Bear Hug Beanie

Bear Hug Beanie is a unisex hat made in a simple but interesting stitch pattern that creates a very stretchy fabric. The hat is a fast knit, with easy to remember pattern repeat, and contains both written instructions and charts for 5 sizes, from toddler to adult large - so you can make matching hats for the whole family. It will look best in solid or semi-solid colourways - I made two of my samples with Miss Babs Yowza in Boysenberry and Oyster.

Patterns for matching items are available: Bear Hug Sweater and Beaded Rib Mittens

Sizes

1 (2, 3, 4, 5)

To fit: 1-2 years (3-5 years, 6 years-adult S, adult M, adult L) 

Finished circumference: 42 (44, 48, 54, 60) cm/16.75 (17.5, 19.25, 21.5, 24) in 

Finished length: 18 (19, 21, 23, 24) cm/7.25 (7.75, 8.5, 9.25, 9.5) in 

Shown in sizes 3 (Oyster), 4 (Boysenberry) and 5 (Spruce). To be worn with approx. 3-7 cm/1.25-3 in of negative ease.

Note: As the ribbed fabric is very stretchy, the circumference measurements are given for the hat slightly stretched. When selecting a size for a child, measure their head - do not make the decision based on the age only as children grow at different rates.

Gauge (blocked) 

Beaded rib stitch: 25 sts and 34 rows = 10 cm/4 in, with larger needle(s), stretched 

1x1 rib: 25 sts and 34 rows = 10 cm/4 in, with smaller needle(s), stretched

Yarn

Smooth DK yarn in a solid or semi-solid colourway, approx. 125 (140, 165, 205, 240) m/140 (155, 185, 225, 265) yds

Shown in Miss Babs Yowza (100% superwash merino wool, 512 m/560 yds per 227 g/8 oz, in Boysenberry and Oyster) and in Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK (discontinued 100% superwash merino wool, 116 m/127 yds per 50 g, in Spruce).

Needles and Notions

• Larger needle(s): 3.75 mm/US 5 needle(s) in preferred style for working small circumferences 

• Smaller needle(s): 3.25 mm/US 3 needle(s) in preferred style for working small circumferences 

• 1 stitch marker 

• Waste yarn, for tubular cast on 

• Yarn needle

Skills Needed

Knit, purl, increases, decreases, tubular or long tail cast on, working in the round.