The Retro Beanie

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Hat Description

Retro Beanie is a classic watch cap with a deep ribbed brim – worn folded up – and a stocking stitch crown with a cartwheel decrease pattern. It’s topped with a large pompom.

 

Pattern Availability

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Pattern Support

If you have a question about this pattern, pop it in a comment below. Sorry, but I’m unable to help with my free patterns or tutorials via email or private messages.

 

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Yarn

93 [115, 140, 160, 197, 229] yd/85 [105, 128, 146, 180, 210] m
90yd/82m for a 3in/7.5cm pompom
DK weight yarn

 

Needles & Notions

Set 3.75mm/UK9/US5 DPNs/Circular or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker as necessary
Tapestry needle

 

Sample Details

Shown in Wharfdale WoolWooks Alpaca Merino DK [215yd/197m per 100g; 50% Merino, 50% Alpaca]

Shown in size 20in/51cm on model with 19.5in/49.5cm circumference head

 

Gauge

20 sts x 28 rows to 4in/10cm on 3.75mm needles over St.St.

 

Sizes

To fit sizes: 14 [16, 18, 20, 22, 24] in/ 35.5 [40.75, 45.75, 51, 56, 61] cm
Finished size: 12.75 [14.5, 16, 17.5, 19.25, 20.75] in/ 32.5 [36.75, 40.75, 45.5, 48.75, 52.75] cm

Not sure which size to make? Check my handy size and measuring guide!

 

Skills Required

Alternate Cable Cast-on for 2×2 Ribbing
Knitting in the round
Increases and Decreases
Pompoms
Draw-through Bind-off
Blocking a Hand Knit Hat

 

Abbreviations

K: knit
P: purl
rpt: repeat
R/rnd(s): rounds
st(s): stitch(es)
k2tog: knit next 2 sts together

How To

Using Alternate Cable cast-on method for 2×2 rib, cast on 64 [72, 80, 88, 96, 104] sts.

Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.

 

Brim

Note: the 2×2 Alternate Cable cast-on provides the first 2 rounds of the brim and establishes the 2×2 rib.

Continue working in 2×2 rib (K2, P2) until work measures approximately 4 [4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5] in/ 10.25 [11.5, 12.75, 14, 15.25, 16.5] cm.

 

Body

Now work stocking stitch in the round, by knitting every stitch, until work measures approximately 7.5 [8.25, 9, 9.75, 10.5, 11.25] in/ 19 [21, 22.75, 24.75, 26.75, 28.5] cm from cast-on edge.

 

Crown

14in size jump to rnd 11, 16in size jump to rnd 9, 18in size jump to rnd 7, 20in size jump to rnd 5, 22in size jump to rnd 3, 24in size start at rnd 1.

Rnd 1: *K11, k2tog; rpt from * to end [96 sts]

Rnd 2 & all even rnds: Knit all sts

Rnd 3: *K10, k2tog; rpt from * to end [88 sts]

Rnd 5: *K9, k2tog; rpt from * to end [80 sts]

Rnd 7: *K8, k2tog; rpt from * to end [72 sts]

Rnd 9: *K7, k2tog; rpt from * to end [64 sts]

Rnd 11: *K6, k2tog; rpt from * to end [56 sts]

Rnd 13: *K5, k2tog; rpt from * to end [48 sts]

Rnd 15: *K4, k2tog; rpt from * to end [40 sts]

Rnd 17: *K3, k2tog; rpt from * to end [32 sts]

Rnd 19: *K2, k2tog; rpt from * to end [24 sts]

Rnd 21: *K1, k2tog; rpt from * to end [16 sts]

Rnd 23: *k2tog; rpt from * to end [8 sts]

Break yarn and thread through remaining 8sts, tighten to close.

 

Pompom

Cut 2 pieces measuring 3in/7.5cm diameter from thin cardboard. Then cut an inner circle measuring approximately 1.5in/3.75cm. Placing the two pieces of card together, wrap the yarn through the centre and around the outer circle, continuing in this manner until all the card is covered. Continue wrapping the yarn until either the centre hole has closed or all the yarn has been used.

Carefully cut the yarn along the edge of the circle to reveal the covered card. Cut all of the yarn, then tie a knot between the two layers off card, effectively tying all the pieces of yarn together, before removing the card. Trim pompom before attaching securely to the Hat.

 

Finishing

Weave in all ends and block as required.

Need Help With This Pattern?

If you’ve a question about this pattern, please pop it in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! I’m afraid I’m unable to offer help via email or private message, but you’re welcome to post in our forum.

 

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Woolly Wormhead

Woolly Wormhead is an internationally reknowned knit designer, specialising in Hats, technique and construction. Their patterns and techniques have been used by thousands of knitters worldwide. Join The Woolly Hat Society to be the first to learn of their latest projects and special offers!

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