Sandy Shores

Sandy Shores Beanie by Anna Johanna

What is Being Made

The Sandy Shores is a knitted beanie designed by Anna Johanna, featuring a sweet construction adorned with decorative cables, bobbles, and a pompom topper. This intermediate-level hat is sized to fit head circumferences of 20.5–22 inches (52–56 cm) and is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles for the crown decreases.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. Cable knitting forms the primary decorative element, requiring the use of a cable needle to cross stitches and create the signature twisted rope-like patterns that run vertically around the hat. Bobble stitches add dimensional embellishments throughout the design, creating small raised bumps that contrast with the smooth cable work. The hat is worked in the round on circular needles, a technique that creates seamless fabric and allows for even gauge distribution. Crown decreases are worked on double-pointed needles (dpns) as the stitch count reduces toward the top, transitioning from circular needles when the circumference becomes too small. The pattern also incorporates a pompom finish, which can be created using an optional pompom maker or traditional hand-wrapping methods.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches (crossed stitches using a cable needle)
• Bobble stitches (multi-stitch raised embellishments)
• Knit and purl stitches (for ribbing and pattern definition)
• Decreases (for crown shaping)

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for DK weight yarn totaling 274 yards (250 meters). The sample shown uses Nature's Luxury Town & Country Cashmere Fade kit in the Sandy Fade colorway, which is 100% cashmere. The kit consists of 4 skeins of 25 grams each (100 grams total). Any DK weight yarn of comparable yardage may be substituted.

Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles, 16 inches (40 cm) long, plus double-pointed needles in the larger size (US 6) for working the crown decreases. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Additional Materials: 6 stitch markers, 1 cable needle, 1 button measuring 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, an optional pompom maker, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches by 35 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in the cable pattern, worked in the round on the larger needles after blocking. The finished circumference measures 19.75 inches (50 cm), fitting the size medium head circumference range of 20.5–22 inches (52–56 cm) with approximately 1–2.5 inches of negative ease for a snug, comfortable fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of cable work, bobble stitches, and seamless in-the-round construction requires familiarity with these methods, though detailed instructions are provided throughout the pattern.