Tides

Tides Beanie by Kelly Menzies

What is Being Made

The Tides Beanie is a classic knitted hat designed by Kelly Menzies, available in nine sizes ranging from newborn through large adult. This beginner-friendly beanie project offers finished circumferences from 30 cm (11.75 inches) for newborns up to 55.5 cm (21.75 inches) for large adults, with corresponding depth measurements that scale appropriately for each size. The pattern was originally published in December 2022 and is presented as a downloadable PDF format.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Tides Beanie is constructed using circular knitting techniques, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hat construction. The pattern employs a two-needle approach: smaller 3mm (US 2.5) circular needles are used for the initial ribbed cuff, while 3.5mm (US 4) circular needles are used for the main body in stocking stitch. Double-pointed needles in 3.5mm (US 4) are required only for the crown closure, where the decreases become too tight for circular needles. This construction method minimizes seaming and creates a comfortable, well-fitting hat suitable for all ages.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the main body of the beanie, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Ribbing: Used in the cuff section, worked on smaller needles to create elasticity and ensure the hat stays securely on the wearer's head
• Decreases: Strategic decreases at the crown create the beanie's shaped top and are worked using double-pointed needles for the final closure

Yarn and Materials

The Tides Beanie is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn, with approximate yardage requirements varying by size: 85 meters (93 yards) for newborn through 255 meters (280 yards) for large adult. The pattern is shown in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Sport, a luxurious blend containing 55% Merino Wool, 33% Acrylic, and 12% Cashmere in the shade Rose Pink. This yarn composition provides warmth, softness, and durability suitable for delicate baby skin and comfortable everyday wear.

The gauge for this project is 24 stitches by 30 rows over a 10 centimeter (4 inch) square in stocking stitch on 3.5mm (US 4) needles. Essential notions include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The pattern instructions are provided in both written and charted formats, accommodating different knitter preferences. A row counter is recommended to track progress through the pattern.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Tides Beanie is accessible to knitters new to hat construction. The straightforward stocking stitch body, combined with simple ribbed cuff and basic crown decreases, makes this an ideal introduction to circular knitting and seamless garment construction. The multiple size options allow knitters to practice the pattern at various scales.