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

This warm and squishy beanie will be your go-to cold weather beanie and you are sure to get many compliments each time you wear it. Just watch out for those who try to ‘borrow’ it ;)

There is also now an Earwarmer version. The Strata Band

Inspired by a folded layer technique (similar to that seen in the Full of Minis Hat), the Strata Beanie pattern will blow your mind!! Layers and layers of lushness using an old style pleat which means creating bands without having to fold over and pick up stitches! Yep, if you can knit, purl and slip a stitch then this is for you!

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.

Tips given in the notes section of the pattern for making into a ponytail beanie or making larger.

Knit as your main project or have as your ‘bit on the side’ and add to it as you get left over yarns from other projects.

The best part of this beanie though is deciding what colours to use. You will enjoy watching this grow.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Approx. 170g of DK weight yarn.

Yes, this is a lot of yarn for ‘just a beanie’ but you are getting a beanie which is triple layered by the nature of the slipped stitch lining and the pleated layers.

Have fun choosing your colours, this can be done in so many different ways.

For example, you can either use 19 individual minis/leftovers as below (this is based on my knitting tension as stated in the gauge section – don’t play yarn chicken, have a little extra if you can)

Brim 3 x 8g, Body 11 x 10g, Crown 1 x 9g, 1 x 7g, 1 x 5g and 2 x 3g

Or one the following might work for you. ~ Alternating bands from two balls of contrasting colours (no weaving of ends as you can just carry the dormant colour up - I wouldn’t recommend this with more than two balls).

~ No colour change – yep, even looks good using just one colourway throughout.

The only limit is your imagination or your stash (good excuse to shop though).

Needles and Notions

~ 3.50mm (US 4) 40cm circulars.

~ 4mm (US 6) 40cm circulars.

~ 4mm (US 6) DPN’s for working the decrease section.

~ 1 x beginning of round marker.

~ Tapestry needle (for sewing those dreaded ends in).

Skiils Needed

Just the basics … cast on, knit, purl, and slip stitches. German Twisted cast on is listed as the cast on technique (link to YouTube tutorial provided) but feel free to use another loose cast on of choice.

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!

Please see the post in newly formed Beanie Boat group where I address the visual similarity to another pattern, Full of Minis Hat. Construction process and pattern are not the same.

https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/beanie-boat/topics/4184132