David's Cabled Hat

April in National Autism Awareness Month.  It seemed appropriate to share this hat this month.  My son David picked out the color and wanted me to make him something.  Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting him and some are aware that he is high-functioning autistic.  He is an amazing individual and early intervention has made a huge difference in his life.  The hat works up quickly and is made in a machine-washable and -dryable acrylic/superwash merino blend.

Materials

-        1 skein Pacific Chunky Multi (60% Acrylic/40% Superwash Merino Wool  – 120 yds/100 g) – shown in 603

-        Size US 10 (6.0 mm) 16” circular needle

-        Size US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16” circular needle

-        Size US 10.5 (6.5 mm) double point needles

 Abbreviations

-        K – Knit

-        P – Purl

-        K2Tog – Knit 2 Together

-        KFB – Knit into the front and back of one stitch (increase 1)

-        K2P2 – Knit 2, Purl 2

-        C3B – Slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back.  Knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.

-        C2B3 - Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back.  Knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.

-        P2Tog – Purl 2 Together

 Cast on 64 stitches with the 16” circular needle.  Join to knit in the round – be careful not to twist stitches.  Place marker at the beginning of the round. 

Work K2P2 (2 x 2 ribbing) for 6 rounds.

Change to US 10.5 circular needle.

Increase row – [K7, KFB]* - repeat 8 times

Begin pattern:

-        Row 1 - [K2, P2, C3B, P2] – repeat until end of round

-        Row 2 – K2, P2, K6, P2

-        Row 3 – K2, P2, K6, P2

-        Row 4 – K2, P2, K6, P2

 Repeat until hat measures about 6.5” from cast on edge

Start decreases:

-        Row 1 – [K2Tog, P2, C3B, P2] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 66 stitches remain)

-        Row 2 – [K1, P2tog, K6, P2] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 60 stitches remain)

-        Row 3 – [K1, P1, K6, P2Tog] – repeat until end of round (6 times -  54 stitches remain)

-        Row 4 – [K1, P1, K2Tog, K4, P1] – repeat until end of round  (6 times – 48 stitches remain)

-        Row 5 – [K2Tog, C2B3, P1]– repeat until end of round (6 times – 42 stitches remain)

-        Row 6 – [K4, K2Tog, P1] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 36 stitches remain)

-        Row 7 – [K3, K2Tog, P1] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 30 stitches remain)

-        Row 8 – [K2, K2Tog, P1] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 24 stitches remain)

-        Row 9 – [K1, K2Tog, P1] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 18 stitches remain)

-        Row 10 – [K2Tog, P1] – repeat until end of round (6 times – 12 stitches remain)

-        Row 11 – K2Tog – repeat until end of round – 6 stitches remain.

 Cut yarn – thread through remaining 8 stitches (using tapestry needle).  Weave in ends.