Udon Beanie

Udon Beanie by Sandra Kwan

What Is Being Made

The Udon Beanie is a knitted winter hat designed by Sandra Kwan and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This beanie features a classic fitted silhouette, measuring approximately 7.5 inches wide by 9 inches tall, making it suitable for a range of head sizes. The design is named after udon noodles, reflecting a playful approach to pattern naming. The beanie is available in two sizes: S/M and M/L, allowing crafters to customize the fit for different wearers.

Craft and Techniques

The Udon Beanie is created using the knitting craft, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking to expand their skill set. The pattern is classified as Advanced Beginner level, meaning it incorporates techniques beyond basic knit and purl stitches while remaining accessible to those with foundational knitting knowledge.

This beanie employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The pattern utilizes circular needle knitting, which allows for seamless construction in the round. Crafters will work with different needle sizes depending on their chosen beanie size: US 9 (5.5mm) needles for the ribbed cuff on the S/M size, US 11 (8mm) needles for the S/M body, or US 13 (9mm) needles for the M/L beanie. Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US 11 or US 13 are optional for working the crown decreases, offering an alternative to circular needles for the final shaping.

Stitches Used

The Udon Beanie pattern incorporates several key stitches and stitch techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric stitch, creating the smooth, classic beanie texture. The gauge is worked in stockinette at 13 stitches by 16 rows over a 4-inch by 4-inch swatch using US 11 needles.
• Left Twist (LT): A cable-inspired stitch created by slipping the first and second stitches knitwise to the right needle, returning both to the left needle, knitting the second stitch through the back loop without removing it, then knitting both stitches together through the back loop. This stitch adds textural detail to the beanie.
• Left Twist Decrease (LTD): An advanced decrease technique that combines the left twist principle with shaping. This stitch involves slipping three stitches knitwise to the right needle, returning all three to the left needle, knitting the second and third stitches together through the back loop without removing them, then knitting all three stitches together through the back loop, effectively reducing three stitches to two. This technique is used during crown shaping.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A standard right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern for shaping.
• Make One (M1): An increase technique that adds stitches by inserting the left needle front to back under the bar between stitches, creating new stitches without visible holes.

Materials and Yarn

The Udon Beanie requires 105 yards of bulky yarn, making it a quick project ideal for using up yarn stash or completing a gift quickly. Bulky yarn weight creates a thick, warm fabric perfect for cold-weather wear while allowing the pattern to work up rapidly.

Essential tools include 16-inch circular needles in multiple sizes depending on beanie size selection, double-pointed needles (optional) for crown decreases, a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, scissors for finishing, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. An optional pom pom can be added to the crown for a decorative finishing touch.

The pattern includes complete abbreviations and instructions for all stitches used, making it accessible for knitters who may be encountering techniques like the Left Twist for the first time.