Each year since 2023, my friends and I have made what we have lovingly come to call our “friendship hats” to wear at Indie Untangled during Rhinebeck (New York Sheep and Wool Festival) weekend in October. We find a matching yarn we all like during the festival weekend, then knit hats to wear the following year. This tradition started with four of us, and this year, in 2026, you’ll be able to spot more than 20 people in hats all knit using Explorer Knits and Fibers’ “Upstate” colorway.

As I set out to knit my friendship hat for this year, I thought about how grateful I am for the many incredible people I’ve met over the years through knitting and how these friends end up “entangled” into our lives over time. I’m thrilled to showcase yarns from two such powerhouses I’m honored to call my friends - Ali of Explorer Knit and Fibers, and Geraldine of The Wandering Flock.

This hat is a story of friendship and community in every stitch. As you knit these intertwining cables, I hope you feel a sense of connection with your friends and the wonderful community of makers around you.

Sizes
1 (2, 3) (4, 5)

These sizes correspond to the following head circumferences:
Size 1: Up to 16” / 40.5 cm (Baby)
Size 2: 16-20” / 40.5-51 cm (Toddler, Child)
Size 3: 20-22” / 51-56 cm (Teen, Women’s S/M)
Size 4: 22-23” / 56-58.5 cm (Women’s L/XL, Men’s S/M)
Size 5: 23+” / 58.5+ cm (Men’s L/XL)

Finished Measurements
Approx. 12.75 (14.5, 16) (17.5, 19.25) / 32.5 (37, 40.5) (44.5, 49) cm circumference, unstretched and gently blocked, lying flat

To be worn with up to 6” / 15 cm of negative ease.

Samples shown in Size 4 on 23” / 58.5 cm head circumference

Needles
US 3 / 3.25 mm and US 5 / 3.75 mm needles for your preferred method for knitting small circumferences in the round.

Yarn
185 (215, 245) (265, 285) yds / 169 (197, 224) (242, 261) m sport weight yarn

These are just approximations. The total amount used will depend on the yarn you use, your gauge, and any modifications you may make.

Recommended yarns:
Explorer Knits and Fibers Teton Sport (80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon, 328 yds / 300 m per 100g)

The Wandering Flock Baby Paca (50% Extra Fine Merino / 30% Baby Alpaca / 20% Nylon, 400 yds / 365 m per 100g)

Samples use Teton Sport in “Upstate” and Baby Paca in “Red Rust”

Notions

• Stitch marker for BOR
• Optional: additional stitch markers for marking pattern repeats
• Cable Needle
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge
30 sts & 38 rows = 4” / 10 cm in 2x2 rib on US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, gently blocked

30 sts & 36 rows = 4” / 10 cm in main cable pattern (on page 4) on US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, gently blocked

Techniques Used

• German Twisted Cast On
• Cable Knitting
• Decreasing