Exhale

Exhale Beanie by Kelly Menzies

What Is Being Made

The Exhale is an intermediate-level knitted beanie hat designed by Kelly Menzies. This downloadable PDF pattern offers two distinct style variations: a ribbed brim version and a rolled brim version. Both versions create a finished hat with a circumference of 56 cm (22 inches) and a height of either 19 cm (7.5 inches) or 26 cm (10.25 inches), depending on which length option you choose. The pattern is written in English and was originally published in Let's Knit Magazine in December 2012.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This knitting pattern employs fundamental and intermediate techniques suitable for knitters with some experience. The hat is constructed using the circular knitting method, which creates seamless fabric in the round. Knitters will work with circular needles for the majority of the project, transitioning to double-pointed needles as the crown decreases and the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles. The pattern includes both a ribbed brim option and a rolled brim option, allowing makers to customize the hat's appearance and fit. The ribbed version provides a snug, textured edge, while the rolled version creates a casual, folded cuff.

Stitches Used

The Exhale beanie uses several essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary stitch used in the main body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Knit front and back (KFB) – an increase technique used to shape the hat
• Knit two together (K2TOG) – a decrease stitch for shaping
• Knit three together (K3TOG) – an additional decrease stitch for crown shaping
• Ribbing – used in the ribbed brim variation for texture and stretch

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Exhale pattern calls for Aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits at a standard gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows over a 10 cm (4 inch) square in stocking stitch on 6mm (US 10) needles. The total yardage required is 180 meters (198 yards). The pattern provides specific yarn recommendations for each variation:

• Ribbed Brim Version: Bergere De France Fileco in shade Ecomauve, requiring 1 x 50g ball
• Rolled Brim Version: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in shade Conker, requiring 2 x 50g balls

Needles and Additional Supplies

The pattern requires a range of circular and double-pointed needles in different sizes to accommodate the various stages of construction and the two brim options:

• 5mm (US 8) circular needles – for the ribbed brim variation
• 5.5mm (US 9) circular needles – for the rolled brim variation
• 6mm (US 10) circular needles – for the main body of both hat versions
• 6mm (US 10) double-pointed needles – for crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles
• 1 stitch marker – to mark the beginning of each round
• Yarn needle – for weaving in ends
• Row counter (optional) – to help track progress through the pattern

The pattern is provided in written format with clear instructions and includes original photography by designer Kelly Menzies, who also modeled the finished hat. Artwork was created by Caroline Bond.