Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
hat
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Analysis**: The user requires an intermediate-level knitting pattern for an adult hat using DK yarn. It must be worked on straight needles (flat and seamed) and feature cabling. The style is specified as alternating cable panels with reverse stockinette. The terminology must be UK English with metric measurements. I need to act as a strict technical editor to verify the math for every row, particularly the crown decreases which are prone to error in cable patterns.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *Reference A*: "The Traveller's Cable Hat" (classic Aran weight flat pattern) - adapted here for DK stitch counts.
* *Reference B*: "Standard 2x2 Rib Beanie" - used for sizing the brim and negative ease calculations.
* *Reference C*: "Braided Cable Panel Charts" - used for the 6-stitch cable repeat structure.
3. **Edge Cases & Mitigation**:
* *Seam Visibility*: Because it is worked flat, the seam can look bulky.
* *Solution*: Include 1 selvedge stitch at each edge and split the reverse stockinette panel at the start/end so the seam hides in a "purl valley".
* *Tightness*: Cables pull fabric in significantly. A standard 110-stitch DK hat will be too small.
* *Solution*: Increase stitch count to 122 sts (approx 10-15% more than plain stockinette) to accommodate the cable draw-in.
* *Crown Bulk*: Cables are thick; decreasing them too fast creates a lump.
* *Solution*: Decrease the "purl" gutters first, then decrease the cables themselves.
4. **Plan**:
* **Tension**: 22 sts / 28 rows = 10cm in stockinette (standard DK), but effective cable tension will be tighter.
* **Cast On**: 122 sts (Multiple of 10 + 2 for symmetry + 2 selvedge).
* **Cable**: C6F (Cable 6 Front) every 8th row.
* **Structure**: Ribbed brim -> Straight body -> Crown decreases decreasing purl gaps first -> Cable decreases -> Draw through.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Included Title, Sizes, Materials, Tension, Abbreviations, Main Body, Crown, Finishing.
2. **Consistency**:
* Math check: 12 repeats of 10-st pattern = 120 sts. + 2 selvedge = 122 sts.
* Seam check: Start with P2, End with P2. When seamed, equals P4 (matching the P4 internal repeats).
3. **Constraints**: UK English used (colour, tension, cm). Straight needles specified. DK weight specified.
4. **Safety**: Inline math validation placeholders prepared. Crown decrease logic reduces stitch count progressively without impossible maneuvers (e.g., cabling 2 stitches together).
Pattern
# Highland Cable Hat with Pompom
**Description:**
An intermediate-level cable hat featuring classic braided cables alternating with reverse stockinette panels. Worked flat on straight needles and seamed using mattress stitch for a professional finish. The crown decreases are integrated into the pattern for a smooth top shape.
**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Size:** Adult Medium (To fit head circumference 54–58cm)
### Materials
* **Yarn:** Approximately 120–140 metres of DK weight yarn. (Wool or wool blend recommended for structure).
* **Needles:**
* 3.25mm straight needles (for ribbing)
* 4.00mm straight needles (for main body)
* **Notions:** Cable needle (cn), tapestry needle, faux fur or yarn pompom (optional).
### Tension (Gauge)
22 stitches and 28 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stockinette stitch on 4.00mm needles.
*Note: The cabled fabric will draw the width in significantly. The cast-on number accounts for this elasticity.*
### Abbreviations (UK Terminology)
* **k:** knit
* **p:** purl
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **RS:** Right Side (public side)
* **WS:** Wrong Side (inside)
* **C6F:** (Cable 6 Front) Slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k3, then k3 from cable needle.
* **k2tog:** knit 2 together (decrease 1 st)
* **p2tog:** purl 2 together (decrease 1 st)
* **rep:** repeat
* **rem:** remaining
---
### Instructions
#### Brim (Ribbing)
Using 3.25mm needles, cast on **122 stitches**.
[Math Validation: Multiple of 4 + 2]
**Row 1 (RS):** K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Repeat these two rows until work measures 4cm from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
#### Main Body
Change to **4.00mm needles**.
**Set-up Row (RS):** K1, p2, *k6, p4; rep from * to last 9 sts, k6, p2, k1.
[Check: 1 + 2 + (11 repeats x 10 sts) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 122 sts]
**Row 1 (WS):** P1, k2, *p6, k4; rep from * to last 9 sts, p6, k2, p1.
[Check: Maintains 122 sts]
**Row 2 (RS - Cable Row):** K1, p2, *C6F, p4; rep from * to last 9 sts, C6F, p2, k1.
[Check: Maintains 122 sts]
**Row 3:** As Row 1.
**Row 4:** As Set-up Row (K1, p2, *k6, p4... etc).
**Row 5:** As Row 1.
**Row 6:** As Set-up Row.
**Row 7:** As Row 1.
**Row 8 (RS - Cable Row):** K1, p2, *C6F, p4; rep from * to last 9 sts, C6F, p2, k1.
Repeat rows 1–8 until work measures approximately 16cm from the cast-on edge, ending on a Row 7 (WS).
---
#### Crown Shaping
*Technical Note: We will first decrease the purl sections to reduce bulk, then decrease the cables.*
**Decrease Row 1 (RS):** K1, p2tog, *C6F, p1, p2tog, p1; rep from * to last 9 sts, C6F, p2tog, k1.
*Explanation: We are reducing the edge purl sections by 1 st, and the central purl sections (p4) to p3.*
[Math: 122 start sts - 2 (edges) - 11 (central panels) = 109 sts remaining]
**Row 2 (WS):** P1, k1, *p6, k3; rep from * to last 8 sts, p6, k1, p1.
[Check: Matches 109 sts]
**Decrease Row 3 (RS):** K1, p1, *k6, p1, p2tog; rep from * to last 8 sts, k6, p1, k1.
*Explanation: Reducing the central p3 sections to p2.*
[Math: 109 start sts - 11 decreases = 98 sts remaining]
**Row 4 (WS):** P1, k1, *p6, k2; rep from * to last 8 sts, p6, k1, p1.
[Check: Matches 98 sts]
**Decrease Row 5 (RS):** K1, p1, *k6, p2tog; rep from * to last 8 sts, k6, p1, k1.
*Explanation: Reducing the central p2 sections to p1. Now only 1 purl stitch separates the cables.*
[Math: 98 start sts - 11 decreases = 87 sts remaining]
**Row 6 (WS):** P1, k1, *p6, k1; rep from * to last 8 sts, p6, k1, p1.
[Check: Matches 87 sts]
**Decrease Row 7 (RS):** K1, p1, *k2, k2tog, k2, p1; rep from * to last 8 sts, k2, k2tog, k2, p1, k1.
*Explanation: Reducing the width of the cables from 6 sts to 5 sts.*
[Math: 87 start sts - 12 (one per cable) = 75 sts remaining]
**Row 8 (WS):** P1, k1, *p5, k1; rep from * to last 7 sts, p5, k1, p1.
**Decrease Row 9 (RS):** K1, p1, *k1, k2tog, k2, p1; rep from * to last 7 sts, k1, k2tog, k2, p1, k1.
*Explanation: Reducing cables to 4 sts.*
[Math: 75 start sts - 12 = 63 sts remaining]
**Row 10 (WS):** P1, k1, *p4, k1; rep from * to last 6 sts, p4, k1, p1.
**Decrease Row 11 (RS):** K1, p1, *k2tog, k2tog, p1; rep from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, k2tog, p1, k1.
*Explanation: Reducing cables to 2 sts.*
[Math: 63 start sts - 24 = 39 sts remaining]
**Row 12 (WS):** P1, k1, *p2, k1; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k1, p1.
**Decrease Row 13 (RS):** K1, *k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
[Math: 39 start sts. 1 + (18 decreases) + 2 = 21 sts remaining]
**Decrease Row 14 (WS):** P1, *p2tog; rep from * to end.
[Math: 21 start sts. 1 + 10 decreases = 11 sts remaining]
### Finishing
1. Cut yarn leaving a long tail (approx 30cm).
2. Thread tail onto a tapestry needle and draw through the remaining 11 stitches. Pull tight to close the top hole and secure.
3. **Seaming:** Using the mattress stitch, sew the side edges together. Ensure you align the rows carefully.
* *Tip:* The pattern starts with K1, P2 and ends with P2, K1. When seamed, the two P2 sections will meet to form a P4 section, maintaining the pattern continuity perfectly around the hat.
4. Weave in all loose ends.
5. Attach pompom to the top if desired.
6. Wet block lightly to relax the cables slightly.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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