Hatticus is a giant cabled hat topped with a small peak and finished with a huge pom-pom. It's very fun and warm, and a super-quick knit (probably a 2-hour project).

I've never really written a pattern before, so if something's unclear or you have corrections, please feel free to contact me here or drop me a message on Ravelry.

Materials:

• About 80 yards super-bulky yarn, such as Cascade Magnum or Garnstudio Polaris (my hat took just under 80 yards and exactly 160grams of Magnum)
• 10mm (US 15) 40cm (16") circular needle and 10mm double-pointed needles
• OR longer 10mm circular for magic loop, if you prefer
• Cable needle (or you can use one of your DPNs, as I did)
• Stitch marker (or loop of scrap yarn, if you don't have stitch markers big enough for these needles)
• Tapestry needle with a large eye

Gauge:

2 stitches = 1 inch in garter stitch

Abbreviations:

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• kfb = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
• [Alternate increase method] PLL: Insert left needle into left loop of stitch two rows below last completed stitch. Purl this stitch through the back loop.
• [Alternate increase method] PRL: insert right needle into right loop of stitch just below next stitch; place it onto left needle and purl it; then knit the stitch on needle.
• See knittinghelp.com for video instructions on these increases, where they're called KLL and KRL.
• C6F = slip next 3 stitches to cable needle [or DPN] and hold to front of work. Knit next 3 stitches. Slip stitches from cable needle back to left working needle and knit them. [This is a tight cable with yarn and needles this size, but it's possible—just knit loosely].
• p2tog = purl two together
• k2tog = knit two together
• DPNs = double-pointed needles
• ssk = slip next two stitches knitwise to right needle, then knit them both together through the back of the loop

Directions:

CO 36 stitches to circular needle. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.

Knit 9 rounds in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round, repeat) beginning with a knit round and ending with a purl round.

Round 10: *KFB. K2. KFB. P2. Repeat from * to end of round. You now have 48 stitches. [Alternately, how I actually did the increases: K6. PLL. PRL. If you find these increases too confusing or difficult, just stick with the first method].
Rounds 11-12: *K6. P2. Repeat from * to end of round.

Round 13: *C6F. P2. Repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 14-20: *K6. P2. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 21: *C6F. P2. Repeat from * to end of round.

Rounds 22-28: Same as rounds 14-21.

Rounds 29-31: *K6. P2. Repeat from * to end of round.

Round 32: *K6. P2tog. Repeat from * to end of round. 42 stitches.

Rounds 33-35: *K6. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 36: *C6F. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.

Begin crown decreases:

Round 37: *K2. K2tog. K2. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 38: *K2. K2tog. K1. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 39: *K1. K2tog. K1. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 40: (you may want to switch to DPNs at this point if you haven't already done so) *K1. K2tog. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 41: *SSK. P1. Repeat from * to end of round.
Round 42: K2tog 6 times. You will have 6 stitches left on your needles.

Cut your yarn, leaving about a 12" tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches and pull it tight, but don't weave it in just yet. You'll use this to attach your pom-pom.

Make pom-pom

Here's a good tutorial on how to make a pom-pom without cardboard or other accessories. To make mine, I wrapped the yarn around four fingers 36 times. If you haven't made a pom-pom before, practice with some waste yarn to make sure you get it right before diving in on your nice yummy hat yarn.

Next, thread the yarn tail from the top of the hat through the yarn wrapped around the pompom. Thread it through to the inside of the hat, pull tightly, and weave it in securely, making sure you go diagonally in at least one direction (the pom-pom is heavy and will pull on this yarn, loosening it up).

Wear your hat and enjoy!