The Bedfont Beanie

The Bedfont Beanie by IndieStarr Knits

What is Being Made

The Bedfont Beanie is a double-layered knitted hat designed to fit an average adult female head. The finished beanie measures 48cm in circumference and 21cm in height from brim to top. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a luxuriously constructed beanie with both an outer layer and a soft inner lining, resulting in a snug, cosy fit ideal for cold weather wear.

Construction Technique

This beanie is knitted in the round as a single continuous piece using a specialized two-layer construction method. The pattern begins with a provisional cast-on, which allows the knitter to work the outer layer completely, then return the live stitches to the needle to work the lining in the opposite direction. This technique creates a sealed tube structure, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a seamless, professional finish. The outer and lining layers are worked simultaneously by holding two strands of yarn together throughout the project.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Provisional cast-on for reversible construction
• Knitting in the round using circular needles
• Two-strand yarn holding technique for combined texture and weight
• Live stitch manipulation to transition between outer layer and lining
• Seamless construction throughout the entire hat

Yarn and Materials

The Bedfont Beanie requires specific yarn combinations to achieve its distinctive comfort and appearance. The outer layer combines McIntosh BFL DK (100% British Bluefaced Leicester) in the shade My Time with McIntosh Ffluff, a laceweight blend of 75% Baby Suri Alpaca and 25% Mulberry Silk. These two strands are held together to create the woolly outer surface. The lining uses two strands of the laceweight alpaca blend held together, providing the buttery soft interior. The pattern calls for 4mm needles for knitting in the round. Total yardage requirements include one 100g skein (225m) of the British Bluefaced Leicester DK and one 50g skein of the laceweight alpaca and silk blend.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

This project utilizes multiple yarn weights to create its layered effect. The DK weight British Bluefaced Leicester provides structure and warmth to the outer layer, while the laceweight Baby Suri Alpaca and Mulberry Silk blend adds luxury and softness. The combination of these fibers—British wool, fine alpaca, and silk—creates a beanie that is both durable and exceptionally comfortable against the skin. The use of laceweight yarn held double ensures the lining is appropriately weighted and dense enough to provide insulation without excessive bulk.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, The Bedfont Beanie is suitable for knitters with some experience. The provisional cast-on technique and the two-layer construction method require understanding of more advanced knitting concepts beyond basic cast-ons and bind-offs. Knitters should be comfortable working in the round and managing multiple yarn strands simultaneously. The seamless construction and live stitch work make this an excellent project for developing advanced knitting skills.