Tidal Beanie

Tidal Beanie by Lizzy Knits

What is Being Made

The Tidal Beanie is a knitted hat designed by Erin Gates and published by Lizzy Knits. This beanie features a finished height of 9 inches with an 18-inch circumference, making it a versatile fit for most head sizes. The hat is constructed using bulky weight yarn and is an ideal project for knitters who have experience making hats and want to explore cable-knitting techniques.

Techniques and Construction

The Tidal Beanie showcases cable-knitting techniques as its primary design element. The pattern uses simple cable crosses throughout the body to create rich texture and visual dimension. This is positioned as a beginner-friendly cable-knitting project, making it accessible to intermediate-level knitters who are ready to add complexity beyond basic stockinette stitch. The pattern includes both written instructions and a chart for the body of the hat, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the pattern.

Stitches Used

The Tidal Beanie incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques:

• Knit stitch (k) - the foundational stitch used throughout
• Purl stitch (p) - used to create texture contrast
• Knit two together (k2tog) - used for decreasing stitches, particularly during crown shaping
• Cable crosses - the signature technique that creates the textured pattern
• Stockinette stitch - the base fabric used for gauge measurement

Materials and Tools

The Tidal Beanie requires 92 yards of bulky weight yarn. The pattern recommends Malabrigo Chunky as the ideal yarn choice, though any bulky weight yarn with appropriate yardage will work. The needle requirements include US 9 (5.5mm) 16-inch circular needles for the ribbed cuff and US 11 (8.0mm) 16-inch circular needles for the main body. Additionally, US 11 (8.0mm) double-pointed needles are needed for working the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses, along with a stitch marker to track rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows per 4-inch square when worked in stockinette stitch on US 11 (8.0mm) needles in an unblocked state. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the finished measurements of 9 inches in height and 18 inches in circumference.