The Polka Dot Purls Beanie is my first written pattern! I wrote it and graded it a couple of years ago, and then never published it. I have finally decided to make it available for free, and I hope you enjoy this adorable, simple, and free polka dot beanie!
The Polka Dot Purls Beanie is a bottom-up hat with a subtle texture designed to highlight the delicate color shifts of Manos del Uruguay Fino yarn. Navajo-plying, or chain-plying, is used as you knit to transform fingering weight yarn into chunky weight, which results in a unique play on color with every stitch. A simple stitch pattern interrupts stockinette every few rounds to form polka dots in this relaxing and joyful knit.
Skills
Knit
Purl
Knit 2 Together
Knitting in the round
Navajo-plying, or chain-plying (please refer to this tutorial by Stephen West)
Sizing
Baby (Toddler, Child, Tween) [Adult]
Finished Measurements
Circumference: 13 (15, 17, 19) [20.5]”/33 (38, 43, 48) [52]cm
Choose a size with 1-2” (3-5cm) negative ease.
Gauge
17 stitches and 28 rows over 4”/10cm in pattern stitch on 5mm (US8) needles in the round on larger needles, blocked
Materials
Yarn
180 (270, 340, 380) [430] yards semi-solid or tonal fingering weight yarn
Sample shown in Manos del Uruguay Fino in ‘Chemise’ (70% extrafine merino/30% silk, 490 yards per 3.5oz/100g skein)
Needles
Preferred needles for working a small circumference in the round (DPNs, 1 long circular, 2 short circulars, or shorties) in sizes 4mm/US 6 and 5mm/US 8, or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions
Scissors
7 (8, 9, 10) [11] Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
k knit
k2tog knit 2 together
p purl
pm place marker
sm slip marker
st(s) stitch(es)
Written Instructions
Important: Throughout the entire pattern, use the Navajo-plying, or chain-plying, technique to transform 1 strand of fingering weight yarn into 3 strands, resulting in a chunky weight yarn.
Refer to the final page of the free PDF for a chart if you would prefer.
Brim
With smaller needles, cast on 56 (64, 72, 80) [88] stitches and join to work in the round. Take care not to twist the cast on stitches.
Brim Rows: k2, p2 around
Repeat until brim measures 1 (1.5, 1.5, 1.5) [2]” / 2.5 (4, 4, 4) [5]cm.
Body
Switch to larger needles.
Rows 1-3: k around
Row 4: (k3, p1) repeat around
Rows 5-7: k around
Row 8: k1, (p1, k3) repeat until last 2 sts, k2
Repeat rows 1-8 2 (3, 3, 3) [4, 4] more times. (Note: You could do one fewer repeat for a snugger fitting beanie if you prefer.)
Hat measures approximately 4.5 (6, 7, 7) [7.5]”/ 11 (15, 18, 18) [19]cm from cast on.
Crown
Row 9: (k6, k2tog, pm) repeat around
(7 (8, 9, 10) [11] sections, 7 stitches per section, 49 (56, 63, 70) [77] total stitches)
Rows 10-11: k around, slipping markers as needed
Row 12: (k3, p1, k1, k2tog, sm) repeat round
(6 stitches per section, 42 (48, 54, 60) [66] total stitches)
Rows 13-14: k around, slipping markers as needed
Row 15: (k4, k2tog, sm) repeat around
(5 stitches per section, 35 (40, 45, 50) [55] total stitches)
Row 16: (k1, p1, k3, sm) repeat around
Row 17: k around slipping markers as needed
Rows 18-21: (k to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm) repeat around
(1 stitch per section, 7 (8, 9, 10) [11] total stitches)
Thread tapestry needle through remaining stitches and pull tight. Cut tail and secure by weaving into the inside of the hat.
Finishing
Weave in remaining ends.
Enjoy!
Designer & Pattern Information
Katy Hoyng | Website: www.knitrition.com | Email: katy@knitrition.com
