P143 Simple Beanie with Ribbed Hem

How to Machine Knit the Simple Beanie with Ribbed Hem

Make a simple beanie using a circular knitting machine, then finish the lower edge by hand with a knitted ribbed hem. The main tube is worked on the machine before the stitches are transferred to circular needles for the ribbing.

The finished beanie is designed as one size fits most, fitting a head circumference up to 58cm, with an optional pom pom added at the crown.

Measurements

Yarn Required

Needles & Equipment

• A Lincraft circular knitting machine.
• A 5.00mm circular knitting needle, 80cm or longer.
• A length of waste yarn approximately 1 metre long.
• Pom pom maker.
• Approximately 50g of yarn for pom pom.
• Wool needle for sewing in ends.

Tension

Tension is predetermined by your knitting machine tension guide.

BEANIE

Casting on your machine:

Assemble the machine as per the included instructions, place the machine on a stable surface.

Make sure the operating switch is up and set for circular or tube knitting rather than panel knitting.

Finding the centre pull of the yarn, take the tail end and place into the centre of the machine so that it touches the table.

Turn the crank backwards until the first black needle is to the left of the yarn feeder. Wrap the working end of your yarn in front of the needle. Start slowly turning the crank clockwise and at the same time, thread the yarn behind the next needle, then in front of the next, continuing to alternate back and forth on each rising needle.

When you reach the first needle you’ve threaded again the yarn remains wrapped in front of the needle for the remainder of the work.

Thread your yarn through the yarn holder so that it sits firmly in place.

Thread through the middle hole of the tension guide and back up through the end hole. You may have to adjust the tension depending on your individual machine. Now you are ready to knit!

Knitting Panel:

Continue to turn the crank backwards, do not use excessive force, the yarn should run smoothly through the machine.

Occasionally tug at the bottom of the work to keep the work feeding smoothly through the machine. Continue to knit until piece measures 23cm from the beginning, remove the yarn from the tension guide and yarn holder.

Removing Tube for Ribbing:

Using the length of waste yarn and the needle included with your machine, thread the yarn through each stitch, alternating between threading through the stitch from the front and the back. When you reach the starting stitch again, remove the work from the machine.

Slip the final row of stitches onto your circular needles, taking care to keep the tube facing the same direction.

Remove the waste yarn, beginning to knit in the round following the below stitch pattern,

Round 1: *Knit one stitch, purl one stitch, repeat from * to end of the round.

Repeat this round until ribbing measures 5 cm from the beginning.

Cast off loosely in rib.

FINISHING

Tug the end of yarn at the beginning of the work to draw tightly and fasten off.

If desired, make and add a pom pom, using the extra end of yarn to sew it in place at the crown of the head.

Weave in all ends, fold back the cuff and stretch gently into shape.

ITEM A: Ribbed Hem on Beanie

Alternative Yarns

The original pattern uses Makr Venture yarn. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a yarn that runs smoothly through your circular knitting machine and produces a fabric compatible with the machine’s predetermined tension.

Suitable Yarn Types

• Machine-compatible acrylic yarn – an easy-care option that generally feeds smoothly through circular knitting machines.
• Machine-compatible wool blend – provides extra warmth while retaining some elasticity.
• Machine-washable wool – suitable for a warmer natural-fibre beanie, provided it is compatible with the machine.
• Smooth variegated yarn – can create colour changes throughout the machine-knit tube without manual striping.
• Self-striping yarn – suitable for creating gradual bands of colour across the finished beanie.

Customisation Ideas

• Use a self-striping yarn to create automatic colour changes throughout the beanie.
• Choose a contrasting yarn for the pom pom to add a different colour at the crown.
• Omit the pom pom for a simpler finish.
• Use a solid neutral yarn for a classic everyday beanie.
• Use a bright or variegated yarn for a more colourful version.

To retain the original fit, keep the machine-knit tube measurement of 23cm and the 5cm ribbing measurement unchanged when making colour customisations.

Care Instructions

Follow the washing and care instructions provided on the ball band of the yarn used.

1. Weave in all ends securely before washing.
2. Check that the pom pom is securely attached if one has been added.
3. Wash using the method and temperature recommended for the selected yarn.
4. Avoid excessive agitation when using wool or fibres prone to felting.
5. Gently reshape the beanie and ribbed cuff after washing.
6. Lay flat to dry where appropriate.
7. Fold back the cuff once completely dry.