When I published my octopus cowl and octopus yoked sweater, several people wrote to me and requested an octopus beanie. My aim was to produce something a little bit quirky which would make people smile - and so the anthropomorphic octopus was born!

The hat has a half-ribbed lining which is tucked inside, so as to give a snug fit around the ears.

Any fingering weight yarn will work for this beanie. I chose a baby wool for softness as it is in contact with the wearer’s face (though you could just use a different softer yarn for the lining).

You will need 2 contrasting colours - around 50 g/ 165 m/ 180 yards/ of each shade.

I used a 2.25 mm / US size 1 / UK 13 circular needle.

The finished hat is 33 cm (13 inches) tall and 48 cm (19 inches) in circumference.