This design is the follow-up to free beanie patterns I have made available these past years. In those patterns, an emblem or medallion in square-kufic Arabic is tilted at an angle against a stranded color work striped background.

Working a bit backwards, I’ve patterned up a motif-less design worked in worsted weight yarn—going from my more graphic hats to one which is, at the base level, generic stripes. I’m enamored of this method of stranded colorwork with two strands of yarn that act as a backdrop as it were for an eventual pattern, but which also hold up nicely on their own. I see resonances with what is referred to as Armenian knitting, as well as twined (or two-end) knitting.

In working up this pattern, I wanted to start with something in a natural fiber, on the cheaper side, and quick to knit up. I started playing with Léttlopi which has its own unique characteristics, depending on gauge. Here I’ve gone up to 4.5 (US 7) and 5.5 mm (US 9) needles which produce a really lovely and drape-y fabric; yet very sturdy and quite warm besides.

My other goal was to set up a pattern with three repeat sections, of 16, 18, and 20 stitches. Repeating these sections anywhere from 4 to 7 times gives a range of 64 to 140 stitches. The pattern can be knit up “plain” as just stripes, but it also allows for any stranded colorwork pattern to be used. In the samples I show here, I am using an 8 x 8–stitch motif that is found in traditional Palestinian kufiyyeh (headscarf) patterns; in another a traditional Palestinian motif from the embroidery realm; and in another, a pattern from the book Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel (see suggested references for inspiration on page 14).

In terms of the knitting itself, the double layering of worsted-weight yarn creates a sturdy 
yet supple and flexible fabric. In my patterns, I focus on a variety of yarns across a spectrum of both material as well as cost entry points to show that plastic clothing isn’t an obligation, contrary to its marketing and glut of fabrication. The emphasis on natural fibers here for me stands as a testament of faith; a manifestation of our humanity and our role as integral caretakers of this planet. I am reflecting here my own goal to transition to a local fibershed.

Included in this document are knitting charts showing 16-, 18-, and 20-stitch repeats. Working with the table in the addendum on page 15 will help you arrive at a hat size. Changing needle size/yarn weight will also allow for size variety here; beanies at the suggested gauge can be found in the samples section on page 13. Personally, I prefer beanies that fit snugly to the head; there is not too much slouchiness probable, though quite possible given further material exploration. Added to that the possibilities for color and pattern variation, and I think this beanie pattern had endless potential to explore. And that I will leave up to you! Happy knitting!