How to Knit a Botanical Aran Cable Beanie: Wych Elm Hat Pattern

Create a stunning, nature-inspired accessory with this botanical-themed Aran Cable beanie. This hat features a beautiful central tree motif flanked by climbing vines and delicate bobbles, blending traditional cable work with a modern, organic aesthetic. This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up, making it a great project for both experienced knitters and those looking to practice their cabling skills.

Project Overview

The Wych Elm Hat is designed in five sizes to ensure a perfect fit for various head circumferences. The design uses a combination of twisted ribbing for the brim, complex cables for the body, and strategic decreases for a tapered crown.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn. (Example: 89% American Wool, 6% Acrylic, 5% Rayon). You will need 1 to 2 hanks depending on the size chosen.

Needles

• US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular needles
• Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) or a 32″ (or longer) circular needle for the Magic Loop technique

Notions

• Yarn needle
• Removable stitch markers
• Cable needle (CN) or DPN

Sizing and Gauge

Finished Measurements

• Circumference: 15.75 (17, 18.5, 19.25, 20.75) inches
• Height: 6.25 (6.75, 7.5, 8, 8.5) inches
• To fit head circumference: 17 (18.5, 20, 21.5, 23) inches

Gauge

22 stitches and 30 rounds = 4″ in Twisted Knit Rib and Wych Elm Hat Pattern, blocked.

Stitch Glossary & Special Techniques

Before starting the pattern, familiarize yourself with these specific stitches:

• 1/1 LC (Left Cable): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle (CN), hold in front; K1, K1 from CN.
• 1/1 RC (Right Cable): Slip 1 stitch to CN, hold in back; K1, K1 from CN.
• 1/1 LPC (Left Cable, Purl back): Slip 1 stitch to CN, hold in front; P1, K1 from CN.
• 1/1 RPC (Right Cable, Purl back): Slip 1 stitch to CN, hold in back; K1, P1 from CN.
• MB (Make Bobble): (K1, P1, K1) into the same stitch, turn and K3, turn and P3, turn and K3, turn and SI1, K2tog, PSSO.
• Twisted Knit Rib: (K1 TBL, P1) to end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Brim

Using the 16″ circular needles, cast on 86 (94, 102, 106, 114) stitches. Place a marker (PM) and join to work in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted.

Work the Twisted Knit Rib (K1 TBL, P1) for 1.5 (1.5, 1.5, 2, 2) inches. Finish the brim with one round of knitting all stitches (K all).

The Body

The body of the hat is worked in the round over 86 (94, 102, 106, 114) stitches. Follow the 10-round pattern repeat below:

• Rnd 1: *(K1, P1) 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) times, K1, P2, K4, 1/1 RC, P6, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, P6, 1/1 LC, K4, P2, (K1, P1) 3 (4, 5, 5, 6) times; repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 2: *(K1, P1) 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) times, K1, P2, K6, P5, 1/1 RPC, K2, 1/1 LPC, P5, K6, P2, (K1, P1) 3 (4, 5, 5, 6) times; repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 3: *(K1, P1) 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) times, K1, P2, K3, 1/1 RC, K1, P4, 1/1 RPC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 LPC, P4, K1, 1/1 LC, K3, P2, (K1, P1) 3 (4, 5, 5, 6) times; repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 4: *P7 (9, 11, 13, 15), K6, P3, 1/1 RPC, P1, K4, P1, 1/1 LPC, P3, K6, P8 (10, 12, 12, 14); repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 5: *P7 (9, 11, 13, 15), K2, 1/1 RC, K2, P2, 1/1 RPC, P1, 1/1 RPC, K2, 1/1 LPC, P1, 1/1 LPC, P2, K2, 1/1 LC, K2, P8 (10, 12, 12, 14); repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 6: *(K1, P1) 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) times, K1, P2, K6, (P2, K1) two times, P1, K2, P1, (K1, P2) two times, K6, P2, (K1, P1) 3 (4, 5, 5, 6) times; repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 7: *(K1, P1) 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) times, K1, P2, K1, 1/1 RC, K3, P2, MB, P1, 1/1 RPC, P1, K2, P1, 1/1 LPC, P1, MB, P2, K3, 1/1 LC, K1, P2, (K1, P1) 3 (4, 5, 5, 6) times; repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 8: *(K1, P1) 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) times, K1, P2, K6, P4, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P4, K6, P2, (K1, P1) 3 (4, 5, 5, 6) times; repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 9: *P7 (9, 11, 13, 15), 1/1 RC, K4, P4, MB, P2, K2, P2, MB, P4, K4, 1/1 LC, P8 (10, 12, 12, 14); repeat from * once more.
• Rnd 10: *P7 (9, 11, 13, 15), K6, P7, K2, P7, K6, P8 (10, 12, 12, 14); repeat from * once more.

Repeat Length: Work all rounds of the pattern 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) times total.

Height Adjustment:
For sizes 15.75″, 18.5″, and 19.25″, continue to the Crown.
For sizes 17″ and 20.75″, work Rnds 1-4 of the pattern once more before proceeding to the Crown.

The Crown

Switch to DPNs or use the Magic Loop technique as the circumference decreases. Follow the instructions for your specific size:

15.75″ Size Crown

Work rounds 1-13 of the crown shaping. This includes specific decreases such as P2tog and K2tog to taper the hat. At the end of Round 13, you will have a significantly reduced stitch count.

17″ Size Crown

Work rounds 1-13 of the crown shaping tailored for the 17″ size, following the specific stitch counts and decrease patterns provided in the crown section.

18.5″ Size Crown

Work rounds 1-13 of the crown shaping tailored for the 18.5″ size, continuing the tree motif until the top of the hat.

19.25″ Size Crown

Work rounds 1-13 of the crown shaping tailored for the 19.25″ size, following the decrease instructions to close the top.

20.75″ Size Crown

Work rounds 1-13 of the crown shaping tailored for the 20.75″ size, ensuring the cable motif is centered as you decrease.

Final Crown Rounds: Regardless of size, work the next two rounds as (P2tog) to the end. Approximately 6 (6, 8, 8, 8) stitches will remain.

Finishing Touches

Break the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Using a yarn needle, pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tightly to close the top of the hat. Pull the tail to the inside of the hat and weave in all loose ends.

Wash and block the hat to measurements to define the cables and ensure a professional finish