Hugs & Kisses Hat Knitting Pattern

Hugs & Kisses Hat Knitting Pattern by Cascade Yarns

Project Overview

The Hugs & Kisses Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat design created by Cheryl Beckerich and published by Cascade Yarns. This downloadable PDF pattern offers four finished circumference options ranging from 15 to 21 inches, making it suitable for various head sizes from children to adults. The hat features a distinctive cable stitch pattern combined with twisted stitches and ribbed sections, creating visual texture and interest throughout the design.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern calls for Cascade 220® Sport, a 100% Peruvian wool yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 1 skein (164 yards/150 meters), while the two largest sizes each require 2 skeins. Each skein weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams). The recommended colorway is 9451. The pattern uses Size 4 US (3.5 mm) circular needles for the main body and Size 4 US (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles for the crown decreases. Additional tools include a cable needle and tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches per inch in the cable pattern. Four sizes are available with cast-on stitch counts of 120, 140, 160, and 180 stitches respectively. The finished hat heights range from 5 to 7 inches depending on size selected.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Construction

This intermediate project employs several key knitting techniques. The foundation begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a knit 2, purl 2 pattern for 6 to 8 rounds depending on size. The main body features a repeating cable stitch pattern that incorporates the following elements:

• Cable crosses: The pattern uses both c6b (cable 6 back) and c6f (cable 6 front) stitches, which involve slipping 3 stitches onto a cable needle, holding it to the back or front, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle. These crosses create the characteristic twisted rope texture.
• Twisted stitches: k1tbl (knit 1 through back loop) stitches are worked throughout the pattern to add definition and texture between cable sections.
• Purl columns: Strategic purl stitches frame and separate the cable and twisted stitch sections, creating visual contrast.

The cable stitch pattern repeats over 20 rounds, with cable crosses occurring on specific rounds (3, 8, 13, and 18) while other rounds maintain the established knit and purl structure. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless construction.

Crown Decreases and Finishing

After the main body reaches the appropriate length (5 to 7 inches from the cast-on edge), the crown shaping begins through a series of strategic decreases. The decrease rounds include p2tog (purl 2 together) and k2tog (knit 2 together) stitches, along with more advanced techniques such as k2tog tbl (knit 2 together through back loop) and a slip-stitch decrease method. These decreases are worked in a repeating pattern around the hat, gradually reducing stitch counts from the initial cast-on to a much smaller number at the crown. The pattern maintains cable and twisted stitch elements even during the decrease rounds, ensuring the textured design continues to the top of the hat.

Skill Level and Construction Method

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters have experience with basic techniques and are ready to tackle cable work and circular needle construction. The seamless, in-the-round method eliminates the need for seaming, and the cable pattern provides a satisfying textured fabric that showcases the structure and drape of Cascade 220® Sport yarn. The combination of cables, twisted stitches, and ribbing creates a hat with both visual appeal and functional stretch.