Bea

Bea Hat by Melissa LaBarre

What Is Being Made

Bea is a knitted hat designed by Melissa LaBarre from knittingschooldropout.com. This intermediate-level project creates a finished hat measuring 20 inches in circumference after blocking. The design stretches to accommodate a variety of head sizes, making it a versatile accessory suitable for different wearers.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Twinkle Soft Chunky yarn, distributed by Classic Elite. One 200-gram skein contains 83 yards of yarn, which is sufficient to knit two complete Bea hats with just a tiny amount of yarn remaining. This super-chunky weight yarn creates a quick, satisfying knitting project that works up rapidly.

Needles required include one set of five US 17 (12.75mm) double-pointed needles, or alternatively one US 17 (12.75mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer for the magic loop method. Knitters should select the needle size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include one stitch marker and a blunt needle for weaving in ends.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Bea hat employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch used is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern establishes a gauge of 7 stitches and 11 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Specialized techniques featured in this pattern include:

• Make One (M1): An increase technique where the strand between the last stitch worked and the next stitch to be worked is lifted from front to back, then purled through the back loop. This creates an invisible increase that maintains the fabric's appearance.
• Central Double Decrease: A decrease technique involving slipping two stitches together as if to knit two together, knitting the next stitch, then passing both slipped stitches over the knit stitch. This creates a centered decrease ideal for shaping.

The pattern includes a chart and written instructions that represent one quarter of the total stitches, with each row repeated around the full circumference of the hat. This approach simplifies pattern reading while maintaining accuracy across the entire project.

Construction Method

Knitters can choose between two needle techniques: working with five double-pointed needles or using the magic loop method with a longer circular needle. Both approaches are suitable for knitting in the round, which is the construction method for this hat design.