Let’s knit a beanie!

As the chilly weather arrives early this year, I can’t help but dream of a cozy new beanie for the season. My favorite store-bought beanie in 1x1 rib has definitely seen better days, so I’ve decided to knit a similar one.

While browsing patterns, I discovered some beautiful designs that I think you might enjoy as well. These classic beanies are stylish and perfect for beginners! But first, let’s discuss some essential elements: yarn, needles, and must-know techniques!

​

Choosing the right yarn.

When it comes to knitting a hat, the yarn is where it all begins, especially since it’ll be worn close to your face. Here’s how to choose the perfect yarn for your project:

• Fiber content: Go for soft, warm fibers like merino wool or alpaca. Merino wool offers excellent insulation, while alpaca is incredibly cozy. Blends often provide the best of both worlds, ensuring comfort and durability.
• Weight: Opt for DK (double knit) or worsted weight yarn. These weights not only create a cozy fit but also work up quickly, making them ideal for hat projects.
• Avoid itchiness: It’s essential to choose non-itchy options, especially if you have sensitive skin. Superwash wool is a great choice for its softness and machine-washable qualities, but be aware it might stretch more than traditional wool. Also, while mohair can provide warmth, it can be itchy in some brands.
• Color: Finally, think about colors that will complement your wardrobe and reflect your personal style. Neutral shades like gray, beige, and navy are versatile, while vibrant colors like teal and mustard can add a cheerful touch.

My choices: I’m planning to knit my first hat with Drops Merino Extra Fine in beige color (superwash merino wool, worsted weight). For a second option, I’m considering Drops Puna in off-white; I haven’t seen it in person yet, but I’ll let you know how soft it turns out to be! Another lovely option is Upcycled Alpaca Blend by Hobbii, which felt lovely in my swatch.

​

Mastering ribbing.

If you’re choosing a beanie design that features ribbing, you absolutely must check out Norman's video, “How to Knit Ribbings Neater: Tips for Perfecting Your Tension for ANY Knit-Purl Combination!”.

It’s a true game-changer, providing essential tips that not only enhance the appearance of your hat but are also invaluable for any ribbing - think sweater bottoms, necklines, and cuffs! You’ll discover how to tackle common ribbing challenges, ensuring your projects look polished and professional. Trust me, your knitting will thank you!

​

Choosing needles.

For small projects like hats, you have a couple of options: double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles. You can knit the entire hat using DPNs, or opt for circular needles with a long cable (at least 32 inches or 80 cm) to use the Magic Loop technique. If you’re unfamiliar with Magic Loop, you can check out this great tutorial for guidance.

While you can start with a shorter cable like 40 cm (16 inches), as you approach the crown decreases, you'll need to switch to DPNs or Magic Loop to manage the smaller stitch count effectively, just like with sweater or cardigan cuffs.

Okay, that’s everything you need to know about yarn and needles! Now, let’s dive into the tutorials. I’ve curated some fantastic video guides to help you get started on your beanie.

​

🎬 2x2 rib Beanie tutorial: Easy Rib Knit Hat Tutorial for New Knitters by B. Hooked Knitting.

This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to knit a 2x2 rib beanie, perfect for beginners! The video not only guides you through the basics but also provides a very accurate crown shaping with detailed explanations, ensuring your first hat looks fantastic.

Using worsted weight yarn, the tutorial offers two size options—small and large—ideal for teens and adults. Plus, there's a free pattern to follow!

Don’t forget to check out other hat patterns on the channel for more inspiration!

​

🎬 1x1 rib Beanie tutorial : How to Knit a Hat for Beginners with Circular Needles by Nimble Needles.​

In this fantastic video, Norman takes you through the process of knitting a beanie in five simple steps. You’ll gather essential materials, calculate the required stitch count based on head circumference, and learn to cast on using a tubular method.

The tutorial covers a one-by-one ribbing pattern, seamlessly joining stitches, and decreasing for a rounded crown.

Plus, it offers helpful finishing and troubleshooting tips to ensure a perfect fit.

​

🎬 1x1 rib Beanie tutorial: How to knit a beanie with circular needles STEP by STEP by Tommy’s sheep crochet and knitting.

 

I really enjoy this tutorial for its straightforward approach to crown decreases. Unlike previous tutorials that shape the hat more intricately, this one simplifies the process by having you knit three stitches together. The final result is still beautiful!

This design is very close to the hat I want to create. I plan to knit a swatch using my yarn with the tubular cast-on method that Norman teaches, then finish with the decreases from this tutorial.

​

📕 Stockinette stitch Beanie knitting pattern by Petite Knit.

I also explored Ravelry and found the Oslo Hat by Petite Knit, and I really liked it! This hat is knit in simple stockinette stitch and comes in two lovely versions: one with wool and another with a strand of mohair. It features a cozy double-folded edge for extra warmth and straightforward decreases for finishing.

You can use two thinner strands of fingering weight yarn as recommended in the pattern or substitute with one strand of DK/light worsted (just remember to swatch first). I plan to knit this hat next, but I'm not a fan of a wide brim - thankfully, it can easily be shortened!

​

❤️ I hope you found some inspiration and discovered helpful tips in this week's Esenote!

Warm regards,

Julia Piro

Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator.