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As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of gold, crimson, and orange, there’s an undeniable call to cozy up with a warm cup of tea and a pair of knitting needles. For me, autumn isn’t complete without a new knitting project that embodies the beauty and comfort of the season. This year, I’ve found the perfect project: the Carmi Hat. This delightful beanie features a playful alternating cable pattern that resembles a stack of falling leaves, making it an ideal accessory for the fall. In this post, I’ll share my journey knitting the Carmi Hat and provide some tips to help you create your own.
Discovering the Carmi Hat Pattern
The Carmi Hat caught my eye while I was searching for new knitting patterns to add to my collection. The intricate cable design immediately drew me in. There’s something magical about the way cables twist and turn, creating depth and texture that transforms a simple beanie into a work of art. The Carmi Hat is no exception; its alternating cable pattern gives the impression of leaves gently cascading down, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn.
Choosing the Right Yarn
For this project, I chose Cascade 220 Superwash. This yarn is a favorite among knitters for its softness, durability, and ease of care. Since it’s a superwash wool, it’s machine washable, which is a huge plus for a frequently worn accessory like a hat. Cascade 220 Superwash comes in a stunning array of colors, but for my Carmi Hat, I opted for a rich forest green. I wanted a color that would complement the leafy design and evoke the lushness of autumn foliage.
Getting Started: The Cast-On
Casting on for the Carmi Hat was a breeze. The pattern calls for a stretchy cast-on method to ensure the brim fits comfortably without being too tight. I used the long-tail cast-on, which provides the perfect balance of stretch and stability. Once I had my stitches on the needles, I joined them in the round, careful not to twist the stitches.
Knitting the Brim
The brim of the Carmi Hat is a simple 1×1 rib, which provides a snug and comfortable fit around the head. I love the rhythm of knitting ribbing; there’s something meditative about the repetition of knit and purl stitches. As I worked through the rounds, I could feel the excitement building. I was eager to dive into the cable pattern, but I knew that taking the time to knit a neat and even brim would pay off in the end.
Diving into the Cable Pattern
With the brim complete, it was time to tackle the main event: the alternating cable pattern. If you’ve never knit cables before, don’t be intimidated. The Carmi Hat is a great project to practice your cabling skills. The pattern includes clear instructions and a chart to guide you through each row.
I found it helpful to use a cable needle to hold the stitches as I worked the cables. This extra tool made it easier to manage the twists and turns of the pattern. One of the things I love most about knitting cables is watching the design emerge. With each row, the stack of falling leaves became more defined, adding a beautiful texture to the hat.
Tips for Knitting the Carmi Hat
Here are a few tips I picked up along the way that might help you as you knit your own Carmi Hat:
- Use Stitch Markers: Place stitch markers between the pattern repeats to help keep track of where you are. This can be especially helpful if you’re interrupted or need to put your knitting down.
- Cable Without a Needle: Once you feel comfortable with the cable pattern, you might want to try cabling without a cable needle. This can speed up your knitting and make it more portable. There are many tutorials online that demonstrate this technique.
- Check Your Gauge: It’s important to knit a gauge swatch before starting the hat to ensure your stitches match the pattern’s recommended gauge. This will help you achieve the correct fit and size.
- Practice Patience: Knitting cables can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to the technique. Take your time and enjoy the process. The result is well worth the effort.
Finishing Touches
As I approached the crown of the hat, the cable pattern began to decrease, creating a beautiful, tapered finish. The instructions for the decreases were straightforward, and I found it helpful to switch to double-pointed needles as the number of stitches became too few for circular needles.
Once I had finished knitting, I wove in the ends and gave the hat a gentle wash. Blocking the hat helped to even out the stitches and really made the cable pattern pop. I laid it flat to dry, shaping it slightly to ensure it retained its beanie shape.
The Joy of Wearing the Carmi Hat
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from wearing something you’ve made with your own hands. The first time I put on my Carmi Hat, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The rich green color and the intricate cable design were exactly what I had envisioned. It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for those chilly autumn days.
Sharing the Love
One of the best parts of knitting is sharing your creations with others. The Carmi Hat makes a wonderful gift for friends and family. The timeless design and comfortable fit mean it’s a versatile accessory that can suit anyone’s style. Plus, it’s a heartfelt way to show someone you care.
Final Thoughts
Knitting the Carmi Hat was a delightful journey that brought together my love for autumn, cables, and cozy accessories. The alternating cable pattern that resembles falling leaves is not only visually stunning but also a joy to knit. Using Cascade 220 Superwash yarn ensured that the hat is soft, durable, and easy to care for, making it a practical addition to any fall wardrobe.
If you’re looking for a project that combines beauty and functionality, I highly recommend giving the Carmi Hat a try. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, this pattern offers a rewarding challenge that results in a stunning finished product. So, grab your needles, choose your favorite color of Cascade 220 Superwash, and get ready to embrace the autumn season with your very own Carmi Hat. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Yarn –1 skein Cascade 220 (100g 220yd)
Other –yarn needle, cable needle, optional – fur pompom
Gauge – 16x24sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm
Needles – 6 (4.25mm) circular or dpn 8 (5mm) circular and/or dpn
Sizes – (newborn, baby), (toddler/child), (small adult, large adult)
Head Measurement – (30-35, 35-40), (45-50), (50-55, 55-60) cms or (14-16, 16-18), (18-20), (20-22, 22-24) ins
Abbreviations
k – knit
P – purl
sl – slip stitch
st – stitch
pm – place marker
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, knit the 2 slipped sts together
cb4 – place next 3sts on cable needle, hold in back, k1, k3 from cable needle
cf4 – place next 1sts on cable needle, hold in front, k3, k1 from cable needle
cb3 – place next 2sts on cable needle, hold in back, k1, k2 from cable needle
cf3 – place next 1sts on cable needle, hold in front, k2, k1 from cable needle
yo2 – when you yarn over wrap your yarn 2 times
ktbl – knit through back loop
Carmi Hat Pattern
NEWBORN
With smaller needles, cast on 54 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1ins (2.5cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 4ins (10cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (42sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (30sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (18sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (12sts)
Round 8 – [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.
BABY
With smaller needles, cast on 72 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1ins (2.5cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 5ins (12.5cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (56sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (40sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (24sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (16sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (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.
TODDLER/CHILD
With smaller needles, cast on 90 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1.25ins (3cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 6.5ins (16cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (70sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (50sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (30sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] 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.
SMALL ADULT
With smaller needles, cast on 108 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1.25ins (3cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 8ins (20cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (84sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (60sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (36sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] 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.
LARGE ADULT
With smaller needles, cast on 126 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1.25ins (3cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 9ins (22.5cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (98sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (70sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (42sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] 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.
Carmi Hat PDF
