London Beanie

London Beanie by Justine Walley

What is Being Made

The London Beanie is a structured crochet hat designed by Justine Walley, featuring a classic beanie silhouette with a folded brim. The finished hat measures approximately 19 inches around the head (with stretch capacity exceeding 21 inches) and stands about 9.5 inches tall when the brim is folded. This intermediate-level crochet project is fully customizable to accommodate different head sizes, making it a versatile pattern for various wearers.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern is classified as Advanced Beginner level and requires foundational knowledge of essential crochet techniques. The hat is worked flat in rows rather than in the round, which simplifies construction for many crocheters. A key technique featured throughout the pattern is working in the back loop only (BLO), which creates distinctive texture and structure in the finished piece. Once the flat rectangular panel is complete, the two ends are crocheted together to form the finished hat shape—no sewing is required for assembly, streamlining the finishing process.

Stitches Used

The London Beanie pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to establish the foundation of the pattern
• Half double crochet (hdc) – The primary stitch throughout the pattern, creating a dense, structured fabric
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining sections and finishing edges

The pattern is written using US crochet terminology, ensuring clarity for crocheters familiar with American stitch abbreviations and techniques.

Materials and Gauge

The London Beanie requires approximately 230 yards of worsted weight yarn (weight category #4). The original hats pictured in the pattern were crafted using Katia Cotton Merino yarn in two colorways: Beige (104) and Dark Grey (107), though any worsted weight yarn of similar fiber content and yardage will work for this project.

Construction uses a Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook, or whatever hook size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern specifies that with a Size I hook, 4 half double crochet stitches measure just over 1 inch in width, and 3 rows of half double crochet measure 1.25 inches in length. The row length should measure approximately 12.25 inches to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Additional materials needed include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and scissors for cutting yarn. The pattern notes that a faux fur pom pom is optional, allowing crafters to personalize their finished beanie with or without this decorative embellishment.