Beanie Season
Beanie season is still gong strong! In addition to all the socks I have also been knitting quite a few beanies this winter - and yes, there are still some from the previous year too that I haven’t yet gotten quite ready. But today we are celebrating the two lovely finished beanies that are ready to jump onto your knitting needles!
This post and these newly released hats are all about two-by-two ribbing—the soothing rhythmic sequence of two knit stitches, two purl stitches over and over again. I combined these two designs in a little booklet: 2 X 2 Beanies, so you get them at slightly discounted price at all times. That way you can enjoy both these two-by-two beanies without having to choose! They have similar elements but are in the end quite different.
Both patterns in this booklet explore the beauty of this ribbed fabric through different shapes, constructions, and fiber combinations. Whether worked from the top down or brim up, each beanie is designed with versatility and wearability in mind. Knit with soft, plump merino for a crisp, defined rib or blend it with airy mohair for a halo of warmth and luxury. Play with single strands for light and breathable beanies or hold yarns together for extra coziness.
Whether you prefer a snug fisherman’s cap, a slouchy beanie, or a lightweight transitional piece, these hats are for every season and every knitter. They are made to be worn, loved, and maybe even borrowed indefinitely by a friend or family member.
First we have Midnight Beanie. Celebrating the denser fabric and more decorative crown shaping. The decreases do remind me of little cables and I adore how the folding shaping gives this crown a little bit more structure, while looking really pretty. I also used a combination of three yarns held together for this one: two strands of Silk Mohair and one strand of light fingering weight merino. What a dream combo.
I have knitted the Midnight Beanie twice already. Once with a deep blue colour combination, that also gave the name to the beanie. Love it more than I could ever have imagined. My second one was a hot pink version, but I’m still not quite sure if I like this pink I chose or not. Somehow it’s a bit too dull to my taste - if you can say such a thing about a hot pink beanie.
Second pattern in this e-book is my Double Bounce Beanie, an ode to making the most out of the yarn you happen to have. This beanie is worked from the crown down, or top down, whatever way you like to describe it. The quick setup of increases are followed by many hours of easy ribbing. This direction of knitting also gives you the opportunity to try your hat on while you knit, to ensure the perfect fit.
The fabric on Double Bounce is quite different from Midnight Beanie. Even though the gauge is very similar (30 stitches to 4” or 10 cm), the feel of the tension is very different. Holding 3 strands together versus two strands does make a completely different feel. When choosing to work these beanies in just single yarn, I’d suggest that you look for a heavier yarn for the Midnight (even to aran weight) and lighter for Double Bounce (maybe go for a light DK).
Winter made a comeback here in Southern Finland yesterday, making today definitely still a beanie weather! And if the season of beanies is nearing the end on your corner of the world, just remember that winter is coming!