This summer I knit four Antler toques, for four of my favourite people, and we photographed them at one of my very favourite places.
Love this pattern? Download your free copy today! And if cables are something new, see our in-depth tutorial too.
We had spent a long and happy day hiking on Meares Island, splashing in the Pacific Ocean, sitting around the campfire, and eating delicious burritos. As the light began to fade and the temperature began to drop at the campsite we headed down to the beach, bundled in woolen blankets and topped with toques. Everyone was in a grand mood and the light was golden, it was a perfect evening to sit on the driftwood and watch the sun disappear.
The pleasure of these simple knits, the warm evening light and the company combined to form a golden moment. Our annual Tofino camping trip is a family tradition stretching way back, and occasionally the Wessel family travels from Scotland to join us on the exquisite beaches of Vancouver Island’s western shore.
An Antler Cable Obsession
I’ve been obsessed with the antler cable since I began designing knits. First came the Antler mittens, then the free Antler toque and the Antler cardigan too. There MIGHT even be a pullover in the works… if you sign up for our emails we will let you know when it’s ready. This is simply my favourite cable pattern, I can’t get enough!
I used the lovely Quince & Co Osprey for Hunter, Jones, and Emily’s hats (in Aleutian, Fox, and Honey respectively). The yarn is so soft and plump, the cables really pop. I’m already plotting another Antler sweater for myself in this yarn! Jordan’s toque is knit in Stone Wool Cormo, a yarn I’ve been rather smitten with lately, and have used in the Mountain Mist and Moraine sweaters.
So Many Fab Free Patterns
The Antler Toque is just one of more than two dozen free patterns that we’ve developed over the years!
We’ve created 11 Simple Collection patterns, specifically designed to help you learn the basics from cast-on to turning a heel, and knitting your first sweater. And we have dozens of other free patterns too, to get you started with lace, cables, or colourwork!
We take just as much care when developing our free patterns as we do with our paid patterns; learn more about our process here! This is one case where the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ doesn’t apply. So if you haven’t tried a Tin Can Knits pattern yet, download one for free now and see what you think!
January 13, 2019 @ 3:29 am
I made a couple of Antler toques to give as Christmas presents. They were much appreciated and admired. Thank you for the fab free pattern. I’m a big Tin Can Knits fan!
November 20, 2021 @ 1:32 pm
I’m ending up with 3 sts remaining on row 3. I’m doing the large. I’ve taken it out twice please help
November 22, 2021 @ 11:04 am
Hi Roxanne – I’m sorry, I’m not totally sure what’s going wrong. Could you drop us an email tincanknits@gmail.com ? That’s the best way to get pattern support help.
December 12, 2018 @ 12:46 pm
Hi I am on love with your cable! Signing up to hear about the Pullover. I’m doing the L adult size of this hat and I don’t think I have enough stitches to complete the 16st pattern around . I’ve checked my numbers against the pattern and I’m matching but i have 5 and a half times the pattern on the first row of the cable pattern. I’m an English knitter so I may have miss read something. Any help would be great.
Thank you
December 12, 2018 @ 1:59 pm
Hi Jocelyne – It sounds like maybe you are missing the purl stitches between the cables.
December 13, 2018 @ 1:15 am
Hiya
It’s not the purls there all accounted for. I’ve got 105 st but that doesn’t evenly divide by 19 (16st pattern and 3 purl st) I end up with 10 spare st
December 17, 2018 @ 10:30 am
Hi Jocelyne – for the large size it’s 5 purl sts between the 16 stitch cables.
December 19, 2018 @ 5:56 am
Ah im so silly! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me.
December 3, 2018 @ 4:25 am
That sea foam hat with the red Pom Pom is everything. Love it.