I love cabled hats. They keep my interest while challenging my brain and usually look gorgeous when done. Plus, cables are so much fun to do! Because I want to share the cable love, I plan to teach a beginning cable class, using a hat pattern, this fall.
After the pattern snafu of last time, I started the journey to find a new hat that would teach the necessary skills, but not be overly complicated.
The requirements:
- It must have cables, preferably one or two different kinds so that students understand how to do cables (plural; not just one type). Cabling with and without a needle are optimal, but not required in a pattern.
- The instructions have to be clear. (Nothing is more frustrating when you’re learning a new skill than unclear directions, even if you have someone guiding you.)
- If it has a chart, great! Otherwise I can create a chart. Chart reading is very important and I want students to understand how a chart works and try it. If they like it, super. If not, they know how to. Also, many cable patterns use charts, so it’s a skill that is useful beyond this class.
I narrowed it down to two patterns. Both are paid patterns, but the instructions are great and have a variety of sizes.
The first is Josiah’s Hat by Kelly Meneely. (The adorable baby may have hooked me.) It looked simple and the instructions are well-written and charted. Also, the cables are staggered, so the rest rows aren’t abundant.
But that was the problem. It is simple–I memorized the four-row repeat after the first time and then got bored. Also, the cables don’t use a cable needle; I don’t have an issue with this, as I cable faster without one. However, when learning the basics of cabling, students should learn how to use that needle. (Ever tried doing a 3×3 or 4×4 cable without one? My wrists hate me when I do and I often end up dropping stitches.)
I like the hat, but it just isn’t good for teaching cables. It will get finished and put in the Gift Box.
Next up is the hat I can’t pronounce (which really should be a sign).
Eachtraíocht Hat by Justyna Lorkowska has been in the queue for ages. It uses three kinds of cables, including using a cable needle, without the needle, and twisted stitches. The instructions include three sizes and the option of a beanie or a slouch hat. Also, the chart is wonderful! I can’t say enough about it. There is always something going on, but with definite rest rows.
And you can’t go wrong with the ridiculous pom pom.
While it looks impressive (the image shows one chart repeat with the different cables), it might be too challenging for a beginning cabler. The chart is 20-odd stitches wide and has over 30 rows; this might be better for my Cable 102 class.
This hat will also get completed since I am in love with the pattern.
So back to the drawing board. I’ve wanted to design my own cabled hat specifically for a class and apparently this is the time to do it.
I already started. (3M makes graph paper Post-Its. Brilliant!)
I have a rough outline of the cable repeat. It will use two cables (2×2 and 3×3), twisting in both directions. I just need to figure out the decreases and do a test knit before the end of the month.
Hmmm… This will be interesting. But I’m excited; I haven’t designed much, but I like the puzzle of it. More to come.
This pair was born in May, in-between grading papers and exams and grew into nearly knee-highs.
These were the complete opposite. I started on Sunday night after a wonderfully exhausting weekend at the cabin.
These socks have been on the needles since May, nearly two months. Also, they are on US 0 needles and will be nearly knee-high when done. (If I ever get done.)
And see that ball? It’s the Never-Shrinking Ball–it never gets smaller. I’m knitting several stripes a night, but the ball isn’t diminishing. Sigh.
Helen Stewart’s 
nerdyinplaid 
