The Sintra Cabled Crochet Hat – Heirloom Crochet Pattern

If you love creating pieces that feel timeless, textured, and made to last, The Sintra Cabled Crochet Hat is an heirloom crochet pattern designed to do exactly that. This cabled crochet hat pattern was inspired by my time in Sintra, Portugal and features rich texture, a structured double brim, and 11 sizes from newborn to adult.

While on a recent crochet retreat in Portugal, this design was born from a visit to the breathtaking town of Sintra, where intricate architecture, layered textures, and centuries-old craftsmanship come together in the most unforgettable way.
Between exploring the ornate details of the palace and participating in a hands-on cable workshop taught by Lee of Coco Crochet Lee during the retreat, I found myself completely drawn to the structure and movement of cables. It was something I knew I wanted to translate into crochet.

This hat is the result. A piece that blends travel, texture, and technique into something truly special.

The Inspiration Behind The Sintra

Sintra is known for its romantic architecture, intricate stonework, and layered design details. It was impossible not to notice the parallels between those flowing structures and the movement of crochet cables.

Walking through the palace, I kept noticing:

• The repeating patterns carved into the walls
• The depth created through layered textures
• The way structure and softness exist together in every detail
• That same feeling is what I wanted to capture in this design.
• Combined with the cable workshop we had during the retreat, this hat became more than just a project. It became a way to translate that experience into an heirloom crochet pattern you can make and wear.

Why I Love This Heirloom Crochet Pattern

There is something special about a project that feels both elevated and wearable.
What makes The Sintra stand out:

• The cable detailing creates movement and depth
• The ribbed brim adds structure and a clean finish
• It has a timeless, heirloom-quality look
• The repeat becomes intuitive and enjoyable
• This is the kind of crochet piece that becomes part of your winter staples for years to come.

How to Get the Pattern for The Sintra Cabled Hat

• Free Crochet Pattern: Scroll down for the written free pattern with detailed instructions.
• Printable PDF: Ad-free PDF available to download from Ravelry or Etsy

Working the Cable Texture

If you have never worked crochet cables before, this pattern is a great introduction.
The texture is created by working around stitches from previous rows, forming that signature twisted look. Once you recognize the repeat, the pattern becomes rhythmic and easy to follow.

Before You Get Started

This project is all about slowing down and enjoying the process.
Take your time with the first cable repeat. Once it clicks, you will find a rhythm that makes this pattern both calming and satisfying to create.
Just like the inspiration behind it, this is a piece meant to be appreciated in the details.

Skill Level and Materials

This crochet cabled hat pattern is suitable for intermediate and advanced beginner crocheters looking to expand their skills.

Share Your Crochet Hat Creations

I’d love to see how you make this pattern your own! Share your finished crochet cabled hat on Instagram using #SintraCabledHat or #MakewithCraftyBones and tag @CraftyBones. Let’s inspire others to create and celebrate the beauty of handmade.

Grab your favourite worsted weight yarn and 4.0 & 4.5 mm crochet hook and start your next crochet adventure with The Sintra Cabled Hat. This elegant design is more than just a project—it’s a masterpiece in the making!

Special Stitches for this Pattern

Size Chart

Tips for making this pattern

• While working this pattern I would recommend using a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of the row.
• Beginning ch does NOT count as a st
• Pick a yarn that highlights texture. The pattern uses Size 4 / Worsted Weight Yarn. Select a solid colour for best results visually.
• Finish off the Hat by adding a pom pom and a personalized tag if you wish.

Not interested in the PDF? The free version of the pattern is just below for you to enjoy.

Instructions for Size 1

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 10 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <10 sts>
R 2: Ch 1, work a (hdc, and fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <20sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc, dc) into fpdc from previous row, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <30sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, (dc, fpdc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <35sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts overtop of last two sts, fptr, fptr, hdc in the next st, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <35sts>
R 6 – 8: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <35sts>
R 9: Ch 1, * hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts overtop of last two sts, fptr, fptr, hdc in the next st, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <35sts>
R 10 – 12: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <35sts>

Instructions for Size 2

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 10 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <10 sts>
R 2: Ch 1, work a (hdc and fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <20sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc, dc) into fpdc from previous row, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <30sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, (dc, fpdc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <35sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * (hdc, hdc), sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts overtop of last two sts, fptr, fptr, (hdc, hdc) in the next st, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <45sts>
R 6 – 8: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <45sts>
R 9: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts overtop of last two sts, fptr, fptr, hdc in the next st, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <45sts>
R 10 – 12: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <45sts>

Instructions for Size 3

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 10 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <10 sts>
R 2: Ch 1, work a hdc and fpdc into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <20sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc, dc) into fpdc from previous row, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <30sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * (hdc, hdc), fpdc, fpdc, (dc, fpdc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <40sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (hdc, hdc), sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts overtop of last two sts, fptr, fptr, (hdc, hdc) in the next st, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <50sts>
R 6 – 8: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <50sts>
R 9: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts overtop of last two sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <50sts>
R 10 – 15: Repeat R 6-9

R 10 – 12: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <55sts>
R 13 – 18: Repeat R 9-12.

Instructions for Size 5

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 8 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <8 sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <16sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <24sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <32sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <40sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <48sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <56sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <56sts>
R 9 – 11: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <56sts>
R 12 – 18: Repeat R 8-11

Instructions for Size 6

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 9 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <9 sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <18sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <27sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <36sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <45sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <54sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <63sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <63sts>
R 9 – 11: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <63sts>
R 12 – 19: Repeat R 8-11

Instructions for Size 7

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 10 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <10 sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <20sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <30sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <40sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <50sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <60sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <70sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <70sts>
R 9 – 11: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <70sts>
R 12 – 20: Repeat R 8-11

Instructions for Size 8

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 11 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <11 sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <22sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <33sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <44sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <55sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <66sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <77sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <77sts>
R 9 – 11: Ch 1, * hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <77sts>
R 12 – 21: Repeat R 8-11

Instructions for Size 9

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 8 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <8 sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <16sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <24sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <32sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <40sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <48sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <56sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * (hdc, hdc), sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <64sts>
R 9: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, (hdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <72sts>
R 10 & 11: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <72sts>
R 12: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <72sts>
R 13 – 15: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <72sts>
R 16 – 22: Repeat R 12-15

Instructions for Size 10

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 8 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <9 sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <18sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <27sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <36sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <45sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <54sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <63sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * (hdc, hdc), sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <72sts>
R 9: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, (hdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <81sts>
R 10 & 11: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <81sts>
R 12: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <81sts>
R 13 – 15: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <81sts>
R 16 – 22: Repeat R 12-15

Instructions for Size 11

Remember, the turning chain does NOT count as your first stitch.
4.5mm (G+/7) Hook
R 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2, dc 8 into the magic circle. Slst to first st to join. <10sts>
R 2: Ch 2, work a (dc, fpdc) into each of the sts, slst to first st to join. <20sts>
R 3: Ch 1, * (hdc, fpdc) into dc from previous row, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <30sts>
R 4: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <40sts>
R 5: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <50sts>
R 6: Ch 1, * hdc, (fpdc, dc), fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <60sts>
R 7: Ch 1, * hdc, (dc, fpdc), fpdc, fpdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <70sts>
R 8: Ch 1, * (hdc, hdc), sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <80sts>
R 9: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, (hdc, hdc), fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <90sts>
R 10 & 11: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <90sts>
R 12: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, sk 2 sts, fptr, fptr, work back into skp sts, fptr, fptr, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <90sts>
R 13 – 15: Ch 1, * hdc, hdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, fpdc, hdc, hdc, fpdc, repeat from * till end, slst to first st to join. <90sts>
R 16 – 22: Repeat R 12-15

Brim Seaming Instructions

• To create the double brim, fold the half double crochet section in half with the right sides facing inward.
• Align the last row of the brim with the unused front loops from the first row.
• Using a yarn tail approximately twice the circumference of the hat, join the layers by working through the front loop of the last row and the front loop of the first row.
• Use a mattress stitch to seam the brim together, being careful not to pull too tightly. Keeping a bit of flexibility in the seam will ensure a more comfortable fit.
• Once complete, fasten off and weave in any remaining ends.