Monday, October 8, 2012

Free Knitting Pattern: Easy Chunky Knit Beanie Hat

Are temperatures cooling down where you are? Here in Missouri we have actually had a frost overnight for the past two days! It's definitely time to start bundling up in some cute and cozy accessories. Today I'm sharing a free knitting pattern for a basic beanie hat. Using chunky yarn, this hat knits up really quickly, and is sure to keep you or a friend cozy this fall and winter! I've included instructions for both a men's and women's beanie below...




MATERIALS NEEDED:


Gauge: 2 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch

Note: Always check your gauge! Knit a small swatch with the yarn and needles you plan to use. If you have a different number of stitches per inch, change your needles size or cast on more (or fewer) stitches.

PATTERN:

Basic instructions given are for a women's beanie; instructions for a men's beanie are given in brackets. Note: Round 6 for the men's hat is different, and is written below the instruction for the women's. 

Cast on 39 stitches [43 stitches for men's] on circular needle.





In order to join seamlessly, first be sure your stitches are not twisted on the circular needle. Slip 1st cast on stitch onto opposite needle. Pass last cast on stitch over this stitch, and pull tight. (You'll have reduced by one stitch.) Begin knitting pattern below:

Rounds 1-5: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.



Round 6: yo, knit 19, yo, knit 19. (Increased to 40 stitches.)
        Men's Round 6: yo, knit 14, yo, knit 14, yo, knit 14. (Increased to 45 stitches.)

Rounds 7-17 [20]: Knit around.

Round 18 [21]: *k2tog, k3, repeat from * to end of round. (Decreased to 32 [36] stitches.)

Round 19 [22]: Knit around.

Round 20 [23]: *k2tog, k2, repeat from * to end of round. (Decreased to 24 [27] stitches.)

Round 21 [24]: Switch to double pointed needles. Knit around.

Round 22 [25]: *k2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round. (Decreased to 16 [18] stitches.)

Round 23 [26]: Knit around.

Round 24 [27]: k2tog around. (Decreased to 8 [9] stitches.)

Round 25 [28]: k2tog around (Decreased to 4 [5] stitches.)

Cut yarn and draw through remaining stitches. Pull tight, and weave in ends.

Optional: Add a cute and fluffy pom pom to finish your hat :)



Your hat is finished! Now you have a simple, cute and cozy beanie for fall and winter. Please let me know in the comments if you have questions -- I'm available to help!

**Please feel free to share and link to this pattern, but do not redistribute or produce items from this pattern for commercial use.**

Also, find this beanie here in my shop (and here with a pom pom) if you're not a knitter!
-Megan

P.S. Check out this giveaway at 20 Best 20 for winner's choice of scarf, cowl, or hat



P.P.S. Check out this giveaway at Violet's Buds for a huge autumn prize that includes a set of my knit pumpkins!











15 comments:

  1. nice pattern! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. This hat is way too small and looks no where near what the hat in the pic looks like! Thanks for killing hours of my life that I can never get back!

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    Replies
    1. Sara,
      So sorry to hear that your hat turned out too small! Did you use a super bulky yarn like Lion Hometown? Also, it's always a good idea to knit a small swatch beforehand to check your gauge. If you are not getting 2 stitches per inch, use a bigger needle size, or cast on more stitches. Every knitter varies when it comes to gauge, which can definitely affect how your project turns out!

      Best,
      Megan

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    2. THis is very disappointing. I think either the wrong pattern or picture were posted ofr this hat. I followed the directions very carefully and went back over them again and again to see if I had done something wrong. I checked the gauge with a swatch before hand, etc.. as you recommend above. The hat is not only too small, but the stitches also look different from the photo shown. Please review the pattern for yourself and you'll see. Thank you.

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  3. Megan, is there any way to avoid the holes created by the yarn overs?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Aubrey,
      Whenever I use yarn overs as increases, I always go back at the end of the project and pull the surrounding stitches a little tighter (often I make these adjustments all over the project just to fix stitches that are too tight or too loose). If that still leaves spaces that are too big for your liking, you can also try using a different increase -- either a kfb (knit the front and back of the next stitch) or a m1 (make one by lifting the yarn between the stitches onto the left needle and knitting it). Both of these create smaller gaps... hope that helps!

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  4. Thank you, your advice was perfect!

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  5. Just tried out your pattern! Knits up quickly. I made it on two needles because I did not have a circular one in sz 10. The hat did turn out a bit short, because I like mine to cover my ears completely (I live in MinnneSNOWta :D). Anyway, easy fix since I added 2 rows of single crochet at the end :)
    the5cees.blogspot.com

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  7. For anyone who tried this pattern and were disappointed because it was too small..... I used the pattern to knit the hat for my husband. I used the directions for the MEN'S hat, and, at rounds 7-20, I added another 5 rows. Then, I continued with the directions from "Round 21 to the end.

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  8. Thank you for sharing the pattern. Some advice for those who are going to use the same pattern though. If you are going to use Lion Brand Thick and quick, cast on 60 stitches instead of 39. When I followed the pattern (to the t) the hat was so small, it wouldn't fit my 3 yo, who is still in size 2t clothing. When doing the increase, I recommend doing an invisible increase instead, if you yo you will have two holes (eyelets) in your hat. You will do as she did, invisible increase at the beginning and then an increase in the middle (so increase and then k 30 and increase and knit 30). When building the body, I reccommend knitting until the piece is 6-8 inches long..depending on the size of your head. Over all though, this pattern gives you an idea of what to do and makes a good reference point.

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  10. This pattern will make an awesome and fast pussyhat!!
    Just knit 8" : *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
    Then start knitting 8" in stockinette.
    Close the pussyhat with the kitchener stitch (check via youtube) for an invisible seam.
    THANK YOU for the awesome pattern!
    Namaste

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    Replies
    1. What a nice tip; thank you for sharing such a great idea for an alteration!

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