Crown Beanie

Crown Beanie by Kelly Spenhoff

What is Being Made

The Crown Beanie is a knitted hat designed by Kelly Spenhoff, available in four sizes to fit babies, toddlers, children, and adults. The finished circumference measurements range from 14 inches (35 cm) for the baby size up to 20 inches (50 cm) for the adult size, making this a versatile pattern suitable for the entire family.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project incorporates several key techniques that elevate it beyond beginner patterns. The primary techniques include knitting in the round, which creates a seamless cylindrical fabric ideal for hat construction. The pattern also features stranded colorwork, a traditional technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the fabric to create a patterned design. Additionally, the pattern uses k2tog (knit two together) decreases to shape the crown of the beanie as stitches are reduced toward the top.

Stitches and Construction

The Crown Beanie is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the right side. The gauge is set at 5 stitches per 1 inch (2.5 cm) in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Construction begins with casting on between 70 and 100 stitches depending on the desired size, then proceeds in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles.

Materials and Yarn

The Crown Beanie is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically using Lion Brand Wool-Ease. The pattern requires a total of 2 skeins—one skein in the main color and one skein in a contrasting color for the stranded colorwork design. Each skein contains 3 ounces (85 grams) and provides 197 yards (180 meters) of yardage, offering ample material for any of the four sizes.

Needles and Notions

• US Size 8 Double Pointed Needles: Used for working the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles
• US Size 8 Circular Needle (16 inches/40 cm): The primary needle for working the body of the hat in the round
• Yarn Needle: Required for weaving in ends after completing the project

The pattern notes that needles should be sized to obtain the specified gauge of 5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with circular needle techniques, colorwork, and shaping. The combination of stranded colorwork and in-the-round construction requires solid foundational skills and attention to tension and pattern placement.