Gifty Beanie

Gifty Beanie by Jennifer Myrick

What is Being Made

The Gifty Beanie is a knitted hat designed by Jennifer Myrick, available in seven size options ranging from preemie through adult large. This versatile beanie is suitable for gifting across multiple age groups, with circumferences spanning from 11-12 inches for preemies to 23-24 inches for adults. The pattern accommodates newborns, babies, toddlers, children, and adults, making it an adaptable design for various head sizes.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless finished garment. The pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques including yarn overs for decorative shaping, decreases for crown shaping, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and the beginning of rounds. The beanie features ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create a snug, elastic cuff that holds the hat securely on the head.

Stitches Used

• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the ribbed cuff, typically worked in a 2x2 or similar ribbing pattern for elasticity
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates decorative holes and increases within the pattern sections
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping the crown and maintaining pattern symmetry
• P2tog (Purl Two Together): A purl-based decrease for shaping
• SKYP (Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over): A decorative decrease that creates a distinctive visual element in the pattern

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Malabrigo Yarn RIOS, a worsted weight yarn made from 100% Pure Merino Superwash fiber. One 100-gram skein containing 210 yards is sufficient to complete the project. The recommended colorway is #866 Arco Iris, though the superwash treatment allows for easy care and durability.

Needles: The project requires two sizes of needles—US 6 (4 mm) needles for the ribbed cuff and US 8 (5 mm) needles for the main body and crown shaping. Both needle sizes should be circular needles suitable for knitting in the round.

Notions and Tools: Additional supplies include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, a tape measure for checking gauge and fit, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 26 rounds measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked over the stitch pattern on the larger US 8 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished beanie fits the intended head circumference.

Pattern Construction

The Gifty Beanie begins with a cast-on worked on smaller needles, with stitch counts varying by size: 48 stitches for preemie, 56 for newborn, 64 for baby, 72 for toddler, 88 for child, 96 for small/medium adult, and 104 for large adult. The stitches are joined for knitting in the round with careful attention to avoid twisting, then the ribbed cuff is worked before transitioning to larger needles for the main pattern. The crown is shaped through strategic decreases to create the fitted top of the hat.