Sideways Braid Beanie

Sideways Braid Beanie by Katrine H

What is Being Made

The Sideways Braid Beanie is a knitted hat designed by Katrine H, featuring a distinctive braided cable pattern that runs across the width of the hat. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished beanie measuring 17 inches (44 cm) in width and 10.5 inches (26 cm) in length, making it a classic winter accessory suitable for various head sizes.

Knitting Techniques

This beanie is constructed using a back-and-forth flat knitting method rather than circular needles, which means the piece is knitted in rows and then seamed or joined at the edges during finishing. The pattern employs provisional cast-on as an optional technique, allowing crafters to join the finished edges with invisible Kitchener stitch for a seamless closure, or alternatively use a standard cast-on with traditional seaming methods.

The primary design element involves cable twisting, a fundamental cable knitting technique. The braid cable is created by slipping stitches to the front of the work, knitting subsequent stitches, and then knitting the slipped stitches, which produces the characteristic twisted, braided appearance. Cable twists are worked every 6 rows (after 5 plain rows between twists), creating a rhythmic pattern throughout the hat.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for plain knit sections, creating a smooth, classic fabric texture
• Garter Stitch: Formed by the alternating knit and purl pattern on the front and back sides, creating a textured, reversible fabric in certain sections
• Cable Stitch: The signature braid cable formed through slip-stitch and knit manipulations
• Kitchener Stitch: Optional finishing technique for invisible seaming when using provisional cast-on

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Malabrigo Arroyo yarn, a 100% merino wool in sport weight, pictured in the Sand bank colorway. This natural fiber choice provides warmth and breathability ideal for a winter beanie. The recommended needle size is US Size 2 (2.5 to 3 mm), and the pattern works to a gauge of 18 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 60 stitches, divided into sections: 12 stitches in purl, 21 stitches in stockinette, and 27 stitches in purl.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, the Sideways Braid Beanie introduces crafters to cable knitting fundamentals while maintaining straightforward construction. The cable technique is clearly explained, and the repetitive pattern structure makes it accessible to knitters developing their cable skills.