The Essential Beanie
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The Essential Beanie is a classic fitted rib beanie with instructions included for six different yarn weights. My intention for this design was to make my ideal everyday hat with simple, thoughtful details. Instructions are included for a single fold or double fold brim, to suit your personal preference. The resulting beanie is so wearable, you might want to make one in all your favorite colors just as I did!
This pattern’s straightforward instructions and low yardage requirements make it a great beginner project and a perfect on-the-go knit. This hat is particularly suitable for using that special skein you’ve been seeking the right project for, or for trying out a yarn you’ve had your eye on. And of course, hats are always great candidates for gift knits that recipients are sure to love.
SIZING
This pattern is graded to 4 sizes, (Child, Adult S, Adult L, Adult XL), designed to fit head circumferences of (19, 21, 23, 25)” / (47.5, 52.5, 57.5, 62.5) cm.
This hat is intended to be worn with approximately 6” / 15 cm of negative ease. This amount of ease creates a nice and snugly fitted hat. If you prefer a looser fit you may choose to size up.
SAMPLES
All samples are shown in size Adult S. Modeled photos show samples on a head with a circumference of 21” / 52.5 cm and with approximately 6” / 15 cm of negative ease. The fingering weight sample has a double fold brim and all other samples have a single fold brim.
TESTER SHOWCASE
Check out the Tester Showcase to see each test knitter’s version of this pattern. This is a great way to see this pattern worked in different yarns, and view the others sizes. Detailed information is included on each tester’s project.
YARN
This pattern contains instructions for six different yarn weights (fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran, and bulky) so that it can be used for practically any yarn! A table is also included in the pattern with guidance on equivalent weight for holding two yarns together. Several testers held mohair with another yarn for their versions. Below are the yarns used in the samples.
FINGERING WEIGHT: Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool (100% non-superwash lambswool; 270 yds / 250 m per 50 g). Sample is shown in Yellow Mustard.
SPORT WEIGHT: Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Recollect (100% non-superwash USA white and black Rambouillet; 185 yds / 170 m per 57 g). Sample is shown in Porch Pumpkin.
DK WEIGHT: Titityy Finland Tukuwool DK (100% non-superwash Finnish wool; 270 yds / 250 m per 100 g). Sample is shown in H35 Havu.
WORSTED WEIGHT: Hudson + West Co Forge (70% U.S. Merino, 30% U.S. Corriedale; 235 yds / 215 m per 100 g). Sample is shown in Barn Red.
ARAN WEIGHT: Biches & Bûches Le Gros Lambswool (100% non-superwash lambswool; 210 yds / 190 m per 100 g). Sample is shown in Grey Beige.
BULKY WEIGHT: Istex Álafosslopi (100% Icelandic wool; 110 yds / 100 m per 100 g). Sample is shown in Color 0005 Black Heather.
YARDAGES / NEEDLES / GAUGE / SCHEMATIC
Full yardage tables, a schematic, and the needles and gauge required for each yarn weight can be found in the pattern details document (PDF).
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
• Tapestry needle
• Tape measure
• Stitch markers (one unique for BOR)
TECHNIQUES USED
• Knitting in the round
• German Twisted Cast-On
• Ribbing
• K2tog and ssk decreases