I designed this beanie in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. One action and one pattern alone cannot break down the systemic racism that centuries of history have embedded in our lives, but it can help raise awareness. It can serve as a reminder to speak up, to check our privilege, to reevaluate the small ways we allow racism to affect our lives on a daily basis. Members of the BIPOC community, I am listening. I am working to educate myself and make changes in my own life. I stand in solidarity with you.

Although this pattern is available for free, I am asking that if you have the means to do so, in lieu of the several dollars you might otherwise spend on a beanie pattern, you consider making a small donation to an organization involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. This way, instead of making this a paid pattern and donating the profits to a specific BLM organization of my choice, you can choose to donate to a group in your own community, or wherever you see the greatest need.

After reading about the horrific circumstances of George Floyd’s death, my initial reaction was to mute myself. To remain quiet so other voices could be heard. To listen to their messages and use them to educate myself. I convinced myself that my small business, with its relatively small following, did not have the ability to truly make a difference by taking a stand against systemic racism. But something so tragically entrenched in our society cannot be removed overnight. It requires millions of people to take small steps towards justice and equality. I am not claiming to be ahead of anyone else in the long process of reevaluating our views. I am not pretending that racism has not played a role in shaping my own life, probably more times than I will ever know. All I am doing is hoping that by releasing this pattern, by using my platform and limited influence in a way that demands awareness of this issue, I can prompt at least a few individuals to take that first step with me.

Skills required: stranded colorwork, working in the round, purling, skipped stitches, basic increase and decrease stitches

Materials required:
~100 yds/91 m worsted weight white yarn
~20 yds/18 m worsted weight black yarn
Size US 8 (5 mm) 16”/41 cm circular/ long circular/dpns
Darning needle
Stitch markers (optional, for 16”/41 cm circular)
Optional: Faux fur pom pom/10 yds (9m) extra white yarn for yarn pom pom

I love seeing items made from my patterns! Please share your finished BLM beanies with me on Ravelry or tag me on Instagram @knitthestars!