The Cleeve Beanie

The Cleeve Beanie by Amanda Coffeen

What is Being Made

The Cleeve Beanie is a textured super bulky knit beanie hat inspired by Cleeve Hill in the Cotswolds. This beginner-friendly design features a distinctive stitch pattern that creates a visual texture resembling tiny hills across the crown of the hat. The pattern includes two sizing options: Child (approximately 8.5" height x 8" width) and Adult (approximately 9" height x 8.75" width).

Knitting Techniques Used

This beanie employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners working with super bulky yarn. The construction uses circular knitting needles for the main body, transitioning to double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown decreases. The pattern incorporates basic shaping methods including knit-together decreases to form the crown closure at the top of the hat. The textured stitch pattern creates visual interest while remaining accessible to newer knitters.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping the crown
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease for crown shaping
• Slip Purlwise with Yarn in Front (sl wyif) – a slip stitch variation
• Knit 1 Stitch Under Loop (k1ul) – a specialty stitch creating textural elements

Materials and Tools

The Cleeve Beanie requires 60 yards of yarn for the Child size or 75 yards for the Adult size in super bulky weight. The pattern suggests Malabrigo Rasta or any comparable super bulky yarn. The project uses US 13 (9 mm) circular knitting needles for the ribbed cuff and US 15 (10 mm) circular knitting needles for the main body, with US 15 (10 mm) double-pointed needles for the crown decreases. Additional supplies include a darning or tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a stitch marker for tracking rounds, and scissors. The pattern notes that a faux fur or yarn pom-pom is optional for finishing the crown.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 9 stitches by 13 rows over a 4-inch square worked in stockinette stitch on US 15 needles. Working with super bulky yarn at this gauge creates a dense, warm fabric ideal for winter wear. The relatively quick yardage requirement and bulky yarn weight make this an efficient project that can be completed in a short timeframe, making it well-suited for beginner knitters seeking a satisfying finished object.