Fretwork Hat
Overview
This guide contains additional videos and tips for the Fretwork Hat–you can click any of these links to jump to the appropriate section. Those new to reading charts may wish to see How To Read Knitting Charts on our blog.
Construction
This hat is worked from the brim to the crown in the round. The brim is worked in contrasting color A on a smaller number of stitches. After this, color B is joined and an increase round is worked. Note that the increase round is worked amongst knit stitches - this prevents issues with the purl stitches in the brim at the color change. The intricate cable motif is worked a few times, and then the crown decreases begin. To keep the decreases centered, most decrease rounds require the markers to be shifted one stitch earlier. For right-handed knitters, the markers will be shifted one stitch to the right, for left-handed mirror knitters, the markers will be shifted one stitch to the left. Be sure to check the video below to see how to move the markers.
Customization
Due to the large repeated motif (42 stitches), traditional grading is not possible for this hat. Any customization in circumference must be accomplished using smaller or larger needles. If working in cashmere, remember that cashmere blooms when blocking. If you decide to adjust your gauge, make sure to swatch.
Moving Markers
This video shows 2 methods to move the markers on decrease rounds. The left-handed video is at timestamp 0:49.
Cabling without a Cable Needle
For those who don’t like managing a cable needle while they’re knitting, we’re including some videos that show how to cable without a cable needle.
2/2 Right Purl Cross
2/2 Left Purl Cross
2/3 Right Cable Cross
2/3 Left Cable Cross
Not sure what we’re talking about? It’s the Fretwork Hat, available exclusively in Knitrino. To get the pattern, open Knitrino or click the image below from your phone. 📱Knitrino works on iOS and Android devices only - there’s no PDF associated with this pattern.