“Earning your turns” in the backcountry is all about finding your own way up the mountain - there is a simple elegance to leaving an aesthetic winding trail in the snow as you climb. This sidewinder beanie pattern uses strategically slipped stitches to capture the effect of ski/snowshoe tracks and pole prints in the snow. The repeating pattern advances by one stitch each round, creating a clever spiral sidewinder pattern with the slipped stitches.

It is written for both bulky and super bulky weight yarns. Malabrigo Mecha and Malabrigo Rasta are great choices here; the colour depth of these hand-dyed merino yarns complements the texture of the pattern.

Video tutorials are included for each special stitch used, so it is suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters.

Pattern has been written for BOTH bulky and super bulky weight yarns.

Method:
Knit in the round, bottom up.

Skill Level:
Intermediate
Video links included.

Sizes:
extra-small, small, medium, large - covers most requirements from child, youth to adult.

Materials:
Bulky / chunky (weight 5) merino yarn
5mm (US 8, UK 6), 40cm (16”) circular needles

6mm (US 10, UK 4), 40cm (16”) circular needles

Super bulky / super chunky (weight 6) merino yarn
9mm (US 13, UK 00), 40cm (16”) circular needles
10mm (US 15, UK 000), 40cm (16”) circular needles

Other items:
Stitch markers
DPNs = double pointed needles (optional)
Cable needle / spare DPN (optional)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Faux fur pom pom (optional)

Thank you for joining me on this knitting adventure!