Lots of Beanies!

I've been knitting beanies for some time now. After reading and working up multiple patterns from many designers, here are my own patterns that work best for me. I wanted to have a basic set of patterns that I would know in my head so if I added colors or textures, I would have a ground zero from which to start.

Gauge matters. If you use the same stitches/rows, counts etc...rather than go by measurements and stitch counts with different needle size, you'll change the size of your hat. If you're knitting for unknown folks in a volunteer knit project, it's going to fit someone along the way. If you want an exact fit, you'll have to measure and do your test swatch.

Again, as I did with Steph's Sparkle hat (pattern in the list to the left), I used the Twisted Rib for my cuffs. If you would rather not use the twisted stitches, just use the regular 2 x 2 rib (K2, P2) for each round. Here again, it's up to you how you make your own, which yarn you use, and how you choose to stripe it.

I have used just about everything from Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Wool-ease, Cotton-Ease, Plymouth Encore, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, Anny Blatt, Paton's Classic Wool, Canadiana, Decor, Lamb's Pride Worsted, and Plymouth Silk Merino. Don't stop yourself with my past choices, and don't limit yourself to worsted weight. You can also double strand a DK or sportweight to make gauge as well.

Basic idea:
Knitted in the round in 4 parts, (Part A) 2 x 2 rib of twisted rib knit cuff, (Part B) Stockinette stitch sections, (Part C)shaping for the crown, (Part D) finishing; cut yarn, thread through stitches, fasten off, and wear.

Cathy’s Beanies
© Cathy Waldie, November 2004, December 15, 2005

Child, Teen/Small Adult, Adult Med, Adult Large sizes:
(US) 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle, (US) 7 (4.5mm) 16” circular needle, and (US) 7 (4.5mm) double points or 24” circular needle for crown shaping.
Worsted Weight yarn [Label Gauge of yarn 18 sts/24 rows = 4”/10 cm with (US) 8 (5 mm) needles]

K= Knit
P=Purl
Tbl=through back loop
Tog=together

Part A:
With smaller needles: cast on 64, (72, 80, 88) stitches, Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.
Knit 2 x 2 ribbing in twisted rib for 6 (6-9, 9, 9-12) rows.
***twisted rib: row 1: *K1 tbl, K1 tbl, P2*, repeat between **’s around
row 2: *K2, P2*, repeat between **’s around
(Note: for teen/small adult and adult large sizes, the extra rounds are for personal preference to create a deeper crown.)

Part B:
Change to larger needles:
Knit in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round) for 24, (30, 32, 38) rounds.
(Note: this is where I like to stripe the colors)

Part C:
Begin crown shaping:
(Note: when stitches get too tight as you decrease, switch to double point needles, or add a second circular needle to finish the hat.)

Child size:
1: *K6, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s around (56 stitches)
2 and all even rows: Knit around
3: *K5, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (48)
5: *K4, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (40)
7: *K3, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (32)
9: *K2, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (24)
11: *K1, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (16)
13: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (8)
©Cathy Waldie, November, 2004

Teen/Small Adult size:
1: *K5, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (63)
2 and all even rows: Knit around
3: *K4, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (54)
5: *K3, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (45)
7: *K2, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (36)
9: *K1, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (27)
11: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (18)
12: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (9)
©Cathy Waldie, November, 2004

Adult Medium size:
1: *K6, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s around (70 stitches)
2 and all even rows: Knit around
3: *K5, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (60)
5: *K4, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (50)
7: *K3, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (40)
9: *K2, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (30)
11: *K1, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (20)
13: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (10)
14: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (5)
©Cathy Waldie, December, 2004

Adult Large Size:
1: *K6, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s around (77 stitches)
2 and all even rows: Knit around
3: *K5, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (66)
5: *K4, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (55)
7: *K3, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (44)
9: *K2, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (33)
11: *K1, K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (22)
13: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (11)
14: *K2 tog*, repeat between **’s (6)
©Cathy Waldie, November 15, 2005

Part D:
Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches left on needle, and pull tight. Fasten off (I personally knot the yarn 3 times to make sure after being washed it won’t pull apart.) Weave in ends (beginning tail and all ends from stripes), and wear!