A simple, everyday hat for children and adults. Picot edges and hidden rib layers make for a well-fitting beanie that’s as easy to knit as it is to wear. The world is certainly not ‘Better Now’ (because umm… 2020) but a rainy day is definitely better with a nice beanie.

All winter accessory patterns are £3 individually or £5 for any 2, no code necessary.

SIZING
to fit head 16-18 (18-20; 20-22; 21-23; 22-24) inches / 41-46 (46-51; 51-56; 53-38; 56-61) cm

CHOOSING SIZES: Samples shown are Size 4 on a 22.5” / 57 cm head. Sizes 1-3 roughly correspond to childs’ sizes and sizes 4 & 5 adults’, but choose a size based on the head circumference. The pattern includes optional increases to accommodate voluminous hair without increasing the brim size.

YARN: DK weight yarn, 105 (140; 183; 210; 239) metres / 115 (153; 200; 230; 261) yards total.

You will need approximately 94 (128; 169; 196; 224) metres / 103 (140; 185; 214; 245) yards of the main colour, and 11 (12; 14; 14; 15) metres / 12 (13; 15; 16; 16) yards of the contrast colour.

Main colour yarns used in samples: Juno Fibre Arts Sirius DK (discontinued), Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (discontinued).

NEEDLES & NOTIONS: 3.75mm needle(s) of your preferred length for working small circumferences. Sizes 3, 4, & 5 will be able to work the main body of the hat on a 16” circular, however sizes 1 & 2 will need to use magic loop or DPNs. All sizes will need magic loop or DPNs for the crown shaping.

You will also need 4 lockable / removable stitch markers, 1 different marker for the beginning of round, and a tapestry needle.

GAUGE: 23 sts and 31 rounds to 4” / 10cm in stocking stitch on 3.75mm needle, blocked.

YARN CHOICES: any DK weight yarn will work for the main body of the hat; the only fibre I wouldn’t recommend using is 100% cotton, as the hat will likely fall out of shape. Combining yarns such as 4ply held with laceweight mohair should also work well.
For the contrast picot trims, I would recommend choosing a crisp yarn with little to no fuzz for the best effect. Cotton, acrylic, or bamboo yarns work particularly well for this, and the fibre content won’t affect the overall shape of the hat. Since so little of the contrast is required this is ideal for using yarn scraps and leftovers.

I LOVE seeing people knit my patterns and make them their own - if you could tag @lilykatemakes and #BetterNowBeanie on Instagram that would be great!