Joplin

Joplin Knitted Beanie by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

Joplin is a classic fitted beanie designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs, available as a downloadable PDF knitting pattern. This versatile hat features a tailored silhouette and comes with an optional decorative bow detail. The design is suitable for the entire family, offering an unisex appearance when the bow is omitted. The beanie includes a tipped edge detail that adds visual interest to the finished garment. Available in five size options ranging from toddler to large adult (16" to 24" head circumference), Joplin accommodates sizes including Toddler, Kid, Small Adult, Medium Adult, and Large Adult.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Joplin is worked in the round from the bottom up, a construction method that creates a seamless, professional finish. This technique is ideal for hat knitting as it eliminates the need for seaming and allows for continuous circular knitting. The pattern incorporates several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters, including decreasing stitches to shape the crown and managing stitch transitions throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – Used to create textured or decorative elements
• K2tog (Knit two stitches together) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the crown
• SSK (Slip, slip, knit together) – A left-leaning decrease providing balanced shaping
• Slp1wyif (Slip one stitch as if to purl, yarn in front) – Creates clean edge stitches
• Slp1wyib (Slip one stitch as if to purl, yarn in back) – Alternative slipped stitch technique for edge definition

Materials and Gauge

Joplin is designed to work with worsted weight or DK yarn, offering flexibility in yarn choice. The pattern was developed using Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 6ply yarn, a luxury fiber option, though crafters can substitute with other suitable yarns. Yardage requirements vary by size: the main color requires 80 to 150 yards, while the contrast color (used for the optional bow and tipped edge) requires 20 to 50 yards.

The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles or whatever size is needed to achieve the correct gauge, with US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for ribbing or initial cast-on. The target gauge is 19.0 stitches over 4 inches, which is essential for achieving proper fit across all five size options. Circular needles are required for working in the round.

Pattern Details

The cast-on begins with 64, 72, 80, 88, or 96 stitches depending on the selected size, worked on the smaller needles using the main color. The pattern notes that a basic cast-on is used, though crafters have the option to substitute a provisional cast-on if preferred. Once cast on, stitches are joined in the round to begin the seamless construction. The combination of knit and purl stitches, along with strategic decreases using K2tog and SSK techniques, shapes the beanie from the brim through the crown. The optional bow detail and tipped edge provide customization options for different styling preferences.