Knit beanie tutorial
Dive into the world of knitting with our beginner-friendly guide to crafting your very own beanie.
This tutorial and pattern break down the process into simple, manageable steps, complete with a detailed pattern and essential tips for using worsted-weight yarn and double-pointed needles.
If you’re new to knitting or looking to brush up on your skills, this project is the perfect starting point to create a warm, stylish beanie to add to your winter wardrobe.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (approximately 200 yards)
- Set of size 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) (you will need 4 needles)
- Yarn needle
Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
Size
Adult (one size fits most)
Instructions
Ribbing (brim)
- Cast on 70 stitches (separate the stitches between 3 double-pointed needles: 25, 25, 20)
- Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
- Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
- Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 5 inches (5 cm).
Body
Knit 4 rows.
Purl 4 rows.
Knit 4 rows.
Purl 4 rows.
Knit 4 rows.
Purl 4 rows.
Knit 4 rows.
Purl 4 rows.
Decrease rounds: the crown
Round 1: Knit 8, K2tog, all the way around
Round 2: Knit 7, K2tog, all the way around
Round 3: Knit 6, K2tog, all the way around
Round 4: Knit 5, K2tog, all the way around
Round 5: Knit 4, K2tog, all the way around
Round 6: Knit 3, K2tog, all the way around
Round 7: Knit 2, K2tog, all the way around
Round 8: Knit 1, K2tog, all the way around
Round 9: K2tog, all the way around
Finishing
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Thread the yarn through a yarn needle and slide it through the remaining stitches on the needles. Pull tight to close the top of the beanie.
- Weave in all loose ends using a yarn needle.
Knit beanie tutorials
These three YouTube videos will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Knitting video tutorials
Here is a collection of video tutorials on the basic techniques you will need to get started on your knit beanie.
Knowing how to cast on, knit, and purl are the foundational skills of knitting, acting as the essential building blocks from which all knitting projects are created. Here’s why mastering these three techniques can empower you to knit virtually anything:
- Casting On is the very first step in any knitting project, where you create the initial loops on the needle. This technique sets the stage for your work, determining the width of your project and serving as the foundation for all subsequent stitches. Once you’re comfortable with casting on, you can start any knitting project with confidence.
- The Knit Stitch is one of the two primary stitches in knitting. It’s versatile and forms the basis of the fabric. By mastering the knit stitch, you can create endless textures and patterns, even with this stitch alone. Projects like scarves, blankets, and simple sweaters can be made using just the knit stitch, showcasing its versatility.
- The Purl Stitch is the second primary stitch and the inverse of the knit stitch. Learning to purl opens up a world of texture and pattern possibilities, allowing you to create ribbing, moss stitch, and more. The ability to alternate between knit and purl stitches is the key to most knitting patterns, enabling you to create complex fabrics and designs.
With just these three skills, a knitter can embark on endless projects.
They allow for the exploration of various textures, patterns, and shapes, making it possible to knit an infinite array of items.
As you grow more comfortable with these techniques, you’ll find that they are not just the basics but also the gateway to unlocking the full potential of knitting as a craft.
Cast-on tutorial
Knit stitch tutorial
Purl stitch tutorial
Knit decrease tutorial
Finally, learning to decrease is necessary for making a beanie because it allows you to shape the top of the hat so that it fits snugly on the head.
Beanies typically start with a wider circumference to comfortably fit around the forehead and then gradually decrease in size as they approach the crown.
Decrease stitches work by reducing the number of stitches in a row or round, which narrows the fabric.
In the context of a beanie, strategic decreases are placed in specific intervals to evenly reduce the circumference of the hat as you knit towards the top.
Without these decreases, the beanie would not have the dome shape that sits comfortably on the head; instead, it would just be a tube-shaped piece of fabric.
As you cast off the final stitches of your new beanie, take a moment to appreciate the skill and creativity you’ve poured into this project.
This tutorial was designed to guide beginners through the rewarding journey of knitting, from casting on your first stitch to the satisfying completion of your own handmade beanie.
We hope this guide has ignited a passion for knitting within you, encouraging you to explore more patterns and projects.
Happy knitting, and may your beanie keep you warn on your adventures!
What do I need to start knitting?
| Knitting basic: | Where to get it? |
| Knitting needles | Knit Picks Knitting Needles |
| Scissors | Steeking Scissors |
| Stitch markers | Quick Locking Stitch Markers Set |
| Tapestry needle | Large Wooden Tapestry Needle |
| Measuring tape | Knit Picks Measuring Tape 72-inch |
| Knitting gauge | Knitting Gauge Swatch Ruler |
