Matilda May Beanie

Matilda May Beanie by TigsTogs

What is Being Made

The Matilda May Beanie is a knitted hat designed by TigsTogs and named after the designer's maternal grandmother. This beanie represents the designer's fourth knitted beanie pattern and was created in May 2020 during the early stages of Covid-19 isolation in Australia. The pattern showcases a colorwork design incorporating multiple yarn colors in a coordinated palette.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The beanie is worked in the round using a circular needle, which is a fundamental method for creating seamless, tubular garments like hats. The pattern incorporates colorwork, requiring knitters to manage multiple yarn colors throughout the construction. The design demonstrates stranded colorwork or similar multi-color knitting techniques that create visual interest through color changes and pattern repeats.

Stitches and Construction

The Matilda May Beanie begins with a cast-on of 77 stitches using the long-tail or preferred cast-on method. The pattern uses standard knit and purl stitches as the foundation for the colorwork design. Stitch markers are employed to track pattern repeats and the beginning of rounds when working in the round. The construction method involves joining stitches in the round to create a seamless fabric, with the designer noting their preferred joining technique in the pattern instructions.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The Matilda May Beanie requires 120 grams of Nundle Chaffey 12 ply wool, which is an aran weight yarn. The pattern calls for five colors: C1 Mustard, C2 Natural, C3 Aqua, C4 Cumin, and C5 Camel. Knitters need at least one 50-gram ball of the primary color and can use leftover yarn from other projects for the remaining four colors, offering flexibility for stash-busting.

Tools and Notions:

• One 4.50 mm circular needle, 60 cm in length
• One stitch marker
• One yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Tension: The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 rows and 7 stitches over a 5 cm square, which should be checked before beginning to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern is designed for intermediate knitters who have experience with circular needle techniques and are comfortable managing multiple yarn colors. The aran weight yarn and specified needle size create a fabric with good stitch definition, making the colorwork design clearly visible. The pattern is available as a digital download from TigsTogs, an independent designer, with pattern support available through direct contact with the designer.