Have you ever had a *really bad* week? Like…one where every day hands you a bigger pile of garbage than the last? Just me? No, I have a feeling I’m not alone on this one. Anyway, it’s been rough over here, my friends. I’ll spare you the details, but it’s been hard getting into a creative headspace for this week’s blog post. Because of that, I figured now is the best time to introduce our monthly Free Pattern program, and this one happens to be my newest design! The Braid Beanie is a quick, chunky knit pattern that is perfect for holiday gifting and market prep. You can knock one out in an hour or two if you’re an experienced knitter, three or four hours if you’re a beginner. I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do!
Below you will find all of the pattern details, a nonaffiliated link to purchase the yarn, and all abbreviations used in this pattern.
About the pattern
Big Brim. Big Braids. Big Pom. What more can you ask for? The Braid Beanie pattern combines chunky wool with bulky cables, creating a quick, classic look you’ll come back for every fall/winter season.
For an ad free, printable version of this pattern, please consider purchasing a copy of the PDF file on Etsy.
Method: Knitting
Skill Level: Intermediate
Needles: Circular Knitting Needles 6.5mm / US 10.5, 16″ 8mm / US 11, 16″
Other: Stitch Marker, Yarn Needle, Cable Needle, Faux Fur Pompom
Yarn: Lana Grossa Mille II (2 balls) or comparable weight 5 yarn. Approximately 115 yards.
Gauge: 2″x2″ 6 its 8 rows 8mm stockinette
Dimensions: 9.75″ length, 7″ width at brim
Abbreviations
K: Knit
K2tog: Knit next 2 sts together (dec)
KFB: Knit front and back of next stitch (inc)
P: Purl
CN: Cable Needle
st(s): Stitch/Stiches
sl: Slip
* or **: Repeat whatever follows the * or **
Note: This hat is worked in the round, from the bottom up. Directions are for standard, fitted adult size.
Brim
With 6.5mm needle, cast on 56 sts.
Join, place marker at beginning of round, and begin to work circularly.
Round 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
Repeat Round 1, 11 times. (12 rows of brim) or until brim measures 2.75 inches.
Body
Change to 8mm needle.
Setup Round: *k7, kfb* around. (63 sts)
Round 1-3: k around.
Round 4 (Cable Round 1): *sl 3 sts onto CN, hold in front. K3, k3 from CN, k3* around.
Round 5-7: k around.
Round 8 (Cable Round 2): *k3, sl 3 sts onto CN, hold in back, k3, k3 from CN* around.
Repeat Rounds 1-8, two times.
Crown
Note: You can use double pointed needles if / when work is too small for circular needle.
Decrease Round 1: *K1, k2tog* around – 42 sts.
Decrease Round 2: K around.
Decrease Round 3: *k2tog* around – 21 sts.
Decrease Round 4: K around.
Finish
Cut yarn, leaving 12 in tail.
Draw through remaining stitches with yarn needle, fasten, weave in ends. Attach pompom if desired.
And there you have it, friends! A brand new braided beanie in all its chunky glory. Let me know if you enjoyed this pattern by leaving a comment below, and don’t forget to tag me in any social media posts so I can see your finished hat!
Happy Friday everybody! And happy making 🙂
Wonderful hat! Thank you for your generosity!!
You’re welcome, Margie! Glad you like it 🙂