My First Project, A Beanie!

As a first project it seems like a lot, but it’s really not. When you’re done you feel like you can make just about anything because knitting starts to make much more sense! There are two ways to make a beanie.  One is from the top to the bottom, and the other way is to do exactly the opposite.  I started from bottom to top. It’s much easier when beginning to knit or re-teach oneself to knit. Most patterns will require you to start at the bottom. 

These are the beanies I made. I bought the yarn at Wal-Mart and had enough of it to make three beanies.  It is all one string of yarn; the colors change every few inches on the string so it has a cool effect once you knit with it.  Like camouflage.

This beanie pattern is from my grandma; it’s the same one she uses. I don’t know which book it came from, but it’s called “Rib Stitch Cap” on pg. 32 and 33.  This beanie is a great first-time project.  It will teach you most things you need to know about knitting overall.

“Rib Stitch Cap” Pattern

You will need: 3 ounces of any color yarn. 1 pair of No. 8 or No. 10 needles to obtain appropriate gauge.  As a first time knitter, just pay attention to how loose or tight you knit and get your rhythm.  I learned about proper gauge much later, and for this beanie pattern it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have it exactly right.

Gauge:  6 sts = 1 inch; 11 rows = 2 inches.

Starting at the end of the yarn measure about 2.25 yards of yarn

Cast On: 84 sts.

Row 1: *k1, p1.  Do not do first row too tight or it will have trouble going over someone’s head. Repeat from * across. Repeat this row for the rib pattern until piece measures 11 inches. (May be shorter according to the type of beanie you want to make, stop whenever you want).

Begin Shaping Top –

Row 1: *k2, k2 tog.  Repeat from * across – 63 sts on the needle.

Row 2:  Purl across

Row 3: *k1, k2 tog. Repeat from * across – 42 sts.

Row 4:  Purl across

Row 5:  Repeat Row 3 – 28 sts.

Row 6:  Purl across

Row 7: *k2 tog. Repeat from * across – 14 sts.

Row 8:  Purl across

Break off yarn, leaving a 16 inch length.  Thread the length into a blunt-pointed needle, draw it through all sts and pull up tightly.  Secure firmly with a few sts, then sew edges together for back seam.  (See “Mattress Stitch” on my blog) Fasten off. And you're done :)