Marmion Beanie

Marmion Beanie by Olach Designs

What is Being Made

The Marmion Beanie is a knitted hat designed to fit an average adult head with a finished circumference of 58cm (23 inches). This is a one-size beanie pattern created by Olach Designs, offering a classic knitted headwear project suitable for knitters of all skill levels.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beanie is constructed using stranded colorwork, a technique that involves carrying multiple yarn colors across rows or rounds to create a patterned fabric. The pattern is worked in the round, which is the preferred method for creating seamless hats. Knitters have the option to use double-pointed needles (DPNs) or their preferred circular needle method for working in the round. The finished beanie requires blocking to achieve the correct gauge and finished dimensions.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Marmion Beanie employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K) stitches and M1 (make one) increases. The ribbed cuff is worked separately using a smaller needle size, while the main body uses a slightly larger needle to accommodate the stranded colorwork pattern. The gauge for this project is 29 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm over stranded colorwork in the round after blocking, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished size.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Marmion Beanie is designed to be knitted with Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift yarn, which is 100% pure Shetland wool. This is a 4-ply weight yarn (also known as fingering weight), offering excellent stitch definition for colorwork patterns. The pattern requires the following yarn quantities in specific colors:

• Main Color (MC) – Black 999: 1 skein (105m/26g)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) – Amber 478: 1 skein
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) – Paprika 261: 1 skein
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3) – Ginger 462: 1 skein

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for two sets of double-pointed needles in different sizes: 2.75mm DPNs for working the ribbed cuff and 3.25mm DPNs for working the main body. The 3.25mm needles serve as the starting point for gauge checking. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a 53cm diameter round balloon used as a blocking form to shape the finished beanie.

Difficulty Level

This beanie is classified as a beginner-friendly knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to colorwork techniques. The straightforward construction and use of basic stitches make it accessible, while the stranded colorwork provides an opportunity to develop color-knitting skills in a manageable context.