Make sure you’re following @beanieboat on Facebook and/or Instagram as that’s where I always announce the code for new release freebies. Happy Knitting. x

Up, up and away …

A beautiful, lightweight, slouchy beanie that has a body pattern reminiscent of a hot air balloon and finishes up with a subtle ‘starburst’ on the crown.

You will be creating an inner layer earwarmer, a two colour corrugated rib brim and a simple stranded colourwork beanie.

Written in full with handy progress check boxes, so you can keep a visual track of where you are. You might feel like you’re playing bingo.

Materials Needed

Yarn

DK ~ 50g each in a colour A and B

Be sure to choose two colours that are highly contrasting. You can check this by taking a black and white photo.

I would not suggest using a fully acrylic yarn as you will struggle to have success when blocking due to the nature of acrylic yarns.

Needles and Notions

~ 3.50mm (US 4) & 4mm (US 6) 40cm circulars. ~ 4mm (US 6) DPN’s for working the crown section. ~ 5 x stitch markers (be sure one is distinctly different for BOR). ~ Tapestry needle (for sewing those dreaded ends in) ~ Balloon for blocking. Yes, really.

Skills Needed

~ Long tail cast on ~ Picking up cast on edge stitches ~ Knit, purl and knitting two together ~ Decreasing (special instructions given)

Gauge and Size

22 sts x 28 rows over 10cm x 10cm (4 inch square) using 4mm needles and stocking stitch.

Measurements when blocked :

~ Width (brim) ~ 8 inches ~ Width (body) ~ 9 inches ~ Height (cast on to crown top) ~ 8.5 inches

Blocking is ESSENTIAL for this beanie. It is worth the time to let it sit for 24 hours after you’ve spent the hours making it. You won’t regret it.

One more thing …

If you like the look of this pattern it would be a huge help to me if you would give it a like. Your support of my little dream is so appreciated. Every ‘like’ helps and it’s a known fact I do a tiny happy dance each time I get a notification. I am a terrible dancer!