Sharpei is a modern take on the classic flat-topped beanie with a wide, folded brim. The hat is knitted from the top down, and uses interesting and fun techniques.

SIZES
1 (2, 3)

Recommended ease: 0–1” / 0–2.5 cm of negative ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 20.5 (22.25, 24)“ / 51 (55.5, 60) cm.
Height (Full Length): Approx. 10 (10.75, 10.75)” / 25.5 (27.5, 27) cm.
Height (with Brim Folded): 7 (7.25, 7.25)“ / 17.5 (18.5, 18.5) cm.

MATERIALS
Yarn: 2 skeins of Ecopuno by Lana Grossa (72% cotton, 17% virgin wool, 11% alpaca, 235 yds / 215 m – 50 g), colourway 20 Light Green.

2 skeins of Silkhair by Lana Grossa (70% mohair, 30% silk, 230 yds / 210 m – 25 g), colourway 105 Grey Green.

The yarns are held together throughout the pattern (either double or triple).

Or approx. 371 (435, 470) yds / 339 (398, 430) m of fingering-weight yarn and 362 (425, 459) yds / 331 (389, 420) m of lace-weight yarn or any yarn you obtain gauge with.

Alternative yarn suggestions for fingering-weight yarn are for example Bio Balance by BC Garn and Sunday by Sandnes Garn. Alternative yarn suggestions for lace-weight yarn are for example Silky Kid by Kremke Soul Wool and Tynn Silk Mohair by Sandnes Garn.

Needles: US 6 / 4 mm circular nee­dles or DPNs (for main pattern), US 8 / 5 mm circular needles (for the horizontal plissés). An extra US 6 / 4 mm circular needles, or smaller (for knitting down the brim).

GAUGE
18 sts x 30 rnds to 4” / 10 cm in St St with US 6 / 4 mm needles using 2 strands of Ecopuno and 1 strand of Silkhair held tog (3 strands in total), after blocking.

17 sts x 9 plissés to 4” / 10 cm in plissé structure with US 8 / 5 mm needles using 1 strand of Ecopuno and 1 strand of Silkhair held tog (2 strands in total), after blocking.

CONSTRUCTION
This beanie is knitted from the top down. You will cast on stitches using a ‘magic ring’ known mostly from the crochet world. Next, eight stitch markers are placed to point out where to increase. Later, a German Short Row turn is made and the beanie is then worked in Reverse Stockinette Stitch. For the horizontal plissés, you will change needle size and continue to work with two instead of 3 strands of yarn held together.