I chose Lanas Stop York Merino for the stitch definition with cables, it is super soft, luxurious and warm. I find this to be closer to a dk or double knit weight than sport weight, so consider that if using another yarn. A dk weight yarn with merino will give a lovely springy and clear cable. For those who can’t wear wool, we tested this with Stylecraft Life DK and it worked well.

Version 1 has a shorter brim and optional pompom for some fun, Version 2 has a folded brim which you can adjust in length to suit your head size. Anywhere between 4 inches (10cm) deep for a smaller head and 6 inches (15cm) deep for a larger head, should work nicely. The green sample shown has a 5 inch brim (15cm) and the optional pompom made with an 85mm Clover PomPom maker.
The diamond cable pattern features cables, a texture pattern in the centre of the diamonds and a reverse stocking stitch background to make the cables pop. A friend suggested the name Evergreen because of the rich Forest Green I’ve used for the Version 2 sample. It’s a quick knit worked in the round from the bottom up.

A note on sizing:
The cable pattern itself is VERY stretchy, as is the ribbing with this yarn. It will easily fit between a 16 inch head circumference and up to a 23 inch head. It also fits my Dad who has a 25 inch head circumference! If you wish to make this for a child 4-12, work a shorter brim and follow the rest of the pattern as normal.

Skills required:
Working in the round, basic hat construction, basic cables, knit, purl, cast on, finishing.

This pattern is included in the Indie Design Gift-A-Long! You are invited join us at http://www.ravelry.com/groups/indie-design-gift-a-long to participate. There will be hundreds of prizes, beautiful projects, access to your fave Indie Designers, and heaps of friendly, giftie chatter.