String Drew Cabled Hat & Cowl Knitting Pattern

String Drew Cabled Hat & Cowl

Overview

The String Drew Cabled Hat & Cowl is a coordinating set of knitted accessories designed by Lisa Hoffman. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating both a fitted hat and a matching cowl, each featuring sophisticated cable stitch detailing. The designs showcase versatile construction techniques and can be made individually or as a complete set.

Hat Details

Finished Measurements: The hat features a circumference of 18 inches (45 cm) and a height of 9 inches (23 cm), fitting one size that accommodates most head sizes.

Construction Method: The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, combining seamless construction with strategic shaping. The piece begins with a set-up round that establishes stitch markers and increases, followed by garter cable pattern repeats worked in the round. The crown is shaped through strategic decreases that transition from purl two together and knit combinations, gradually reducing stitches from 112 to 32 stitches before final closure.

Techniques and Stitches: The hat employs multiple knitting techniques including:

• Garter Stitch: Created by alternating knit and purl rounds, providing a textured, reversible fabric
• Garter Cable Pattern: An intricate stitch pattern combining purl stitches with six-stitch knit sections and cable crosses, including both C9LP (9-stitch left purl cable) and C13LP (13-stitch left purl cable) maneuvers
• 2x2 Ribbing: Used for the hat's lower edge, alternating knit two and purl two stitches to create elastic edging
• Decreases: Purl two together decreases shape the crown, worked in coordinated rounds with purl stitches

Pattern Progression: After the ribbed cuff, the hat works 24 rounds of the garter cable pattern twice, then continues with 18 additional rounds of the pattern before crown shaping begins approximately 8 inches from the cast-on edge. The crown shaping occurs over 12 rounds, reducing stitches systematically until the remaining stitches are drawn closed.

Cowl Details

Finished Measurements: The cowl measures 22½ inches (57 cm) in circumference and 10½ inches (26.5 cm) in height, creating a substantial neck accessory suitable for layering and warmth.

Construction Method: Like the hat, the cowl is worked seamlessly in the round using circular needles. The pattern follows the same garter cable stitch construction as the hat, allowing for coordinated visual appeal between the two pieces.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Both designs utilize STRING OSLO, a premium yarn blend comprising 70% Merino wool and 30% cashmere. Each 50-gram ball yields 155 yards (142.5 meters) of yardage. The hat requires 2 balls of yarn, while the cowl requires 3 balls. When creating both the hat and cowl together as a set, a total of 4 balls is needed.

Color Options: The pattern provides two colorway choices:

• Color 725965: Black with fuchsia
• Color 726957: White with royal blue

Needle and Tool Requirements:

• Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle, 16 inches (20 cm) length for main pattern work
• Size 6 (4.0mm) circular needle, 16 inches (20 cm) length for ribbed edges
• Cable needle for executing cable crosses
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Pom pom (optional embellishment for hat)

Gauge and Finishing

Gauge: The pattern specifies 17 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch using the larger needle after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Finishing Techniques: The pattern employs standard finishing methods, including cutting yarn with an appropriate tail length for weaving in ends using a yarn needle. An optional pom pom can be attached to the hat crown for