Fall for Autumn Vines – A Free Cable Knit Hat Pattern

As the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s time to cozy up with a warm and stylish accessory – a cable knit hat. Introducing Autumn Vines, a free cable knit hat pattern that will keep you snug and stylish all winter & fall long. This must-have accessory features a beautiful vine-inspired cable pattern, adding a touch of elegance to your fall wardrobe.

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this pattern offers an enjoyable and rewarding knitting experience. As the leaves change colors and the temperatures drop, this hat will not only keep you warm but also serve as a fashion statement. Crafted with love and attention to detail, Autumn Vines is the perfect project to embrace the cozy vibes of fall and showcase your knitting skills.

Discover the joy of knitting and embrace the beauty of autumn with this delightful free cable knit hat pattern. Happy knitting!

What Is Cable Knitting?

Cable knitting is a technique that switches the order of stitches to create interlacing patterns. The result is a beautiful texture that resembles braids.

Cable knitting adds depth and visual interest to hats, sweaters, scarves, and other accessories. Cables are simply stitches knit in a different order—often across a backdrop of purl stitches. It’s the epitome of simple stitches that look super complex.

By mastering the art of cable knitting, you can elevate your knitting projects to a whole new level. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of cable knitting for hats.

Benefits of Cable Knitting for Hats

Cable knitting offers several benefits when it comes to creating hats. Firstly, the intricate cable patterns add a unique and eye-catching element to your hat, making it stand out from the crowd. This free cable hat knit pattern utilizes 4 basic cable stitches for stunning results.

Cable knit hats also provide extra warmth and insulation due to the thickness and density of the stitch pattern. This makes them perfect for chilly autumn and winter days.

My favorite benefit of this free cable knit hat pattern is that you get the perfect fit! The cables allow the hat to expand and contract with your head (or the head of your gift recipient).

Finally, cable knitting allows you to experiment with different textures, creating a hat with depth and dimension. Now that you know the benefits of cable knitting for hats, let’s move on to choosing the right yarn for your project.

Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Free Cable Knit Hat Pattern

Selecting the right yarn is crucial to make your free cable knit hat pattern really pop. When choosing yarn, consider the fiber content, texture, ply, and dye.

For a cable knit hat, it’s best to choose a yarn that has some elasticity, such as wool. You’ll want a yarn with more memory than drape so that the cables always spring back into place. Inelastic fibers such as cotton will put strain on your hands as you cross the cables. These fibers provide excellent insulation and ensure a cozy hat.

Next check the texture of the yarn. Smooth yarn with minimal halo will showcase the cable pattern beautifully—allowing for a clear view of your twists and turns. Any type of brushed yarn will completely obscure your cables. Yarns with some halo will result in hazy cables.

Plies can also effect your cables. Single and two-ply yarns will flatten your cables. Whereas 3+ plies will make them truly pop.

Dye is completely a preference, but here’s what I’ve found after knitting this free cable knit hat pattern in speckles and a tonal. Knitting with a heavily speckled yarn added a lot of visual clutter to the hat. The cables were not what you first noticed. When I knit the hat a second time in a highly saturated tonal, you could see those fabulous cables from a block away.

What’s that Gorgeous Yarn?

Why I’m so glad you asked! For Autumn Vines 2.0, I choose Murky Depth’s Neptune DK in Picante. It is the most gorgeous saturated fiery red orange that I have seen and I fell head over heels.

I knew it was the perfect choice to represent the explosion of autumnal colors that you’ll be enjoying around the time you bind off.

Now that you have the perfect yarn, let’s move on to selecting the right needles for cable knitting.

Selecting The Right Needles For Cable Hat Knitting

The right needles can make a significant difference in your cable knitting experience. For cable knit hats, it’s best to use circular needles with a length of at least 16 inches. Circular needles allow you to easily knit in the round, eliminating the need for seams. For this free knit hat pattern, I recommend US 6 or 7, depending on your gauge.

The first time I knit it, I used US 7 and the second time I used US 6 and here’s why—I switched needle material. I went from metal to wood and my stitches loosened significantly. This made it easier to cross the cables. It was also much easier on my hands both due to the looseness and the fact that the wood needles gripped my yarn so I didn’t have to physically pinch the stitches on at all times with my fingers.

You may want to use a cable needle to assist your cable crossing. Or you can cross without cables.

And for the brim, as with all knit hat patterns, you’ll want to switch to Magic Loop or double-pointed needles when you can no longer knit comfortably on the 16” circulars.

Now that you have your needles ready, let’s start understanding cable knitting patterns.

Understanding Cable Knitting Patterns

Cable knitting patterns may seem complicated at first, but with a little practice, you’ll soon become comfortable with them. Cable patterns are represented by symbols and abbreviations that indicate the specific cable stitches to be worked.

The most common cable stitches are 2/2 RC (Right Cross) & 2/2 LC (Left Cross)-see glossary below for step-by-step instructions. These stitches create the twisted effect that defines cable knitting.

By following the pattern instructions and knitting or purling the stitches in the designated order, you can create intricate cable designs. Let’s move on to the exciting part – knitting the free cable knit hat pattern!

Tips and Tricks for Knitting with Cables

Knitting with cables can feel a bit challenging at first, especially if you’re new to this technique. But practice makes comfortable! In the meantime, here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the cable knitting process smoothly:

1. Use a cable needle or a double-pointed needle to hold the stitches while you work the cable stitches.

2. Keep your tension consistent throughout the project to ensure even and balanced cables.

3. Use stitch markers to help you keep track of the cable pattern repeats.

4. Take your time and read the cable instructions carefully before starting each cable section.

5. Practice patience and don’t be afraid to rip back if you make a mistake. It’s all part of the learning process!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to conquer cable knitting and create stunning cable knit hats in no time. Now, let’s move on to styling and accessorizing your cable knit hat.

Get the PDF of this Free Cable Knit Hat Pattern

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The Autumn Vines Knitting Pattern

The Free Cable Knit Hat Pattern Details

Size:

Baby/Child (Teen/Adult Small, Adult Large)
Finished Circumference: 14 (16.5, 19.5)”/35.5 (42, 49.5) cm
Brim to Crown Height: 8.25 or 9.5”/20 or 23 cm

Being a cabled hat, it’s got a LOT of stretch so you may choose a size smaller than usual. I’m wearing the 16.5”/42 cm, which also perfectly fits my 3-year-old daughter.

Gauge:
34 sts & 34 rows = 4”/10 cm in cabled stitch pattern

Yarn:
155 (215, 250, 290) yds/140 (200, 230, 265) cm in DK weight yarn

Suggested Yarn:
Murky Depths Neptune DK (100% Superwash Merino Wool), 230 yds/210 m, 100 g – 1 skein in Picante

Needles & Notions:
US 6/4.0 mm – 16”/40 cm and DPNs or Magic Loop – preferred method of small circumference knitting or needles needed to obtain gauge!
Cable needle
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Techniques to Indulge In:
Ribbing
2/2 left, right and purled cables
2/1 right cables
Decreases

Glossary for Cable Hat Pattern

2/1 RC – A right-cross cable worked over 3 sts – Slip 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold to the back. Knit the next st on the lefthand needle and then knit the 2 sts on the cable needle

2/2 RC – A right-cross cable worked over 4 sts – Slip 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold to the back. Knit the next two sts on the lefthand needle and then knit the 2 sts on the cable needle

2/2 LC – A left-cross cable worked over 4 sts – Slip 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold to the front. Knit the next two sts on the lefthand needle and then knit the 2 sts on the cable needle

2/2 RPC – A right-purl-cross cable worked over 4 sts – Slip 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold to the back. Knit the next two sts on the lefthand needle and then purl the 2 sts on the cable needle

2/2 LPC – A left-purl-cross cable worked over 4 sts – Slip 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold to the front. Purl the next two sts on the lefthand needle and then knit the 2 sts on the cable needle

2/2 LPC-dec – A decreasing left-purl-cross cable worked over 4 sts – Slip 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold to the front. Purl the next two sts on the lefthand needle together (p2tog) and then knit the 2 sts on the cable needle

BOR – beginning of round

CO – cast on

k – knit

k2tog – knit 2 sts together

LLI – left lifted increase – Using the LN, pick up the stitch below the stitch just knit on the righthand needle. Knit the stitch. 

p – purl

p2tog – purl 2 sts together

pm – place marker

rm – remove marker

ssk – slip two stitches one at a time knit wise, return the stitches to the lefthand needles and knit together through the back loops

tbl – through the back loop

The Free Knit Cables Hat Pattern

Brim

Using a Long-Tail Cast On or preferred stretchy CO method, CO 100 (120, 140) sts, join in the round and place BOR m.

Round 1-8: * K2, p2, k1, rep from * around.

Round 9: * K2, p2, LLI, rep from * around – 120 (144, 168) sts. 

Round 10: * K2, p2, k2, rep from * around.

Body

Note: On Rounds 12 & 16, the cable crosses the BOR. Knit the two sts at the beginning of the round. Then work the final cable with the last two sts of that round and the first two sts of the next round. On Rounds 13 & 17, you will skip the first k2 and begin the repeat from p2.

Written instructions are on the  next page.

Working a 8.25”/20 cm length hat? Begin at Round 11 for this first time only and follow the rest of the instructions from there!

Round 1: *K2, p2, k4, p2, k2 ; rep from * around.

Round 2: *K2, p2, 2/2 RC, p2, k2 ; rep from * around.

Rounds 3 – 5: *K2, p2, k4, p2, k2 ; rep from * around.

Round 6: Repeat round 2.

Round 7: Repeat round 1.

Round 8: *K2, 2/2 RC, 2/2 LC, k2 ; rep from * around.

Round 9: Knit around.

Round 10: *2/2 RPC, k4, 2/2 LPC ; rep from * around.

Round 11: Repeat round 1.

Round 12: K2, * p2, k4, p2 2/2 RC; rep from * around.

Rounds 13 – 15: *K2, p2, k4, p2, k2 ; rep from * around.

Round 16: Repeat round 12.

Round 17: Repeat round 1.

Round 18: *2/2 LC, k4, 2/2 RC ; rep from * around.

Round 19: Knit around.

Round 20: *K2, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, k2 ; rep from * around.

Repeat Rounds One-Twenty 0 (0, 1) time.

Sizes 14” & 19.5” ONLY:

Repeat Rounds 1-9 one additional time.

Size 16.5” ONLY:

Repeat Rounds 1-19 one additional time. At the end of Round 9, rm, k6, pm for new BOR.

Crown

Switch to Magic Loop/DPNS when

Round 1: * 2/2 RPC, k2, k2tog, 2/2 LPC, rep from * around – 110 (132, 154) sts.

Round 2: * K2, p2, k3, p2, k2, rep from * around.

Round 3: K2, * p2, k1, k2tog, p2, 2/2 RC, rep from * around – 100 (120, 140) sts.

Round 4: * K2, p2, k2, p2, k2, rep from * around.

Round 5: * K2, p2, k2tog, p2, k2, rep from * around – 90 (108, 126) sts.

Round 6: * K2, p2, k1, p2, k2, rep from * around.

Round 7: K2, * p1, p2tog, p2, 2/2 RC, rep from * around – 80 (96, 112) sts.

Round 8: * K2, p4, k2, rep from * around.

Round 9: * 2/2 LPC-dec, 2/2 RPC, rep from * around – 70 (84, 98) sts.

Round 10: * P1, k4, p2, rep from * around.

Round 11: * P1, 2/2 RC, p2tog, rep from * around – 60 (72, 84) sts.

Round 12: * P1, k4, p1, rep from * around.

Round 13: * P1, k1, k2tog, k1, p1, rep from * around – 50 (60, 70) sts.

Round 14: * P1, k3, p1, rep from * around.

Round 15: * P1, k2tog, k1, p1, rep from * around – 40 (48, 56) sts.

Round 16: * p1, k3, p1, rep from * around.

Round 17: * K2tog, k1, p1, rep from * around – 30 (36, 42) sts.

Round 18: * K2, p1, rep from * around.

Round 19: * K2tog, p1 rep from * around – 20 (24, 28) sts.

Round 20: Ssk around – 10 (12, 14) sts.

Break yarn, leaving a 12”/30 cm. Using a tapestry needle, feed the end through the last 10 (12, 14) sts and pull tight. Weave in ends and enjoy!

If you share photos of your Nurture Knitwear projects, please be sure to tag me @nurtureknitwear and use the hashtags #nurtureknitwear and #autumnvineshat.

Section 8: Styling and accessorizing your cable knit hat

A cable knit hat is not just a functional accessory but also a fashionable one. Here are some ways you can style and accessorize your cable knit hat:

1. Pair your hat with a cozy scarf and mittens in complementary colors for a complete autumn look.

2. Add a faux fur pom-pom to the top of your hat for a playful and trendy touch.

3. Experiment with different hairstyles to show off your hat – wear it slouchy, cuffed, or pulled down over your ears.

4. Coordinate your hat with other cable knit accessories like a matching cowl or fingerless gloves.

Remember, your cable knit hat is a versatile accessory that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Let your creativity shine and have fun styling your hat in unique ways. Now, let’s wrap up this autumn knitting project.

Boom! You Did It!

Congratulations on completing your Autumn Vines cable knit hat! You’ve not only created a beautiful and cozy accessory but also honed your cable knitting skills. Knitting with cables may have seemed daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you’ve mastered this intricate technique.

As you wear your cable knit hat during the crisp autumn days, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it. Knitting is not just a hobby; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with the seasons. Embrace the beauty of autumn and let your cable knit hat be a symbol of your love for both knitting and the cozy vibes of fall.

So, grab your knitting needles, choose your favorite yarn, and embark on your next knitting adventure. Fall for autumn vines and let your creativity flourish with every stitch. Happy knitting!