Palisade Beanie

Palisade Beanie by Martha McKeon

What Is Being Made

The Palisade Beanie is a modern stranded colorwork slouch beanie designed by Martha McKeon for Long Beach Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a versatile hat suitable for toddlers (ages 1-3 years), children (ages 5-8 years), and teen/adult wearers. The beanie features a contemporary slouch silhouette and is available in three size options, ranging from approximately 16 inches to 20 inches in circumference.

Finished Sizes and Measurements

• Toddler (1-3 years): Approximately 16 inch circumference; 7 inch length
• Child (5-8 years): Approximately 18 inch circumference; 8½ inch length
• Teen/Adult: Approximately 20 inch circumference; 9½ inch length

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Palisade Beanie utilizes stranded colorwork as its primary decorative technique, creating visually striking patterns through the use of multiple yarn colors worked simultaneously. This traditional Fair Isle-inspired method involves carrying yarn colors across the back of the work to create intricate designs on the fabric surface. The pattern is designed to be completed quickly, typically finished within a few evenings of knitting.

The beanie is constructed using circular or double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless in-the-round knitting. The construction method creates a finished hat without seams, resulting in a comfortable fit and professional appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Palisade Beanie is worked in worsted weight yarn (also called aran weight), which provides excellent stitch definition for colorwork patterns while maintaining a relatively quick knitting pace. The pattern example was created using Lopi Lettlopi yarn in three coordinating shades:

• Color A – Sage Green Heather (65 yards)
• Color B – Spring Green Heather (35 yards)
• Color C – Light Ash Heather (35 yards)

Any worsted weight yarn that matches the specified gauge may be substituted, allowing for creative color combinations and yarn choices. The pattern demonstrates that the design is stunning in many different color combinations, making it adaptable to various yarn selections and personal preferences.

Needles and Notions

• US 7 / 4.5mm circular or double-pointed needles
• US 4 / 3.5mm circular or double-pointed needles
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 4.5 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch when worked in the main stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Skill Level

The Palisade Beanie is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern. While the stranded colorwork technique requires familiarity with managing multiple yarn colors, the project is designed to be accessible to knitters with some experience and can be completed relatively quickly, making it an excellent project for developing colorwork skills.