The Square beanie

The Square Beanie by Jean-Philippe Cliche

What Is Being Made

The Square Beanie is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Jean-Philippe Cliche. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a beanie with a distinctive square construction, reflecting the designer's philosophy of creating pieces that are simple in concept yet challenging to execute.

Craft and Technique

This project uses the knitting craft exclusively. The beanie is constructed using circular knitting needles and double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless, in-the-round construction. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish typical of modern hat design.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques:

• Knit (k) — the basic stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl (p) — used to create textural variation and shaping
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skp) — a left-leaning decrease used for shaping the crown
• Knit one stitch, return knitted stitch to left-hand needle, slip the next stitch over, return knitted stitch to right-hand needle by sliding purlwise (krpr) — a specialized stitch technique for refined decreases
• Slip marker (sm) — used to track pattern repeats and round beginnings

Materials and Specifications

The Square Beanie requires the following materials:

• Main Color (MC) Yarn: 80 grams of Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd's Wool Yarn in orange, one skein, worked as a single strand
• Contrasting Color (CC) Yarn: 20 grams of Julie Asselin Leizu Worsted in Renard, worked as a single strand
• Additional Yarn: 2 strands of Emilia & Philomène Leona (quantity specified in full pattern)
• Needles: Circular knitting needles in 5.5 mm / US 9 size, 40 cm (16 inches) length, plus double-pointed needles in 5.5 mm / US 9 for crown shaping
• Notions: 2 stitch markers and a yarn needle for finishing

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern works with aran and lace yarn weights, providing versatility in fiber choice while maintaining the intended drape and structure. The intermediate skill level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with basic stitches, in-the-round construction, and shaping techniques before beginning this project.