A celebration of Black History is not complete without a look backward and a view forward. I designed this hat with that in mind. Africans brought to North American shores were once free people. The physical chains that bound them became an indelible part of their new life in a strange land for generations. The legacy of enslaved people is a binding one. Families were bound, then broken, and over time this cycle was repeated, forged in pain. But still…we rise. The cable pattern in this hat was designed to remind us that we began as free people, lived chained for generations, but, thanks to the undying courage of many, one day we will be truly free again. A hat is a great reminder of how to keep a steady mind while we move forward. As our thoughts go, so do we. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Hat Construction: bottom-up with a wide ribbed body that includes a 4-cable panel and subtle crown decreases

Sample Yarn (pictured): Lady Dye Yarns DK, “Georgia Pecan”; 231 yards in 100g; sample used 50g.
To substitute, choose a DK yarn with a round, plump 2- or 3-ply structure with similar gauge.

Sample Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rounds in 4 inches (10 cm) measured in ribbing pattern unblocked

Sample Size: Adult Medium to Large size; hat fits 18-20 in (46-51 cm) head circumference, 9 in (23 cm) brim to crown. The ribbing pattern is very stretchy and can accommodate sizes within a few inches of the sample size

Needles:
One 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle or double pointed needles in size US 3 (3.25 mm)
One 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle or double pointed needles in size US 5 (3.75 mm)
One 40 in (100 cm) circular needle or double pointed needles in size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Notions:
Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, cable needle (optional)

Techniques:
The brim and body of this hat can be knit in the round with a small circular needle or DPNs; the crown decreases can be knit using Magic Loop, two circular needles, or DPNs

New to cable knitting?
This pattern includes a link to a tutorial video for knitting cables without a cable needle

Pattern Language(s): English

Thanks for being part of my design journey!
Send questions to heybrownberry@gmail.com
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