Change on the Rise

Change on the Rise Beanie by April Davis

What is Being Made

Change on the Rise is a knitted beanie designed to evoke the appearance of torches of varying heights rising toward the center of the hat. Inspired by the music video for "Change on the Rise" by Avi Kaplan, this design captures the empowering and uplifting spirit of the song through its visual composition. The torch motif can be positioned at the center front of the head or worn off to the side, offering flexibility in how the pattern detail is displayed. This beginner-level knitting project produces a finished hat measuring 18 inches unblocked, with comfortable stretch capacity up to 21 inches.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beanie employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner knitters. The hat is constructed in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern incorporates crown decreases worked with stitch markers to shape the top of the hat. Techniques include knit stitches, purl stitches, and decreases such as slip-slip-knit (ssk) to gradually reduce stitches as the crown is shaped. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 108 stitches and uses a repeating set-up round worked over 10 rounds to establish the stitch pattern before progressing to the main design rows.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – creates texture and contrast within the pattern
• Knit through the back loop (k1b) – adds a twisted stitch detail that contributes to the torch motif
• Slip-slip-knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease used during crown shaping
• Ribbing (k2, p2) – provides elasticity and structure at the brim

Materials Required

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn, requiring approximately 123 yards to complete the beanie. Needles include a 16-inch circular needle in US size 5 (3.5 mm) or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge, along with a set of US size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles for working the crown decreases. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and six stitch markers to track the crown decrease section.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches over 4 inches when measured unblocked. The finished beanie measures 18 inches in circumference unblocked and stretches comfortably to 21 inches, accommodating a range of head sizes through the natural stretch of the DK yarn and ribbed construction.