Avoca Hat by Patricia Hart

Avoca Hat

Knitting
July 2014
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
stockinette
US 5 - 3.75 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
To fit small, medium and large adult head sizes.
English
This pattern is available for $5.00 USD buy it now

Inspired by Celtic circles, Avoca is a modern interpretation of a traditional cable pattern. Knit yours in classic neutrals, perfect for exploring the countryside, or turn up the color with a bold palette and brighten the urban landscape. Make the matching Avoca fingerless gloves or mittens for a beautiful set.

And if you chose a handsomely rugged looking yarn, your ruggedly handsome guy could wear this hat too. Maybe knit it with a bit less slouch if he likes it more close fitting.

YARN REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need one skein of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in each color for the 2 color version. For the one color version, the largest size uses up almost an entire skein (215 yds / 198 meters).

Men’s version shown knit up in Crestone, 100% undyed wool, 2 skeins required.

GAUGE
Two gauges are used on this hat, and they both differ from what the yarn band calls for. The band is knit at a tighter gauge, so that the circles created by the cables 
will keep their shape nicely. The remainder of the hat is then knit at a slightly looser gauge for a soft drape.

If you wish to substitute yarn, choosing one with a yarn band gauge of 20 sts = 4” /10cm should work (but swatching first to get pattern gauge is recommended).

NEEDLES
One 16”/41cm circular, 3.75mm / US 5;

one 16”/41cm circular and set of DPN’s, 4mm / US 6
(or sizes needed to get gauge).

SIZING
Three sizes are offered so you can get a perfect fit that looks great and is comfortable, with minimal stretching of the cable band.

DIMENSIONS
Circumference of bottom band (measured at 
center of cables): 21 (22, 23)” / 53 (56, 58) cm.
Length: 10½ (10¾, 10¾)” / 26.5 (27, 27) cm.
(Measurements taken after blocking on relaxed, unstretched hat).

SKILLS USED
Long tail cast on, knit and purl in the round, increasing and decreasing stitches, cables.

TASSELS
Instructions for making the optional tassels and attaching them will be included as a full-color photo tutorial, when you download this pattern.

NOTIONS
Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Pattern has been test knitted.