4. The Chunky Saxon Cable Crown

Introduction

The Chunky Saxon Cable Crown transforms ancient Celtic and Saxon braiding into high-fashion statement knitwear. Interlocking cables cross fluidly along the circumference, creating a bold, three-dimensional rope effect.

What This Idea Means

Saxon cabling replaces all-over repetitive patterns with a prominent, singular braided composition. It gives thick, chunky knits an intentional, hand-tailored appearance.

How to Make It

  • Yarn: Bulky weight (Chunky) 100% Wool or Wool/Alpaca blend (approx. 100m / 100g).
  • Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) and US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needles and a cable needle (CN).
  • Gauge: 14 stitches and 18 rounds = 4 inches over Saxon Cable panel.
  • Construction:
    1. Cast on 64 stitches on US 10 needles.
    2. Work in $2 \times 2$ ribbing (*K2, P2*) for 2 inches.
    3. Switch to US 10.5 needles. Distribute stitches into two 24-stitch Saxon Cable panels separated by 8 purl stitches on each side.
    4. Follow an 8-stitch crossing sequence across panels: slip 2 to CN in back, K2, P2 from CN; slip 2 to CN in front, K2, K2 from CN.
    5. Work cable motifs through two full vertical repeats (approx. 8 inches).
    6. Integrate cable crosses directly into crown decreases using centered double decreases ($CDD$) inside the purl troughs.
    7. Cinched tightly at the final 8 stitches.

Tips and Variations

  • Need to Make: Keep cable tension consistent; pulling crosses too tightly distorts the circular geometry of the hat.
  • Variation: Add a detachable faux-fur or oversized brushed mohair pompom at the peak using an interior button fixture.