It is better and unravel last round and make increases evenly as I mentioned. I know it is a bit challenging now for you but only practice will improve our skills. Do not give up. And let me know if you have other questions.

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Inger Denny 16th January 2020 at 23:14

AH! Yes, that helps a lot! Thank you very much. I’m excited to try this pattern.

I truly appreciate your help!

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Knitting Guru 21st January 2020 at 03:49

Hope to see your knit hat soon 🙂

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Andrea 26th January 2020 at 02:18

Hi! I really want to knit but am confused by two skeins. The skein I have had a gradient built in and is 4 ply. Can I just knit straight through?

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Knitting Guru 28th January 2020 at 06:47

Hi, Yes. I believe 4 ply will be perfect otherwise you can simply increase or decrease the number of purl stitches between cables

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Susanne 5th August 2020 at 10:31

Hi Ann, This is a lovely pattern and I want to knit it for my son who is overseas and can’t come home because of the pandemic. I’m knitting ‘stitches of love’ for all my overseas kids! I’m confused with the gauge – you say 20 stitches in stockinette, but is this on 3.5 or 4.5mm needles?
I hope you’re still answering queries and you’re keeping safe x

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Knitting Guru 5th August 2020 at 22:08

Hi Susanne. It is so lovely. I am sure your son will enjoy anything you make for him. They gauge is give for 4.5 mm needles or main part where i have knit cables. Also pay attention I was knitting in 2 strands of yarn at once in case you are going to use similar yarn weight. Let me know if you have other questions I will be happy to help

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ANGELA MESKELL 6th November 2020 at 08:18

Thank you so much for this lovely pattern. I would love to knit the adult version but I can’t determine the weight of yarn to use. Is it 4-ply?

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Knitting Guru 6th November 2020 at 08:27

Hi, yeah 4 or even 5 ply. Check you gauge before knitting. If it is more or less similar to mine then it is fine.

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ANGELA MESKELL 6th November 2020 at 08:25

Sorry, I meant to ask, if you used two strands of 4-ply together, could I knit with DK throughout, in a single colour?

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Knitting Guru 6th November 2020 at 09:29

yes, medium worsted or DK will be good

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Sam 12th January 2021 at 22:36

Delightful pattern and I will give it a go. I have a friend that loves purple and pink. Hope I can make sense out of the pattern and make it just right.
Thanks for the pattern and instructions.

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Knitting Guru 13th January 2021 at 13:58

Thank you Sam. And wish you luck 🙂

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Jean 1st March 2021 at 20:00

Your instructions for this hat is to K every row of the hat body resulting in Garter stitch surrounding cables. It seems to be an error.. Please let me know and send me a correction.. Thank u, Jean Lem

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Knitting Guru 2nd March 2021 at 21:38

HI Jean. Do you knit in rounds? not sure why you get garter stitch if you knit in rounds. Write me the number of the round please.

Reply

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