Kylo Beanie

Kylo Beanie by Emily J. Designs

What Is Being Made

The Kylo Beanie is a cozy, double-brimmed adult knit hat designed by Emily J. Designs. This beanie features a distinctive bold diamond colorwork pattern and offers a fun opportunity for knitters to experiment with their own color combinations. The hat is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—to fit head circumferences of 20, 22, or 24 inches (51, 56, or 61 centimeters), with heights ranging from 8.5 to 9 inches (21.5 to 23 centimeters).

Techniques and Construction

The Kylo Beanie employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for experienced knitters. The hat is constructed from the bottom up, beginning with the inside brim and progressing upward. A key feature of this design is its double brim construction, which adds both visual interest and extra warmth. The pattern incorporates colorwork throughout the body of the hat, with the diamond pattern continuing from the lower sections through to the crown. The brim is created by knitting the inside section first, then turning and joining the double brim while maintaining the colorwork pattern. This technique requires careful attention to stitch placement and color changes to ensure a polished, professional finish.

Stitches Used

The Kylo Beanie is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing colorwork patterns. The pattern includes the ssk (slip, slip, knit) decrease stitch, which is commonly used in shaping and stitch reduction throughout the hat. The colorwork diamond pattern is achieved through stranded knitting or fair isle techniques, where two colors are carried and worked across rows to create the bold geometric design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Kylo Beanie pattern calls for Cascade 220 Merino yarn, a worsted-weight yarn made from 100% Merino wool. One skein each of two coordinating colors is required; the suggested palette includes Olive Green (#18) and Moss Green (#19), though alternative color combinations such as Navy (#48) and Gray (#11) are also recommended. Each skein provides 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces).

Needle requirements include US 6 (4mm) 16-inch circular needles and double point needles for the main knitting, along with US 5 (3.75mm) 16-inch circular needles for specific sections. The pattern recommends a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. For knitters who tend to work colorwork sections tightly, the pattern suggests going up one to two needle sizes to maintain proper gauge and fabric drape.

Difficulty Level

The Kylo Beanie is classified as an advanced knitting project. This difficulty rating reflects the combination of techniques required: working with circular and double point needles, managing colorwork patterns, executing decreases, and navigating the unique double brim construction. Knitters should be comfortable with stranded colorwork and have experience shaping garments before attempting this design.