purlJam

# Double Knit Cable Beanie

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Construction:** Bottom-up, double knit  
**Finished Size:** Adult Medium (20"/51cm circumference)

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn:** 200g worsted weight yarn
- **Machine:** Standard gauge knitting machine with ribber attachment
- **Tools:** Transfer tools, latch tool, cable needles, cast-on comb, ravel cord, tapestry needle

## GAUGE
18 stitches = 4" (10cm) in double knit stockinette  
Tension: Main bed T6, Ribber T5

## MACHINE SETUP
- Configure main bed and ribber for 1×1 rib
- Thread main bed and ribber with same yarn
- Set main bed tension to T6, ribber to T5
- Set carriage levers: KC II, ribber in work
- Install cast-on comb and ravel cord

## STITCH PATTERNS

### Cable Panel (16 sts, worked on main bed only)
**RC 1-4:** K16  
**RC 5:** Transfer sts 5-8 to cable needle, hold in front. K sts 1-4, k sts 9-12, k sts from cable needle, k sts 13-16  
**RC 6-12:** K16  
**RC 13:** Transfer sts 9-12 to cable needle, hold in back. K sts 1-4, k sts from cable needle, k sts 5-8, k sts 13-16  
**RC 14-16:** K16  

Repeat RC 1-16 for pattern.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### RIBBED BRIM
1. **Cast On:** Using waste yarn and ravel cord method, cast on 88 sts in 1×1 rib configuration (44 needles each bed). Position: COL, RC 000/000.

2. **Establish Rib:** 
   - Set carriage for circular knitting
   - Knit 24 rows (RC 024/024)
   - Check: Measure approximately 2" (5cm) of ribbing

### BODY SETUP
3. **Transition to Double Knit:**
   - RC 025: COL - Remove ribber from work, set main bed to stockinette
   - Bring ribber needles to B position
   - Reset carriage levers for double knit: both beds active
   - Check tension: Main bed T6, Ribber T5

4. **Establish Cable Pattern:**
   - Mark cable panels: Needles 1-16, 23-38, 45-60, 67-82
   - Reverse stockinette sections: Needles 17-22, 39-44, 61-66, 83-88
   - RC 026: COR - Begin cable pattern on marked sections

### BODY
5. **Work Pattern:**
   - Follow cable chart for panels while working reverse stockinette on remaining needles
   - Continue for 48 rows (RC 074/074)
   - Check: Measure 6" (15cm) from cast-on edge

### CROWN DECREASES
6. **Decrease Round 1 (RC 075):**
   - COL: Hold 2 needles at each end (needles 1-2, 87-88)
   - Continue cable pattern on remaining active needles
   - 84 sts remain

7. **Decrease Rounds 2-10:**
   - Every 4th row, hold 4 more needles (2 each end)
   - Maintain cable pattern as long as possible
   - RC 075, 079, 083, 087, 091, 095, 099, 103, 107
   - Final count: 20 sts active

8. **Final Decreases:**
   - RC 108-112: Hold 4 needles each row
   - RC 113: 4 sts remain on needles 42-45

### FINISHING
9. **Crown Closure:**
   - Cut yarn leaving 12" (30cm) tail
   - Using latch tool, draw yarn through remaining 4 sts
   - Pull tight to close crown

10. **Seaming:**
    - Fold beanie with right sides together
    - Using mattress stitch, seam back edge
    - Weave in all ends

11. **Blocking:**
    - Steam lightly, being careful not to flatten cables
    - Shape on appropriately sized form
    - Allow to dry completely

### POMPOM (Optional)
- Make 3" (7.5cm) pompom using matching yarn
- Attach securely to crown

## TECHNICAL NOTES
- **RC Checkpoints:** Verify row counter at each major section
- **Tension Check:** Adjust if fabric is too tight or loose
- **Cable Alignment:** Use transfer tool to maintain even cable crossings
- **Needle Selection:** Ensure needles return to B position after holding

## TROUBLESHOOTING
- **Uneven Edges:** Check ribber tension, may need adjustment
- **Dropped Stitches:** Use latch tool to pick up immediately
- **Cable Gaps:** Tighten tension slightly on cable crossing rows

**Pattern Notes:** This double knit construction creates a warm, reversible fabric perfect for cold weather. The cable panels add visual interest while the reverse stockinette sections provide stretch and fit.