Seymour Fair Isle Beanie

Seymour Fair Isle Beanie by Northern Knits and Purl

What is Being Made

The Seymour Beanie is a knitted hat designed by Natasha Pekurel of Northern Knits and Purl. This intermediate-level beanie project features Fair Isle colorwork, a traditional knitting technique that incorporates multiple colors to create patterned designs. The finished beanie is worked in the round and uses super bulky weight yarn for a quick, satisfying knitting project.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Fair Isle Colorwork: The primary design element, Fair Isle involves knitting with two colors per round to create intricate patterns while carrying yarn floats on the inside of the work
• Circular Knitting: The beanie is constructed in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, professional finish
• Increases: The pattern utilizes M1R (make 1 right) and M1L (make 1 left) increase stitches for shaping
• Decreases: Standard decreases are employed to shape the crown of the hat

Stitches Used

The Seymour Beanie is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches combined in Fair Isle technique:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (P): Used selectively in the pattern structure
• Make 1 Right (M1R) and Make 1 Left (M1L): Decorative and functional increase stitches that add stitches while maintaining pattern integrity

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for super bulky weight yarn (category 6). Approximately 50 grams of main color yarn and 25 grams of contrasting color yarn are required per beanie. The designer used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, a durable, easy-care yarn blend suitable for Fair Isle colorwork.

Needles: 16-inch circular needles in US size 13 (9mm) are specified. The pattern recommends Takumi Clover Bamboo Needles, which provide excellent stitch definition and control for colorwork.

Additional Supplies: A stitch marker for tracking the beginning of round and a yarn needle for weaving in ends are necessary to complete the project.

Pattern Details

The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations and instructions for all techniques needed. Rounds are clearly marked with BOR (beginning of round) notation, and stitch markers help track progress through the colorwork sections. The super bulky yarn weight ensures this beanie knits up quickly despite the Fair Isle patterning, making it an ideal intermediate project for crafters looking to develop colorwork skills without an extended time commitment.