Alexander Beanie

Alexander Beanie by Janine Myska

What Is Being Made

The Alexander Beanie is a classic knitted hat designed by Janine Myska and published by Knits 'N Knots in 2019. This beanie is a beginner-friendly project that creates a finished hat approximately 12 inches tall when uncuffed and 8 inches wide when laid flat. The beanie stretches to fit an average woman's head with a circumference of 21 to 23 inches, making it a versatile and wearable accessory suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Alexander Beanie is constructed using knitting in the round, a fundamental technique that creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern is worked from the bottom up, beginning at the brim and progressing toward the crown. This bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the hat as they work and easily adjust the length to their preference. The brim features 1x1 ribbing, a classic textured stitch that creates an elastic, fitted edge designed to fold for a comfortable, secure fit around the head.

Stitches Used

This beginner-level pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches that are essential for any new knitter to master:

• Knit stitch (k): The basic foundation stitch that creates the primary fabric of the beanie
• Purl stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the 1x1 ribbed texture of the brim
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used to shape the crown of the beanie and reduce stitches as the pattern progresses toward the top
• Stockinette stitch: The main stitch pattern used for the body of the hat, created by alternating knit and purl rows in flat knitting or by knitting every round in circular knitting

Materials and Tools

The Alexander Beanie requires medium weight yarn, classified as #4 worsted weight, which is a versatile and commonly available yarn weight suitable for quick projects and beginner knitters. The pattern specifies Lion Brand Jeans yarn in the color "Vintage," a 100% acrylic fiber that offers durability and easy care. The total yardage required is 150 yards, making this an economical project that uses minimal materials.

Essential knitting tools include 6mm circular needles with a 16-inch cable, or needles sized to match the specified gauge. Double-pointed needles are optional and may be used during the decrease rounds at the crown if preferred over circular needles. Additional supplies include a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round, scissors for cutting yarn, and a needle for weaving in ends to finish the project neatly.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 23 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the beanie to fit properly, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project. The finished dimensions are approximately 12 inches tall when uncuffed and 8 inches wide when laid flat, with the fabric stretching to accommodate an average woman's head circumference of 21 to 23 inches.