The Bradford Beanie is made up of intricate cable designs. The hat begins with ribbing, and then twisting cables lead into the main body pattern. The crown has twisting cables worked along with the decreases for an attractive finish. The hat was intended to be worn fitted, but knitters can easily add to the ribbing or complete extra repeats of the cable section in the hat body to create a more slouchy fit. There are 3 sizes given: child/teen, adult small, and adult large. The cable pattern has plenty of stretch, so the fit is relatively forgiving.

The inspiration for this design came to me in a dream (really!) with the cables flowing over the background details. I chose the name Bradford because my parents owned a gorgeous 1901 Queen Anne house in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The imported staircase, pocket doors, turret, and other architectural elements were second to none. They were careful to restore the house in period-appropriate, elegant details and also filled it with beautiful antique furniture. I hope that this design conveys the intricacy and elegance of architecture from that period.

This pattern is fully charted, and complete written instructions are given as well. The original design was knit in (discontinued) Knit Picks Preciosa Tonal, a single-ply, worsted weight merino yarn. The updated pattern and coordinating Bradford Cowl are knit in Knit Picks Capra DK, a merino and cashmere blend available in heathered colorways. The purple sample is an adult small knit in Preciosa and the burgundy sample is an adult large knit in Capra DK. If you substitute yarns, choose a light worsted or DK weight in a solid, heathered, or tonal yarn as stripes or variegated yarn will distract from the cable pattern.

Materials

Knit Picks Preciosa Tonal Worsted 100% Merino Wool; 273 yds per 100g skein; 27736 - Pluot, 1 skein (sample, Adult Small, used 48g, or approx. 131 yds)

Knit Picks Capra DK 85% Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere; 123 yds per 50g ball
27670 - Embers Heather, 2 balls (Adult Large sample used 65g, or approx. 160 yds.)

1 US #8 / 5 mm circular needle, 16-inch
US #8 / 5 mm double pointed needles

Notions: removable stitch marker, cable needle (if desired), tapestry needle

Optional: pompom, button, crochet hook for attaching pompom

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS - after blocking

Circumference: 14.5 (18, 21.5) inches
Length: 8.75 inches

GAUGE

20 sts / 24 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in charted cable pattern

NOTES

BOR - Beginning of Round will change in the cable chart, so that the cable pattern will look seamless from all sides. Follow the written instructions or the chart to move the BOR marker to fit the pattern. I suggest using a removable marker, such as a locking ring, to make it easier to adjust the BOR.

Directions are given for child/teen (adult small, adult large).