The Braided Beanie

I have always been a lover of cables, and the braided cable is a standout in my opinion. Although the cable looks intricate, the knitting process is quite straightforward, and this beanie is designed to make sure the braids POP!

Skill level: Advanced beginner.
This pattern is suited to people who know the basics of knitting, and wish to expand their skills into cable knitting. I have included several links to help you learn the key terms in the pattern.

Here are some project notes to guide you:

• You will knit this from the bottom up, in the round.
• This is an oversized beanie with a relaxed fit. The pattern includes suggestions to modify the length, if you prefer a snug fit.
• The pattern includes two sizes - Small and Large.
• The Small size is suitable for toddlers to young teens (to fit approximate head between 48 - 54 cm). As it is a loose fit, it will be large on a toddler, but it will fit the child for many years as they grow.
• The Large size is suitable for teenagers and up (to fit approximate head between 55 - 65 cm). The instructions for the Large size appear in (brackets) in the pattern.
• The beanie includes a ribbed band with two length options depending on if you prefer a band that folds over for a double layer, or a single layer band.
• The pattern includes a checklist to help you keep track of your progress.

Materials

• Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) circular or double pointed needles, or the size required to meet gauge; and a cable needle, if you use one.
• Yarn: any DK / 8 ply wool. I used 8 ply Bellevue Park superfine merino wool and Luxury 8 ply Bendigo Woollen Mill wool for my samples, but any DK yarn that is close to the gauge is fine.
• Approximate meterage: Small - 200 m (100g). Large - 360 m (150 g). This is based on the folded brim option and does not include yarn used to make the pom pom.
• Stitch markers: 8 - 9 stitch markers, if you are using them.