10% of the proceeds of this pattern will be donated to Kentucky Heartwood, a non-profit devoted to protecting and restoring the native forests and biotic communities of Kentucky.

This textured winter hat was designed with warmth and comfort in mind – the honeycomb cable pattern provides extra thickness and the wide cuff ensures maximum ear warmth. I named this hat after my new home state – Kentucky!

Kentucky is worked in the round from the bottom up. It begins with a ribbed cuff, followed by a honeycomb cable motif broken up with small ribbed sections, and ends with a series of decreases forming the crown, as the lines of ribbing come together to form a star.

This pattern could be a wonderful first adventure into the world of cables or an easy and relaxing pattern for a more experienced knitter. It could make a nice gift and is fitting for someone of any gender.

Photos show a S on a 22 in / 56 cm head in the colorway Canyon and a size L on a 24 in / 61 cm head in Nocturne.

SIZES
Adult S (L) to fit a head circumference of 22 (23.5) in / 56 (60) cm.

YARN
This pattern calls for 184 (218) yds / 166 (199) m or 1 (1) hank of Blue Sky Fibers Extra Aran (55% Baby Alpaca, 45% Fine Merino). Note that size L may need a second hank if there are differences in gauge, and as a result, yardage used.

See test knitters’ project pages for a range of other yarns used successfully as well.

NEEDLES

• U.S. 8 / 5 mm needles for small circumference: two circulars, 16 in circular, longer circular for Magic Loop, or DPNs.
• U.S. 8 / 5 mm needles for crown of hat: longer circular for magic loop or DPNs.

OTHER MATERIALS

• Yarn needle
• Tape measure
• Stitch markers (6, including a unique one for beginning of round)
• Optional: Cable needle (for RC & LC)

GAUGE
24 sts x 24 rows = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm in 1x1 rib
24 sts x 24 rows = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm in honeycomb motif

Honeycomb Motif worked flat for gauge swatch:
(Worked over a multiple of four sts.)
Rnd 1 (RS): (RC, LC) around.
Rnds 2 & 4: Purl.
Rnd 3: (LC, RC) around.

Hat and gauge swatch do not need to be blocked.

TECHNIQUES USED

• Working in the round
• 1/1 RC & LC with or without a cable needle
• Decreases: ssk, k2tog, s2kp
• Magic loop (optional)

Links to tutorials on RC & LC without a cn, magic loop, and s2kp are provided in the pattern.

INSTRUCTION DETAILS
The pattern is fully written out with accompanying charts for the main motif and the decreases in the crown.