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In the realm of knitting, few things compare to the satisfaction of crafting a piece that is both functional and beautiful. The Abner Hat is one such project, a delightful blend of cables and cozy warmth, perfect for those chilly days when you need a stylish yet snug beanie. Today, I want to take you on a journey through my experience knitting the Abner Hat using Cascade 220 Superwash, a yarn that truly brought this pattern to life.

The Allure of the Abner Hat

When I first came across the Abner Hat pattern, I was immediately drawn to its intricate cable design. Cables have always fascinated me; their ability to add texture and depth to a piece is simply magical. The Abner Hat, with its intertwining cables, promised not just a warm head but a sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a complex design.

Choosing the Perfect Yarn

For a pattern as detailed as the Abner Hat, selecting the right yarn is crucial. I opted for Cascade 220 Superwash, a yarn known for its softness, durability, and ease of care. The superwash treatment ensures that the hat can be machine washed, which is a significant advantage for an accessory that will likely see a lot of wear. Cascade 220 Superwash comes in a wide array of colors, and I chose a deep, rich forest green that I knew would make the cables pop.

The Joy of the Process

Starting the Abner Hat was an exciting moment. Casting on with Cascade 220 Superwash felt smooth and satisfying, the yarn slipping easily through my fingers. The pattern begins with a ribbed brim, which provides a snug fit and a clean edge that frames the face nicely. As I worked through the ribbing, I enjoyed the rhythmic simplicity of the stitches, a calm before the storm of cables ahead.

Once the ribbing was complete, the real adventure began. The cable pattern in the Abner Hat is both challenging and rewarding. It requires careful attention to detail and a good grasp of cable techniques. However, with each row, I could see the intricate design taking shape, and that kept me motivated. The first few cables were a bit tricky, but as I settled into the rhythm, I found myself looking forward to each new twist and turn.

The Beauty of Cables

Cables in knitting are a true marvel. They look complex but are surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of them. For the Abner Hat, the cables are the star of the show, creating a fabric that is rich in texture and visual interest. Each cable is like a little victory, a testament to patience and skill. With Cascade 220 Superwash, the cables stood out beautifully, the stitches well-defined and crisp.

As I worked through the pattern, I found that the cables not only added aesthetic value but also provided a thicker, warmer fabric. This is a hat designed to keep you warm even on the coldest days. The Cascade 220 Superwash yarn was perfect for this, its wool content offering excellent insulation while still being lightweight and comfortable.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any knitting project, the Abner Hat came with its share of challenges. There were moments when I had to rip back a few rows because I had miscrossed a cable or dropped a stitch. These moments, though frustrating, were also part of the learning process. Each mistake taught me to be more mindful and attentive, to slow down and appreciate the journey rather than rush to the destination.

One particular challenge was maintaining consistent tension throughout the project. With cables, it’s essential to keep your tension even, or the fabric can become distorted. I found that taking breaks and periodically checking my work helped me stay on track. The superwash quality of the yarn also meant that it had a bit of elasticity, which made it forgiving and easier to manage.

The Final Flourish

As I neared the end of the Abner Hat, I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. This project had been a delightful journey, from the initial cast-on to the final bind-off. The finishing touches involved carefully weaving in the ends and giving the hat a gentle block to even out the stitches and enhance the cable design.

Blocking is an essential step in knitting, especially for a piece like the Abner Hat. It helps to set the stitches, making the cables more defined and the fabric smoother. With Cascade 220 Superwash, blocking was a breeze. The yarn responded well to a light steam, and I could see the hat transform into a polished, professional-looking piece.

Wearing My Creation

There is something incredibly satisfying about wearing something you’ve made with your own hands. The first time I put on the Abner Hat, I felt a surge of pride and accomplishment. The hat was warm, comfortable, and stylish – everything I had hoped for. The deep forest green color was perfect, a lovely complement to the intricate cable design.

Every time I wear the Abner Hat, I’m reminded of the joy of knitting, the meditative process of creating something from nothing, and the beauty of handmade items. It’s a hat that not only keeps me warm but also tells a story of creativity, patience, and perseverance.

Sharing the Experience

Knitting the Abner Hat was a wonderful experience, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, I highly recommend giving this pattern a try. The cables might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice and patience, you’ll find them to be a delightful challenge.

Cascade 220 Superwash proved to be an excellent choice for this project, offering the perfect blend of softness, durability, and ease of care. The wide range of colors allows for endless possibilities, so you can create a hat that is uniquely yours.

In the end, the Abner Hat is more than just a knitting project. It’s a journey of creativity, a testament to the joy of making something with your own hands, and a beautiful piece that you’ll cherish for years to come. So grab your needles and yarn, and embark on the adventure of knitting the Abner Hat – you won’t regret it!

Materials and Info

Yarn – 1 skein Cascade 220 (100g 220yd)
Needles – 6 (4.25mm) circular or dpn 8 (5mm) circular and dpn
Other – 2 cable needles, yarn needle

Gauge – 20x28sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm

Sizes – (newborn, baby), (toddler, child), (small adult, large adult)

Head Measurement – (30-35, 35-40), (40-45, 45-50), (50-55, 55-60)cms or (12-14, 14-16), (16-18, 18-20), (20-22, 22-24)ins

ABBREVIATIONS
k – knit
P – purl
sl – slip stitch
st – stitch
cn – cable needle
p2tog – purl 2 stitches together
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together

Abner Hat Pattern

NEWBORN
Cast on 72sts with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
K2p2 around until you have reached 2ins from cast on edge.
Switch to larger size needles.
Round 1 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, p2, k2 from front cn, p2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [p2, k2, p4] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, k2, p2 from front cn, k2 from back cn, p2]repeat [to] around
Round 4 -11 – k2p2 around
Repeat rounds 1-11 until your work measures 4ins ending on a k2p2 round.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, p2tog] around (54sts)
Round 2 – [k2, p1] around
Round 3 – [k1, ssk] around (36sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (27sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (18sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

BABY
Cast on 80sts with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
K2p2 around until you have reached 2ins from cast on edge.
Switch to larger size needles.
Round 1 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, p2, k2 from front cn, p2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [p2, k2, p4] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, k2, p2 from front cn, k2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 4 -11 – k2p2 around
Repeat rounds 1-11 until your work measures 5ins ending on a k2p2 round.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, p2tog] around (60sts)
Round 2 – [k2, p1] around
Round 3 – [k1, ssk] around (40sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (30sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (20sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (10sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (5sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

TODDLER
Cast on 88sts with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
K2p2 around until you have reached 2ins from cast on edge.
Switch to larger size needles.
Round 1 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, p2, k2 from front cn, p2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [p2, k2, p4] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, k2, p2 from front cn, k2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 4 -13 – k2p2 around
Repeat rounds 1-13 until your work measures 6ins ending on a k2p2 round.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, p2tog] around (66sts)
Round 2 – [k2, p1] around
Round 3 – [k1, ssk] around (44sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (33sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (22sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (11sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around to last st, k1(6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

CHILD
Cast on 96sts with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
K2p2 around until you have reached 2ins from cast on edge.
Switch to larger size needles.
Round 1 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, p2, k2 from front cn, p2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [p2, k2, p4] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – repeat round 2
Round 4 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, k2, p2 from front cn, k2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 5 -14 – k2p2 around
Repeat rounds 1-14 until your work measures 6.5ins ending on a k2p2 round.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, p2tog] around (72sts)
Round 2 – [k2, p1] around
Round 3 – [k1, ssk] around (48sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (36sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (24sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (12sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

SMALL ADULT
Cast on 112sts with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
K2p2 around until you have reached 2ins from cast on edge.
Switch to larger size needles.
Round 1 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, p2, k2 from front cn, p2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [p2, k2, p4] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – repeat round 2
Round 4 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, k2, p2 from front cn, k2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 5 -16 – k2p2 around
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 7ins ending on a k2p2 round.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, p2tog] around (84sts)
Round 2 – [k2, p1] around
Round 3 – [k1, ssk] around (56sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (42sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (28sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (14sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

LARGE ADULT
Cast on 120sts with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
K2p2 around until you have reached 2ins from cast on edge.
Switch to larger size needles.
Round 1 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, p2, k2 from front cn, p2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [p2, k2, p4] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – repeat round 2
Round 4 – [sl2 onto cn hold in back, sl2 onto cn hold in front, k2, p2 from front cn, k2 from back cn, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 5 -16 – k2p2 around
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 8ins ending on a k2p2 round.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, p2tog] around (90sts)
Round 2 – [k2, p1] around
Round 3 – [k1, ssk] around (60sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (45sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (30sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (15sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around to last st, k1(8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Abner Hat PDF