Phew! It has been a while since I have made a blog post. I can almost see the cobwebs accumulating on this page. But, I really only use this as an outlet when I have something to say on current events or when I want to post a free pattern for you guys. I hope I haven't gotten myself in trouble posting my unfiltered opinions (sweatdrop).
I describe myself as a knit and crochet designer, and it has occurred to me for a while that I haven't posted any knit patterns. To be fair, I have designed them, they just keep getting pushed back in favor of crochet patterns that are more seasonal. So, I wanted to post a very simple hat pattern for free that I designed to use up all the Lion Brand Thick & Quick that is in my stash right now.
I am in the midst of designing my first crochet sweater pattern and am currently on night float, so I am a little pressed for time. But I didn't want to let a month go by without sharing another pattern and picking a simple one that wouldn't need pattern testing or take much time seemed like a good idea. Also, if you are anything like me, you may need a quick Christmas pattern because you have procrastinated.
The Inspiration
Do you ever have that one skein of super bulky yarn that you love but don't know what to do with? I find myself in this situation a lot and I try not to let it lure me into buying more yarn for a project. So, I wanted to come up with a one skein wonder to fix this problem. A few years ago, my sister and her husband were visiting and the weather changed to winter overnight. That's just Ohio weather. You learn to live with it.
So I wanted to make them something to keep them warm on their travels. Thick & Quick is great for speedy projects and I was able to make him a hat within a few hours. I had some left over and it has been sitting in the stash, just waiting to be used. This year, I'm really trying to whittle down my stash and this half skein was first up on the chopping block. I wanted to experiment with a brimless beanie because I didn't have a full skein and wanted to challenge myself. Almost every time I try to knit a brimless beanie, it rolls up on me. So I did what I think is becoming my thing: I went up a few needle sizes.
There's nothing very special about this pattern, which is why I am releasing it for free. But I think it is a good way for beginners to practice the two basic stitches, knit and purl, while challenging themselves by working in the round. Because this uses the 1x1 rib, it is very stretchy and forgiving with regards to sizing. And it is very customizable in its simplicity. My favorite part, is you should be able to get 2 hats out of one skein. That means little to no waste!
I originally wanted to call this the basic brimless beanie, but there were a lot of variations of that. So, being a sciencey person, I decided to go with the Basal Layer Beanie. It is the bottom layer of skin from which the more complicated cell lines originate. So I hope its a mildly challenging beginner pattern that sparks a desire for more complex work.
The Pattern
I'm back at it, roping my friends into modeling my hats. But you can't argue results. He looks like a snack and a half.
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Yarn
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky 6)
Approx 80 grams or 50 yards
Colorway: Granite
You can find it HERE.
Hooks
US 15 circular knitting needle (10mm) with a 16 inch cord
US 15 double pointed knitting needles (dpns)
Other Materials
Stitch Marker
Measuring Tape
Blunt Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Gauge
12 sts = 4"
14 rows = 4"
Finished size
Teen to Adult
Height: 8.5"
Width: 15" circumference (unstretched)
Abbreviations
K - knit
P - purl
K2tog - knit 2 together
P2tog - purl 2 together
Notes
This hat is made to fit like a skullcap beanie and is very stretchy, so it will fit a variety of head sizes. If you would like a slouchier hat, work more rows before the crown shaping.
This pattern is worked in the round in a 1x1 rib. When decreasing for the crown shaping, switch to dpns when you have too few stitches to continue with the circular needles.
Pattern
Using the long tail method, cast on 42 sts.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Mark the end of round with a stitch marker.
Row 1-21: K1, P1 around making sure to slip the marker between rows. (42)
Row 22: K2tog, p2tog, k1, p1 (28)
Row 23: K1, P1 around (28)
Row 24: SSK, K2tog around (14)
Row 25: K1, P1 around (14)
Row 26: K2tog around (7)
Cut yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail. Use tapestry needle to gather remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the crown. I also like to place one knot when I'm done.
Finishing:
Weave in ends.
Consider adding a yarn or fur pom-pom.
If you have any questions about the pattern or notice any errors, feel free to comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Copyright The Crafty MD, 2020 All Rights Reserved.
Feel free to make and sell items from this pattern in small quantities, but please give credit and link to my page. Do not sell, distribute, or reproduce the pattern.
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