Free Knitting Pattern: Cable Beanie

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than pulling on a hand-knit hat that feels like a hug for your head. A good beanie is the kind of project that gives instant gratification: it knits up quickly, doesn’t use a lot of yarn, and somehow manages to make you feel both cozy and stylish. Add a classic cable into the mix, and you’ve got a piece that looks far fancier than it actually is to make.
This cable beanie was designed to perfectly match the cable scarf pattern we shared earlier, so you can knit a full set for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The cables add texture and warmth, while the ribbing makes sure it stays snug without being tight. If you’ve been wanting to dip your needles into cable knitting but were nervous about tackling something big, this little hat is the perfect way to practice.

Get more details about this project

What you need

• Yarn: 1 ball DK / light worsted (approx. 100 g)
• Needles: 4 mm (US 6) circular needles (40 cm) or DPNs
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

20 sts = 10 cm (4″) in stockinette

Instructions

Gauge

20 sts = 10 cm (4″) in stockinette

Abbreviations

• CO = Cast on
• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• sts = stitches
• BO = Bind off
• 3/3 LC = Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold in front, K3, then K3 from cable needle

Pattern

CO 96 sts.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for start of round.

Brim

K2, P2 ribbing for 12 rounds (or longer for a folded brim).

Body Pattern (multiple of 24 sts)

• Rounds 1–4: K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P8
• Round 5 (Cable round): K2, P2, 3/3 LC, P2, K2, P8
• Rounds 6–10: Repeat Round 1–4

Repeat these 10 rounds until hat measures about 15 cm (6”) from cast-on edge.

Crown Decreases

Switch to stockinette while keeping cables centered.

• Round 1: (K10, K2tog) around – 88 sts
• Round 2: Knit
• Round 3: (K9, K2tog) around – 80 sts
• Round 4: Knit
• Round 5: (K8, K2tog) around – 72 sts
• Round 6: (K7, K2tog) around – 64 sts
• Round 7: (K6, K2tog) around – 56 sts
• Round 8: (K5, K2tog) around – 48 sts
• Round 9: (K4, K2tog) around – 40 sts
• Round 10: (K3, K2tog) around – 32 sts
• Round 11: (K2, K2tog) around – 24 sts
• Round 12: (K1, K2tog) around – 16 sts
• Round 13: (K2tog) around – 8 sts

Cut yarn, thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends neatly.
• Lightly block if desired (though cables usually look great unblocked on hats).

Why You’ll Love This Knit

This cable beanie is the ultimate in timeless style: it works up quickly, keeps you warm, and looks like something you’d buy in a boutique. Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to knit a few more in different colors (they make fabulous gifts for men and women alike).

Pair it with the matching cable scarf and you’ll have a coordinated set that shows off your skills without being overly complicated. Think of it as the kind of project you’ll come back to again and again when you need a reliable, cozy knit that just works.

So grab your needles, put the kettle on, and cast on tonight—you could have a brand-new hat by the weekend.