For a hat both warm and quick, we love Rowan Big Wool. It’s a woolly mammoth of a yarn at two and a half stitches to the inch (there’s the quick) and 100% merino wool (there’s the warm). We’ve chosen a mellow palette of colors—calm neutrals and a pretty bright.

Warm weather seems to be a long way off. Mornings are frosty, the wind is chilly, the cold is nipping at our nose and ears… Well, we can take care of that! This basic beanie in a bulky wool will be on your head in—if not a few hours—a few nights of knitting. It’s a free pattern, so all you need to do is pick a color and then decide what sort of brim you’d like—the casual, rolled edge featured here? Or maybe a short band of ribbing? Up to you!

YARN
1 skein Rowan Big Wool (87 yds/80m each). Sample shown in color 83 Cactus with ribbed edge.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 15 (10mm) 16” circular & double-point needles, or size to obtain gauge.
US 13 (9mm) 16” circular needle, or one size smaller than needle used to obtain gauge.
5 stitch markers, 1 in a different color.
Darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
10 sts = 4” in Stockinette Stitch.