Rockpool beanie

Rockpool Beanie by MotherOfPurlPatterns

What is Being Made

The Rockpool Beanie is a knitted hat designed by MotherOfPurlPatterns, available in five sizes ranging from baby and small child through to large adult. This versatile beanie combines a simple crown with a decorative twisted rib brim, finished with a pom pom that showcases the variegated yarn colors. The pattern provides instructions for head circumferences from 15–17.5 inches (38–44cm) up to 21.5–24 inches (54–60cm), making it suitable for the entire family.

Techniques Used

The Rockpool Beanie employs a two-color knitting approach with contrasting yarns for visual interest. The defining technique is the twisted rib construction used on the brim, which adds texture and dimension to the lower edge of the hat. The main crown is worked in a simple knit structure, allowing the twisted rib detail to stand out as the focal point. A pom pom is attached to the crown top, intentionally made from the variegated brim yarn to maximize the display of the different colors throughout the finished hat.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern excerpt, the Rockpool Beanie is constructed primarily using rib stitches, particularly the twisted rib variation on the brim. The crown appears to use fundamental knit stitches suitable for an intermediate-level project. The twisted rib technique involves working knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern that creates the characteristic twisted appearance, requiring attention to stitch orientation and tension.

Materials and Yarn

The Rockpool Beanie is designed for Double Knit (DK) weight yarn, a versatile medium weight that produces a fabric with good drape and structure. Yarn quantities vary by size:

• Baby/small child: 35g/98m each color
• Older child: 40g/112m each color
• Teen: 45g/126m each color
• Small/medium adult: 50g/140m each color
• Large adult: 55g/154m each color

The pattern designer used Hayfield Bonus DK in 'Royal' for the main crown color and Hayfield Breeze DK in 'Mist' for the brim and pom pom. Other DK weight yarns are suitable alternatives, provided yardage and tension are carefully checked to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions.

Needles and Tools

This project requires two needle sizes to manage gauge and fabric structure: 3.25mm needles and 4mm needles. The size difference allows for tension control between the twisted rib brim and the main crown sections. A tapestry needle is also needed for finishing, including seaming (if applicable) and securing the pom pom to the crown.

Difficulty Level

The Rockpool Beanie is rated as an intermediate project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The twisted rib technique requires understanding of how to manipulate stitches to create the twisted effect, and working with two colors adds a layer of complexity. However, the straightforward crown construction and clear size instructions make it an achievable project for those comfortable with basic shaping and finishing techniques.