Turkey Trot 2025 | Keystone Cabled Knit Hat | Day 5
Ohhh my yarny friend… you made it! Welcome to Day 5 of the Keystone Cabled Knit Hat for the 7th Annual Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along 2025. 🤗🦃
Today is the “put a bow on it” day — the part where your hat goes from fresh off the needles to ready for compliments in the wild. We’re keeping it simple, satisfying, and full of that “HECK YES I DID THAT” energy.
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If you need to hop back to any earlier day or grab the links for the whole event, the Turkey Trot hub post is always your home base:
https://marlybird.com/blog/7th-annual-marly-bird-turkey-trot-make-along-2025/
Finishing Touches: Weave In Ends, Add a Pom-Pom & Optional Leather Tag 🎉🧶
✅ 1. Weave in your ends
You’ve likely got a few tails from cast-on, cable body, and crown shaping. Today we’ll tidy those up so your hat is smooth, cozy, and ready for daily wear.
✅ 2. Add a pom-pom (optional, but SO fun)
Pom-poms add that perfect finishing pop. I’ll be adding a video right here showing how I like to make and attach mine, so you can follow along.
✅ 3. Add a leather tag (optional)
If you love that elevated, boutique look, a leather tag is the cherry on top. Totally optional — your hat is fabulous either way — but if you’re a tag fan, now’s the time.
Weaving In Ends: Quick Tips for a Clean Finish
I know weaving in ends isn’t the glamorous part of knitting… but it’s the difference between “homemade” and “handmade.” 💅
- Weave through matching textures.
Follow knit columns or purl gutters so your tail disappears into the fabric. - Avoid bulky spots.
Especially around the crown, spread your tails out so the top stays comfy. - Give it a gentle stretch check.
After weaving, stretch the area slightly to make sure the tail stays hidden.
You don’t need to overthink it — just aim for secure and invisible.
Removable Pom-Poms = Practical Magic ✨
If you’ve never tried a removable pom-pom, let me tell you — it’s one of my favorite finishing tricks. Attaching your pom with a button, snap, or small loop system means you can:
- Take the pom off before washing your hat (hello, easy care!)
- Swap pom styles depending on your mood or outfit
- Replace a pom later without re-finishing the whole hat
So if you’re using faux fur (or you just want wash-friendly flexibility), a detachable pom is a fantastic option.
Whether you go yarn pom, faux fur, big, small, tonal, or sparkly — this hat can handle it. 😄
Optional Leather Tag (Because You’re Fancy Like That)
If you’re adding a tag:
- Place it where it won’t interrupt the cable “stars” too much.
- Stitch it on securely through the backing holes.
- Give it a tug test so it’s ready for real life.
Tags are an optional detail, not a requirement — but they do make your hat feel extra polished, especially if you gift it.
Thank You for Stitching Along with Me 💛
Seriously, thank you for being part of Turkey Trot with me this year. Watching thousands of you stitch together, share progress, and cheer each other on is what makes this event special every single time.
If you share your finished Keystone Hat, make sure to tag me so I can celebrate with you! I love seeing your color choices and cable glow-ups.
What’s Next? Join Me for the FREE “24 Days of Quickies” Event! 🎁
Want to keep the crafty fun rolling? You are officially invited to join the 24 Days of Quickies free event — a cozy, low-pressure, joy-filled series of quick projects to keep your hands moving and your heart happy.
It’s totally free, totally festive, and totally your vibe if you loved Turkey Trot.
(Details + sign-up info will be shared on MarlyBird.com and in the newsletter!)
FAQ: Keystone Cabled Knit Hat Day 5
➡️ Do I need to block my hat before finishing?
Not required, but if your cables feel a bit snug or you want maximum stitch definition, light blocking can help. Just be gentle.
➡️ What if I don’t want a pom-pom?
No pom-pom is totally fine. The crown was designed to look polished either way.
➡️ How do I attach a faux-fur pom-pom securely?
I’ll show you in the video. The key is anchoring through multiple crown stitches and knotting firmly on the inside.
➡️ Where should I place the leather tag?
Usually centered on the brim or slightly off-center between cables. Pick a spot that feels balanced to your eye.
➡️ My ends feel like they’re peeking through — what should I do?
Weave a little deeper into the fabric and change direction once or twice. Cables hide tails beautifully.
➡️ Where can I find all the days again?
Everything is linked in the hub post right here:
https://marlybird.com/blog/7th-annual-marly-bird-turkey-trot-make-along-2025/
You did it. Your Keystone Hat is finished, fabulous, and ready to keep you warm all season long. I am so proud of you — and I hope you’re proud of YOU.
💕 Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
