Swamp Oak Hat

Materials Yarn: about 190-220 yd (175-200 m) of worsted/aran weight yarn. I used Knit Picks Brava and Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed. If you are worried about running short of yarn, you can opt for a single brim or shorten the cable pattern by omitting have a diamond at the botton - note in pattern. Needles: Size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, or whatever size is needed to make gauge, 16-inch (40-cm) circulars, and double-pointed needles (or your preferred method of medium- and small- circumference knitting in the round). Size US 5 (3.75 mm) needles, or 1-2 sizes smaller than your main needles, 16-inch circulars for knitting the brim ribbing. Gauge 18 stitches and 24 rows in 4 in x 4 in (10 cm x 10 cm) of stockinette, using the larger needles. Sizing This hat fits my 22-inch (56 cm) head quite nicely. Due to the stretch of the cables, I think it would fit about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm). To adjust the length, you could change the gauge, change the length of the ribbing, or add or subtract a pattern repeat. My finished hat is about 10.5 inches (27 cm) deep and 8 inches (20 cm) across when laid flat. I like deep hats and my row gauge is shorter than some. If you want a shorter hat or are worried about running out of yarn, you could omit rounds 3-14. If you do that, for stitches 20-22 and 31-33, knit rather than purl in round 2. Pattern This pattern is charted only. There are no written instructions for the cables. I staggered the cable patterns because I think it makes the hat fit better, but it means there are very few rest rows and you have to pay attention a little more.