Large Beanie and Lace Hat

Large Beanie and Lace Hat by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern creates a large beanie hat with two distinct design versions. The hat features a generous depth of 32cm (11 7/8 inches) and a diameter of 50cm (19 3/4 inches), making it a substantial, comfortable fit. Version 1 showcases a classic moss stitch construction, while Version 2 incorporates a lace pattern created through yarn-over and knit-together decreases for a more open, decorative aesthetic.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. Both versions begin with casting on stitches and utilize needle size transitions to shape the hat. Version 1 relies entirely on moss stitch, a textured fabric created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence. Version 2 incorporates lace work through yarn-over techniques combined with knit-two-together decreases, which creates decorative openwork throughout the fabric. The hat construction involves working in the round or flat, depending on the version, with shaping achieved through continued stitch work rather than complex decreasing sequences.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: The primary stitch for Version 1, created by alternating knit and purl stitches. Row 1 works K1, p1 across the entire row. Row 2 reverses the pattern by knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches from the previous row. These two rows repeat to create a dense, textured fabric.
• Lace Pattern (Version 2): All rows follow the sequence K1, *yarn forward (yf), knit two together (k2tog), repeat from * to last stitch, k1. This creates a regular lace pattern with consistent eyelet holes throughout the hat.
• Cast-on: The pattern begins with casting on 82 stitches using the smaller needles.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton yarn in 50g balls. Version 1 requires 3 balls of colour A (667 Dew), while Version 2 uses 2 balls of colour B (244 Chamba), 1 ball of colour C (239 Garnet), and 1 ball of colour D (659 Onyx), allowing for creative colorwork options. The yarn weight is aran, a medium-weight yarn that knits to a tension of 16 stitches and 28 rows over 10cm (approximately 4 inches) when measured over moss stitch using 4.25mm needles.

Two needle sizes are required: 4.00mm needles (USA 6, UK 8) for the initial cast-on and lower sections, and 5.50mm needles (USA 9, UK 5) for subsequent sections. The pattern specifies working to a tension of approximately 4 inches (10cm) to ensure proper sizing and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters new to hat construction. The straightforward stitch patterns—moss stitch and basic lace—require only fundamental knitting knowledge. The pattern progresses logically from casting on through basic stitch repetition, with the primary skill being the ability to maintain consistent tension and recognize when to transition between needle sizes.