Rolled Brim Striped Beanie

Rolled Brim Striped Beanie by Brenda Green

What is Being Made

The Rolled Brim Striped Beanie is a classic knitted hat designed by Brenda Green, available in six sizes ranging from Premature through Child. The beanie features a distinctive rolled brim construction and two-color striped pattern created through alternating main and contrast color rows. Head circumference sizes range from 30 cm (11.75 inches) for Premature up to 55 cm (21.75 inches) for larger Child sizes, making this design versatile for newborns through older children.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This beanie is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern employs strategic decreasing throughout the crown shaping, utilizing knit two together (K2tog) decreases worked at regular intervals to gradually reduce stitches and form the hat's crown. The decrease rows are worked with precision, beginning with K1 and then repeating K2tog with decreasing numbers of stockinette stitches between each decrease across the row.

The construction method offers flexibility: the beanie can be worked either knitting flat on straight needles with a seam sewn afterward, or knitting in the round using circular or double-pointed needles. The finishing instructions specify that when working flat, the seam should be reversed during finishing to create the characteristic rolled brim effect. After the crown decreases are completed and stitches are bound off, the remaining stitches are worked in stockinette stitch for 6 rows before casting off.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (stst): Forms the primary fabric of the beanie, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Knit (K): Basic knit stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl (P): Used selectively, including Row 20 which is worked entirely in purl
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): Decrease stitch worked repeatedly across multiple rows to shape the crown
• Cast On and Cast Off: Edge techniques for beginning and finishing the beanie

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Rolled Brim Striped Beanie is designed to be worked with Touch Yarns Merino 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn offering approximately 225 meters per 50-gram ball. The pattern requires two colors: Main Colour (MC) in Shade #405 and Contrast Colour (CC) in Shade #404. Yardage requirements are minimal and efficient, with most sizes requiring just 50 grams (1 ounce) of each color, though the two largest Child sizes require 2 ounces of each color.

The recommended needles are 3.25mm/US 3 knitting needles, appropriately sized for 4ply yarn to achieve proper gauge and fabric density. The choice of Merino fiber provides softness and breathability ideal for a children's hat, while the 4ply weight creates a lightweight beanie suitable for layering or transitional seasons.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent introduction to hat construction and color work for new knitters. The techniques required—basic knit and purl stitches, simple decreases, and two-color striping—are fundamental skills that beginners can master. The relatively small number of stitches and quick project completion time make this an encouraging first hat project.