How to Knit a Double 8 Ply Beanie
Knit a warm, classic beanie using two strands of 8 ply yarn held together. The beanie is worked flat on straight needles, with a ribbed turn-up brim, stocking-stitch body and shaped crown.
The pattern includes three sizes for children and adults. The two yarn strands create a thick, cosy fabric while allowing you to combine matching or contrasting colours.
Project Details
- Project number: 389
- Difficulty: Easy knit
- Sizes: 2–4 years, 6–8 years and Adult
- Construction: Knitted flat and seamed
Finished Measurements
- 2–4 years: fits a 51–52 cm head
- 6–8 years: fits a 53–55 cm head
- Adult: fits a 56 cm head
What You Will Need
Yarn
- 1 × 100 g ball of Lincraft Double Knitting, Cosy Wool or Superwash yarn
The beanie is knitted with two strands of yarn held together. You can work from both ends of one centre-pull ball or use two separate balls.
Needles and Equipment
- Pair of 7.00 mm knitting needles
- Yarn needle for sewing the seam and weaving in ends
Alternative Yarns
The original pattern uses two strands of DK or 8 ply yarn held together. Suitable substitutes should achieve a tension of 13 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm using 7.00 mm needles.
- Two strands of machine-washable 8 ply wool: A warm and practical option with good stretch and stitch definition.
- Two strands of merino 8 ply: Produces a soft, warm beanie with comfortable elasticity.
- Two strands of acrylic 8 ply: An easy-care and economical option suited to everyday wear.
- Two strands of wool and acrylic blend: Combines warmth, durability and easier washing.
- One strand of suitable chunky or 12 ply yarn: May be used instead of doubled 8 ply, provided the tension and finished fabric match the pattern.
- Two different colours held together: Creates a marled effect throughout the beanie.
Knit a tension square before beginning. A yarn that is too thick may make the beanie stiff and small, while a finer yarn may create a loose fabric and larger fit.
What Does “Yarn Double” Mean?
“Yarn double” means holding two separate strands together and treating them as though they are one strand.
- Take one strand from each of two balls, or one strand from the centre and one from the outside of the same ball.
- Hold both strands together when casting on and working every stitch.
- Make sure both strands pass through every stitch so one is not accidentally dropped.
Tension
13 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm using 7.00 mm needles and two strands of yarn held together.
Knitting Abbreviations
- K: knit
- P: purl
- K2tog: knit two stitches together
- St or sts: stitch or stitches
- Rep: repeat
- Rem: remaining
- Beg: beginning
- Stocking stitch: knit one row, purl one row
Understanding the Rib Pattern
Ribbing alternates knit and purl stitches to create a stretchy fabric. It is used for the lower section of the beanie so the turned-up brim fits snugly around the head.
- Row 1: K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to the end.
- Row 2: K2, *P1, K1; repeat from * to the final stitch, K1.
Size Instructions
The first number applies to size 2–4 years. Figures in brackets apply to sizes 6–8 years and Adult in that order.
Begin the Beanie
- Using 7.00 mm needles and two strands of yarn held together, cast on 57 (59–61) stitches.
- Row 1: K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to the end.
- Row 2: K2, *P1, K1; repeat from * to the final stitch, K1.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the work measures 8 cm, finishing after Row 2.
Work the Main Beanie
- Change to stocking stitch.
- Continue until the beanie measures 16 (17–19) cm from the cast-on edge.
- Finish after a knit row.
- Next row: Purl and decrease 0 (2–4) stitches evenly across the row.
- All sizes should now have 57 stitches.
Shape the Crown
- Row 1: K1, *K2tog, K5; repeat from * to the end. 49 stitches remain.
- Row 2 and all alternate rows: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, *K2tog, K4; repeat from * to the end. 41 stitches remain.
- Row 5: K1, *K2tog, K3; repeat from * to the end. 33 stitches remain.
- Row 7: K1, *K2tog, K2; repeat from * to the end. 25 stitches remain.
- Row 9: K1, *K2tog, K1; repeat from * to the end. 17 stitches remain.
- Row 11: K1, *K2tog; repeat from * to the end. 9 stitches remain.
Finish the Crown
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for closing the crown and sewing the seam.
- Thread the yarn tail through the remaining 9 stitches using a yarn needle.
- Remove the knitting needle and draw the stitches together tightly.
- Fasten off securely.
Sew the Beanie
- With the wrong sides facing, begin sewing the back seam from the crown towards the lower edge.
- When you reach the final 4 cm, reverse the seam so it will be hidden when the brim is turned up.
- Weave in all loose yarn ends.
- Turn the lower edge upwards to form the brim.
Helpful Tips
Check both yarn strands regularly while knitting. If only one strand is worked into a stitch, the fabric may develop a thin or weak section.
Mattress stitch can be used for a neat, flat back seam. Remember to reverse the stitching direction across the lower 4 cm so the seam remains hidden beneath the turned-up brim.
Check the head measurement before selecting the size, particularly when substituting yarn, as the thickness and elasticity of doubled yarn can affect the finished fit.
