The Austen brimmed beanie

The Austen Brimmed Beanie by PlaceOfPatterns

Project Overview

The Austen brimmed beanie is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Valiantsina and available as a downloadable PDF pattern from PlaceOfPatterns. This structured beanie features a distinctive brim and is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, making it an ideal project for knitters who have mastered fundamental techniques and are ready to tackle more advanced shaping methods.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a fitted, brimmed beanie—a warm winter hat with a structured brim that frames the face. The design combines classic knitting construction with modern shaping techniques to produce a polished, wearable garment. The beanie is available in multiple sizes, allowing customization to fit different head circumferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular knitting: The hat is worked in rounds using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous stitch work without turning
• Short-row shaping: This advanced technique is employed to create the structured brim and crown shaping, adding depth and dimension to the hat's fit
• Decreasing: Knit 2 stitches together (K2tog) reductions are used to shape the crown and taper the hat toward the top
• Stitch marker placement: Multiple markers (13–17 depending on size) help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the project

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch: The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch: Used to create textural variation and definition, particularly in the brim area
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for crown shaping and tapering

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for medium-weight yarn (aran or worsted weight). The recommended yarn is Alize Lana Gold, a blend of 49% wool and 51% acrylic, available in 100g skeins with approximately 262 yards per skein. Yardage requirements vary by size: approximately 50 grams (131 yards) for the smallest size, 65 grams (170 yards) for the medium size, and 85 grams (223 yards) for the largest size. Any comparable medium-weight yarn of similar yardage can be substituted.

Needles: The pattern requires both U.S. size 3 (3 mm) and U.S. size 6 (4 mm) needles. Specifically, two 16-inch circular needles (one in each size) are needed for the main body work, plus a set of U.S. 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles for working the crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles.

Notions: Stitch markers in quantities of 13, 15, or 17 depending on the chosen size are essential for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this project. Using U.S. 3 (3 mm) needles with stockinette stitch, the gauge should measure 17 stitches by 24 rows over a 4 × 4 inch square. When working with U.S. 6 (4 mm) needles in stockinette, the gauge is 16 stitches by 22 rows over the same 4 × 4 inch square. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches these specifications, as variations will affect the final fit and appearance of the beanie.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated intermediate and requires knitters to be comfortable with knit and purl stitches, basic decreasing, and working in the round. The inclusion of short-row shaping elevates the difficulty beyond beginner projects, making this an excellent choice for knitters seeking to expand their technical repertoire while creating a practical, finished garment.