Twisted Rope Hat (Knitting Pattern)

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This spring, my friend B. from Arkansas surprised me by sending up some organic, grass-fed chickens and soy-free eggs from her farm (delish!!!) and a skein of wool for me via my mother. The only thing she wanted back was the wool—reformed into a hat shape for her daughter H., who is almost three, but one that would be boyish enough for her infant son N. in two years.

So, here it is. I am quite pleased with how the design turned out, actually. Also, I started this in the van on our way home from Edmonton in September, and it was already dark—so I did the cable band in the dark by counting, with the occasional quick switch-on of the map light to check my numbers. Remarkably, I did not have to un-knit any of it! Yay!!

The hat is constructed by first making a cabled band that is grafted together at the ends. Then stitches are picked up for the crown and ear flaps. Twisted yarn ties and topper are the perfect finishing touch!

Edit, June 17, 2012:

This is one of my first designs, which I have been giving away on my blog for nearly two years now. It has proven to be extremely popular, but every so often, I have noticed on Ravelry that people have had problems with it. This is the revised version I did after re-testing it. Please note the different (more accurate) yarn weight. There are also two styles of earflaps and two extra sizes available in the revised version. The back is slightly longer than the front to cover the neck. Thank you for choosing my design.

April 4, 2025:

This pattern is still free (and now comes in multiple formats), but it is now only available in my pattern store at My Secret Wish Knitting. Please check out the current version in my knitting pattern shop.