Moon Princess Beanie

Moon Princess Beanie by Gina Marquis

What Is Being Made

The Moon Princess Beanie is a beginner-friendly knitted hat designed by independent designer Gina Marquis. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a classic beanie with a customizable brim option, allowing knitters to choose between a regular brim or a longer foldover brim style. The hat features a two-color design using a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) for visual interest.

Techniques Used

This pattern introduces knitters to fundamental techniques suitable for those new to the craft. The primary techniques include:

• Knitting in the round: The beanie is constructed using circular needles, allowing you to work continuously in a spiral rather than back and forth in rows
• Cast on methods: The pattern uses a German cast on technique to begin the brim
• Decreasing: K2tog (knit two stitches together) decreases are used to shape the crown of the hat
• Duplicate stitch: This embroidery technique is used for finishing details, allowing you to add design elements after the knitting is complete
• Binding off: The standard method for securing stitches and finishing the hat

Stitches Used

The Moon Princess Beanie employs basic stitches that make it accessible for beginners:

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch used throughout most of the hat
• Purl stitch (p): Used in the brim to create a ribbed texture that provides stretch and helps the hat stay secure
• Stockinette stitch: The main fabric of the hat body, created by knitting all rounds, produces a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbing (k1, p1): The alternating knit and purl stitches in the brim create an elastic texture

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires dk weight yarn, a lightweight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and definition. Yardage requirements vary depending on your brim choice:

• 170 yards of main color (MC) for the foldover brim version
• 120 yards of main color (MC) for the regular brim version
• 10 yards of contrasting color (CC) for design details
• Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needles for the main hat body, with the option to use the magic loop method on longer circulars if preferred
• Needles: US size 6 (4 mm) 16-inch circular needles for the brim
• Additional tools: Double-pointed needles (dpns) may be needed during the decrease rounds at the crown, a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, and a tapestry or yarn needle for weaving in ends and duplicate stitch work

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge ensures your finished beanie will fit properly. The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches by 13 rows over 2 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when worked on US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles before blocking. Swatching before beginning your project is recommended to verify your personal gauge matches the pattern requirements.