The Marled Knit Beanie

Christmas is in 4 days and I can hardly believe it! This year's Christmas season brings a Christmas party with old friends we haven't seen since last Christmas and new friends we've made this year, quality hang out time with almost all members of both our immediate families, a heightened anticipation for niece #4 (!!!), and a good chunk of time off to enjoy all of these things. All the while, celebrating the birth and life of Jesus (: I didn't realize until I looked at a calendar at work yesterday, just how close Christmas is! I'll blame my slow brain on the mild winter we've had so far. Anyhow, whatever the weather, a warm toque is always a good idea so here is The Marled Knit Beanie!

I starting knitting this beanie in the spring of 2014 and finished it around Christmas last year. It was my reward for finishing my to do list of knit and crochet projects I was giving away as gifts for Christmas and birthdays (: It's so soft, warm, and cozy - perfect for Edmonton winters...or for anyone who wants an extra accessory for the winter season!

The pattern for this beanie is from Purl Soho; a craft site that I peruse on the regular, mostly to drool over all their crochet and knit patterns. They have countless projects that are just so darn pretty and/or adorable! Like this, this, and this. ...and this, this, and this. And THIS! A girl (ahem, grandma-wannabe) can only dream. Needless to say, I also draw inspiration from the staff at Purl Soho. The colours and style of Addie's Brioche hat was inspired by Purl Soho's Super Simple Super Soft Merino Baby Hat; the only difference being that I used the brioche stitch instead. I love Purl Soho!

Initially, I was intimidated to try any of their patterns because everything looks so beautiful, which led me to assume that they must also be difficult. BUT, the pattern is simple and easy to do, even for beginner knitters who have finished a couple projects and want to venture beyond the typical beginner project of knitting a scarf. My favourite thing about this beanie is the marled (or marbled) look, which is good for masking little mistakes, too :P

The ribbed pattern gives the hat more depth and stretch compared to using the stockinette stitch. And the stretch makes for easier size-guess-timation for gifts!

I love the simplicity of this hat that makes it a versatile, classic toque that you can easily pair with a cute outfit but also wear when you're out shoveling or skiing!

The Marled Knit Beanie Free pattern by Purl Soho found here

SUPPLIES

• 3.5mm, 19" circular needles
• A set of 3.5mm double-pointed needles, if necessary.
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Super Fine weight yarn in two desired colours
• Yarn A: Woolike in Sage by Loops & Threads x less than 1 ball
• Yarn B: Woolike in Ivory by Loops & Threads x less than 1 ball

NOTES

• I knit my hat in the Women's Medium size; Purl Soho's pattern includes different sizes!
• This pattern is worked from bottom to top of the beanie while holding two strands of yarn together.
• If this is your first time knitting with circular needles, be diligent about keeping the stitches in line (ie. all facing the same way) as you knit to avoid knitting into stitches upside down. Once you get the first few rows done, this won't be an issue so push through the first few, it gets easier! For tips/tutorials for casting on and using circular needles click here, here, and here.
• When knitting the top of the hat, things may get a little bit tight! At this point, switch to the set of double-pointed needles for ease of knitting.
• If you want to knit a more slouchy beanie than mine, knit a bit loosely, and consider knitting an inch or so longer.
• Choose two yarns that have the same composition of materials (ie. same washing instructions) so that you can wash it without worrying about warping or mismatched shrinking.

PATTERN 

1	Holding one strand of each yarn together, cast on 160 onto your circular needles. Place a marker at the end and join for working in a round; this is where you have to be careful not to twist the stitches!
2	Round One: (k1, p1) and repeat ( ) until end of round. Repeat round one until piece measures 8 inches from the cast on edge (top to bottom).
3	Continue knitting the (k1, p1) pattern but in this round, place a stitch marker in every 40th stitch. You will be starting to shape the top of the hat now! As mentioned in the notes, if and when your circular needles start becoming cumbersome to use, switch to the double-pointed needles.
4	{ (k1, p1) four times, k1, k2tog, continue established 1x1 rib pattern until two stitches before next marker, ssk }. Repeat { } to end of round. < 8 stitches decreased >
5	{ (k1, p1) four times, k1, p2tog, continued established pattern until to two stitches before next marker, p2tog tbl }. Repeat { } to end of round. < 8 stitches decreased >
6	Repeat steps 3 & 4 six more times. Afterwards, you should have 48 stitches on your needles.
7	{ Ssk, (k1, p1) two times, k1, k2tog, p1, k1, p1. Repeat { } to end of round. < 8 stitches decreased >
8	{ Ssk, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, p1, k1, p1 }. Repeat from { } to end of round. < 8 stitches decreased >
9	{ Ssk, k1, k2tog, p1, k1, p1}. Repeat { }to end of round. You should have 24 stitches.
10	Cut yarns and thread onto a tapestry needle. Draw the needle through the remaining  stitches. Pull tight and bring tails into the inside of the hat to weave in.

I hope you try out this pattern if you've been itching for a new project! Share a photo of your progress or completed project and use #CrumbsAndPurls #TheMarledKnitBeanie so I can check it out! Happy knitting and I hope you have a warm and merry Christmas!
Photo credit: All photos taken by the wonderful and talented Niresha, in her home and on 104 Street (: