Haybrook Hat Knitting Pattern

Haybrook Hat in Berroco Vintage Chunky

What is Being Made

The Haybrook Hat is a knitted beanie designed by the Berroco Design Team. This intermediate-level hat features a finished measurement of approximately 17 inches around and 9 inches high when unstretched with ribbing unfolded. Due to the highly stretchy nature of the construction, the hat accommodates a wide range of sizes, fitting children from ages 2 to 12 years old. The design combines functional warmth with decorative cable pattern detailing.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. The primary construction method involves working a repeating cable pattern throughout the body of the hat. Cable work requires the use of a cable needle to create the signature twisted stitch effect by temporarily holding stitches to the front or back of the work before knitting them in a different order.

The pattern also incorporates decreasing techniques essential for shaping the crown of the hat. These decreases include SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) methods, which are used strategically to reduce stitches and create the tapered crown closure. Additionally, p2tog (purl two together) decreases appear in the final shaping rows. The hat is worked in the round or flat depending on the construction method, with finishing accomplished by breaking yarn and weaving in the end using a tapestry needle.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – Creates texture and definition, particularly in the cable pattern borders
• Knit through the back loop (k1tbl) – Adds a twisted stitch detail that appears regularly in the cable pattern
• Cable stitches – Formed by slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them to the front or back, then knitting stitches from the main needle before knitting the held stitches. The pattern specifies both front cables (sl 2 sts to cn and hold in FRONT, k2, k2 from cn) and back cables (sl 2 sts to cn and hold in BACK, k2, k2 from cn)
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – A left-leaning decrease used during crown shaping
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used during crown shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) – A purl-based decrease used in final crown closure rows

Cable Pattern Structure

The cable pattern repeats over a multiple of 13 stitches plus 2 edge stitches. The pattern is worked over 12 rows, creating a balanced, symmetrical design. The pattern alternates between rows featuring cable twists and rows that maintain the established stitch pattern. Key pattern rows include cable crossings on Rows 2, 6, 8, and 12, while Rows 4 and 10 allow the cables to rest, and all wrong-side rows maintain consistency with knit and purl placement.

Materials

The Haybrook Hat requires 2 hanks of Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn in colorway #6121 Sunny Straight. Each hank weighs 100 grams, providing ample yardage for this project. Berroco Vintage Chunky is a bulky-weight yarn that knits quickly due to its thickness, making it ideal for intermediate knitters seeking visible results.

Construction requires straight knitting needles in size 9 (5.50 mm) or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable pattern throughout the hat. A tapestry needle is used for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment after the final decreases close the crown.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches in the cable pattern. Achieving proper gauge is critical for ensuring the hat fits correctly and maintains the intended finished measurements. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch in the cable pattern before beginning the project to verify their tension matches the pattern requirements.