Isotope by Tonya Wagner

I am addicted to cables.  Something about crossing stitches makes my knitting a whole new level of fun.  When I decided that I needed to introduce a slouchy hat to my winter rotation, it's only natural that I decided to design one with all-over cables.

A band is knit in 2 x 2 rib, then the number of stitches is doubled to give the hat a slouchy look.  An eight-stitch, eight-row basic cable is staggered so that you're crossing stitches every four rows. There are no purl stitches separating the cables, giving the hat a unique textured look. Decreases are done in a manner so that the cables will continue to the crown.

The yarn, Cascade Cash Vero, is a pleasure to work with – the merino wool and cashmere content make it luxurious, while the acrylic content makes it practical.

Sizes

One size, to fit head circumference 20-22"
Actual circumference: 18"

Yarn

Cascade Cash Vero (55% Merino Extra Fine Wool, 33% Microfiber Acrylic, 12% Cashmere; 98 yards [90 meters]/50 grams): Color Number 013, 3 balls
Note: Only a few yards of the third ball were used.

Needles

Size US 7 (4.5 mm): 16” circular
Size US 8 (5.0 mm): 16” circular and double pointed needles

Gauge

32 sts and 24 rows = 4” in cable pattern.
18 sts and 24 rows = 4” in St st after wet blocking.

Notions

Seven markers; one contrasting color marker; cable needle; tapestry needle