Turkey Trot 2025 Day 1: Keystone Cabled Knit Hat Cast On & Ribbing

Hey BiCrafty Besties! Welcome to Day 1 of the 7th Annual Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along 2025. If you’re making the Keystone Cabled Knit Hat, today is where we set the foundation for everything that comes next. A clean, comfy brim makes the whole hat look polished — and it frames those cables like a pro.

A collage with a yellow knitted hat, colorful yarn, a cartoon bird with yarn and pie, a woman wearing the hat and glasses, and the text "CAST-ON & RIBBING IN THE ROUND. -Marly Bird

Table of Contents

Lost or looking for the next section? The main Turkey Trot hub always has the active daily links, plus the full event rundown. Bookmark it and swing back anytime:
https://marlybird.com/blog/7th-annual-marly-bird-turkey-trot-make-along-2025/

Cast On + 1×1 Rib Brim (a.k.a. “The Appetizer”) 🦃🧶

Day 1 is all about:

a smooth long-tail cast-on
crisp, even 1×1 ribbing (k1, p1)
choosing a single or double brim

Simple stitches, big impact. Let’s make that brim clean, consistent, and ready for cables.

Quick Supplies Reminder (so you feel extra prepared)

You’ll want these nearby before you start:

Your hat yarn + needles from the Turkey Trot supply list
Stitch marker(s)
Tapestry needle (not yet, but soon!)

Supply List Link: If you need it again, it’s in the Turkey Trot hub post. Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along 2025 Details

A colorful banner for “Turkey Trot with Marly Bird” features knit hats, a Keystone Cabled Knit Hat, a shawl, a cartoon turkey with Thanksgiving food, and a woman smiling while holding her knitted creations. Text invites viewers to join the new Thanksgiving tradition. -Marly Bird

Before You Cast On: Check Your Gauge

I know a gauge swatch can feel like eating your veggies… but cables tighten fabric, and that changes fit. Even a small gauge difference can mean “perfect beanie” vs. “why is this hat trying to become a headband?” 😆

Please pop over to the Keystone gauge swatch page if you haven’t already:
https://marlybird.com/keystone-cabled-knit-hat-gauge/

That page also gives you a great peek at how I lay out Turkey Trot lessons, so it’s a win-win.

A yellow cabled knit hat with a fur pompom, colorful yarn, a cartoon turkey with yarn balls, a smiling woman wearing the hat, and the words "Gauge Swatch" in bold white text on a teal background. -Marly Bird

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more please visit my privacy policy here💖

Long-Tail Cast-On: Firm, Flexible, Hat-Friendly

We start with long-tail because it gives:

a tidy, professional edge
the right amount of stretch for a brim
even tension that flows naturally into ribbing

Tip from your BiCrafty Bestie:
If you’re newer to long-tail cast-on, give yourself a second to find a rhythm. The ribbing will look more even if that cast-on edge isn’t fighting your tension.

Working 1×1 Ribbing (K1, P1)

This hat uses classic 1×1 ribbing for the brim. It’s stretchy, structured, and a perfect match for bold cables — as long as those stitches stay tidy.

The sneaky trouble spot

That purl stitch right after a knit stitch loves to create extra slack, which makes the knit column look wobbly.

Not today, Satan. We’re fixing it two easy ways.

Two Ways to Keep Ribbing Crisp

Pick one method and stick with it the whole brim. Consistency is what makes ribbing look “store-bought but better.”

✅ Method 1: The Snug Tug

After you work the purl that follows a knit stitch,
give your working yarn a small intentional tug to remove slack.
Just a little “tighten up, friend” tug.

✅ Method 2: The Yarn-Under Purl Trick

If your purls always look loose even with tugging, try this:

Instead of bringing the yarn over the right needle to purl,
bring it under to form the purl.

Why this works: shorter yarn path = tighter purl.

⚠️ Important: Yarn-under changes stitch mount.
So on the next round, knit/purl through the back leg to avoid twisting.
If you forget, you’ll see a twist right away — just correct it and keep going.

Single Brim or Double Brim? Your Choice

You get options with this hat, because I love you and I want you warm.

⭐ Single Brim (As Shown On Sample)

classic, stretchy, comfy
fast to knit
perfect everyday beanie feel

⭐ Double Brim (Extra Cozy)

warmer and more structured
fold-up style
To make it: knit the ribbing twice as long, then fold it up later.

Your Turkey Trot yarn amounts should support either option in any size, but if you’re substituting yarn or working from leftovers, watch your yardage.

After Ribbing… What’s Next?

Once your brim is finished, you’ll work an increase round before starting the cable panel. That’s covered in Day 2.

When you’re done here:

admire your beautiful ribbing (seriously — nice work!)
head back to the Turkey Trot hub for the Day 2 link:
https://marlybird.com/blog/7th-annual-marly-bird-turkey-trot-make-along-2025/

Promotional collage for Marly Bird's Turkey Trot Make-Along, featuring "Crossroads Cardigan" and "Keystone Gloves" knitting patterns, with covers, digital tutorials, close-up yarn shots, a smiling knitter, and devices displaying pattern content. -Marly Bird

Want the Best Value + All the Extras? VIP Is Still Open

Turkey Trot VIP is hands-down the best value if you want everything organized, ad-free, and ready when you are.

✅ ad-free videos
✅ downloadable PDFs + handouts
✅ bonus lessons + technique help
✅ unlimited access in Marly Bird House
✅ all resources in one tidy place (no scrolling for links)

⭐️ Upgrade to VIP Here ⭐️

If you’re already VIP, you’re all set. If you’re not, come on in — you’ll love having everything served up neatly so you can focus on stitching. 💛

Day 1 – Keystone Cabled Knit Hat Video + Written Pattern Instructions

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Sizes

Baby – Toddler (Child, Teen – Adult S, Adult M – Adult L)

To fit head circumference ranges:

12 – 14¼ (14¼ – 16½, 16½ – 19½ , 19½ – 22½ )”

[30.5 – 36 (36 – 42, 42 – 49.5, 49.5 – 57) cm]

Finished Measurements

Note: Hat fabric is extremely stretchy. The Cable Panels pattern behaves like a rib and so the measurements are flexible. The circumference of the Hat can grow up to 25-30% when worn, so be sure to choose a size that is smaller than your real head circumference when laid flat.

Circumference when laid flat: 11½ (13¾, 16, 18¼)” [37 (44.5, 51.5, 59) cm]

Circumference when fully stretched: 14½ (17½, 20¼, 23¼)” [29 (35, 40.5, 46.5) cm]

Height: 6¼ (7¾, 8½, 10)” [16 (19.5, 21.5, 25) cm]

Gauge

28 sts and 26 rounds = 4 x 4” [10 x 10 cm] in Cable Panels pattern laid flat and unblocked.

MATERIALS

Yarn

Universal, Deluxe Worsted (100% wool, 220 yds / 208 m, 3½ oz / 100 g, CYCA #4 worsted)

1 (1, 1, 2) #12174 Ginseng

Needles

U.S. 8 [5 mm] 16” [40.5 cm] circular needle or size needed for gauge, set of 5 double-pointed needles in same size.

Notions

Removable stitch markers: https://erinlanebags.com/collections/stitch-markers
Cable Needle
Tapestry needle: https://amzn.to/42LkAui
Quality project bag: https://erinlanebags.com/collections/view-bags
Leather tag (optional): https://tidd.ly/47hQAaW
Leather rivets (optional) https://amzn.to/4eSByem
Faux Fur Pom (optional)

⭐️ Marly Bird Amazon Storefront ⭐️

ABBREVIATIONS

K – Knit

K2tog – Knit 2 together

Kfb – Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (see Special Stitches)

P – Purl

P2tog – Purl 2 together

Pfb – Purl into the front and back of the same stitch (see Special Stitches)

RS – Right Side

Sl – Slip

Ssk – Slip, slip, knit (see Special Stitches)

St(s) – StitchesWS – Wrong side

STITCH PATTERNS

1 x 1 Rib

Worked in the round over an even number of sts.

Every Round: * K1, p1; repeat from * around.

NOTES

Directions are for the smallest size; changes for larger sizes are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
Hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
Hat fabric is extremely stretchy. The Cable Panels pattern behaves like a rib, and so the measurements are flexible. The circumference of the Hat can grow up to 25-30% when worn, so be sure to choose a size where the Hat is smaller, when laid flat, than your real head circumference.
Optional double-brim may increase the amount of yarn required.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

How to Long Tail Cast On >> https://youtu.be/vEGwt4cedLM <<
How to Fix a Dropped Cast On Stitch >> https://youtube.com/shorts/ZlvKpqAqMrc <<
How to Bury Ends >> https://youtu.be/8_NBGUKjO-E <<
Knit Stitch (continental style) >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3brKFKg5Yc <<
Purl Stitch (continental style) >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuDt-8jqh4g <<
How to Add a Lifeline >> https://youtu.be/FiqYUE_aHAw <<
How to Tink >> https://youtu.be/c7Gud7k4Y8k <<
How to Cable >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn7xpc72xRs <<
How to Do 1 x 1 Ribbing >> https://youtu.be/xx7XFsbEGkE <<

Click Here to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y4n0-_aHasM

KEYSTONE HAT PATTERN

BRIM

Cast on 72 (88, 96, 112) sts.

Join round being careful to not twist cast-on edge, and place a marker to mark beginning of round.

Work in 1 x 1 Rib for ¾ (1, 1, 1)” [2 (2.5, 2.5, 2.5) cm].

For Double Brim Option Only:

Next Round: Knit.

Work in 1 x 1 Rib for the same number of rounds as in the first ribbed section, then work 2 additional rounds.

Fold brim to the wrong side so the cast on row is next to the row on the needles, and join the cast on edge to the working round as follows:
Next Round: * Insert right needle into next st on left needle and into the corresponding cast-on st at the same time and knit these two sts together; repeat from * for each st around.

➡️ Continue to Day 2 Instructions

White bird and turkey figures sit at a table with crocheted yarn ball and textured pie, emphasizing crochet details.

FAQ: Keystone Cabled Knit Hat Day 1

➡️ Do I really need to swatch for a hat?
I know swatching isn’t everyone’s favorite, but cables tighten fabric and can change fit more than you expect. The Keystone gauge page shows exactly how to swatch for this stitch pattern, so it’s worth doing to get a hat you’ll actually want to wear. Get the gauge swatch instructions here.

➡️ My ribbing looks loose between knit columns. What did I do wrong?
Probably nothing. That knit-to-purl transition is a common slack spot. Use the gentle tug after the purl, or switch to yarn-under purls for automatic tightening. Either way, keep your method consistent.

➡️ Can I use a different cast-on?
Sure! Long-tail is recommended for stretch + tidy edges, but any hat-friendly cast-on with good elasticity works (Cable Cast-On, German Twisted, Old Norwegian, etc.). Just make sure it won’t feel tight going over your head.

➡️ How do I decide between single or double brim?
Single brim is lighter, faster, and classic. Double brim is warmer and more structured. If you live somewhere chilly or love a fold-up beanie look, go double.

➡️ Will I have enough yarn for a double brim?
Your Turkey Trot yarn amounts should cover it in any size, but if you’re substituting yarn or using leftovers, keep an eye on your yardage.

➡️ Help—my stitches are twisting after yarn-under purls.
That’s the stitch mount change doing its thing. On the next round, knit/purl through the back leg. If you spot a twist, fix it on the next stitch and keep going.

➡️ Where do I find Day 2?
All daily links live in the main Turkey Trot hub post:
https://marlybird.com/blog/7th-annual-marly-bird-turkey-trot-make-along-2025/

A mustard yellow knitted beanie with a thick cable pattern and a large, fluffy pom-pom on top, placed inside a round wooden tray with black metal handles—perfect for your Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along 2025 project. -Marly Bird

Final Pep Talk

You just started a hat full of beautiful cables. Today’s ribbing might feel simple, but it’s the frame that makes the whole design shine. Keep those stitches tidy, stay consistent, and trust the process — you’re doing great.

See you tomorrow for cables! 💕

— Marly Bird, your BiCrafty Bestie