Pasta La Vista Beanie

Pasta La Vista Beanie by Sandra Kwan

What is Being Made

The Pasta La Vista Beanie is an adult-sized knit hat designed by Sandra Kwan. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished beanie with a circumference of approximately 22 inches, measuring 7.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall. The design offers flexibility for customization, allowing knitters to create a standard-fit beanie or a slouchy version depending on where they end their decreases.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as Advanced Beginner level difficulty. The pattern uses circular needles for the majority of the construction, with the option to switch to double-pointed needles (DPNs) when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles during the crown decreases. The pattern includes a stitch chart for the body portion, providing visual guidance alongside written instructions. Knitters have the option to customize the finished height by choosing to end on Row 8 or Row 16 of the decrease section for a slouchy fit, or continuing through all decreases for a standard fit.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Pasta La Vista Beanie features a cable stitch pattern as its primary design element. The pattern repeat is based on multiples of 14 stitches, creating a structured, textured fabric. The body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch as the base, with cable stitches integrated throughout. A cable needle is required to create the twisted stitch crossings that define this pattern.

Materials and Yarn Options

This pattern is offered in two yarn weight options:

• Worsted Weight Version: Requires 150 yards of worsted yarn. Uses US 6 / 4mm needles for construction. Gauge is 16-18 stitches by 22-24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Requires 16-inch circular needles and US 6 double-pointed needles if needed for the crown.
• Bulky Yarn Version: Requires 105 yards of bulky yarn. Uses US 10.5 / 6.5mm needles for the body. Gauge is 12-14 stitches by 14-16 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Requires 16-inch circular needles in US 10.5 / 6.5mm and matching double-pointed needles if needed. The pattern notes that bulky yarns vary significantly, so knitters should knit a gauge swatch to determine if needle size adjustments are needed for proper fit.

Additional Materials and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a cable needle for working cable stitches, a stitch marker to track pattern repeats and round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors for cutting yarn. An optional pom pom can be added to the crown for finishing.

Pattern Structure

The beanie is worked in the round using circular needles, beginning with a cast-on appropriate for the chosen yarn weight. The body is constructed using the stitch chart provided, which guides the cable pattern placement. Before beginning the crown decreases, the hat should measure approximately 7.5 inches in length. The decrease section allows for customization of the final slouch or fit. Finishing involves weaving in ends with the tapestry needle and optionally attaching a pom pom to the crown.