Benelope hat

 This is a hat version of my mitten pattern called Benelope. You can choose to make a long or a short hat, with either a cable band or a ribbed band.

(ohje löytyy suomeksi TÄÄLTÄ)

Yarn: DK weight, I used Novita Nordic Wool. You will need 70-100 grams depending on the length and band of the hat.

Needles: 3,75mm dpns or circular

Gauge: 17 stitches x 16 rows = 5x5cm of 2x2 rib without blocking or stretching the work,. Cable pattern is 5cm wide, again without stretching at all.

Size: Adult.

Other: In the cable band, you will use a temporary cast on. Use the one you like or use a temporary crochet cast on like I did, in that case you will need a crochet hook.

The pattern:

Cable band: 

Using a temporary crochet cast on, cast on 26 stitches. Knit 1 row and then start knitting the band chart from row 1. Row 1 is a wrong side row.

Knit rows 1-30 of chart a total of 5 times. Cut the yarn leaving a long end.

The work measures 45cm and it will fit around the head, pulled slightly.

Unravel the crochet cast on, pick up the stitches on a needle and using kitchener stitch, close the ends of the band together.

Pick up and knit 140 stitches from the edge of the band (*pick up 14 stitches, skip one stitch*, repeat *-*).

Ribbed band: 

Cast on 120 stitches, join to work in the round and knit p2k2 ribbing for a total of 6cm or desired length.

Next round: *p2, k1, make 1, k1, p2, k1, make 1, k1, p2, k2*, repeat *-* for the whole round = 20 stitches increased, you now have 140 stitches.

Both versions:

If you are using dpns, divide the stitches on four needles 40-40-40-20.

Start knitting the hat chart. Repeat the chart 7 times per round.

Short version: knit rounds 1-20 of hat chart, move on to decreases.

Long version: knit rounds 1-30 of hat chart, then knit rounds 1-14 again, move on to decreases.

Knit rounds 1-17 of decrease chart, repeat the chart 7 times per round.

When you are done with the decrease chart, you will have 21 stitches left. Cut the yarn, pull through the stitches and pull tight to close the hole.

The charts: