How to Knit Easter Egg Beanies
Add a playful handmade touch to your Easter table with these tiny knitted beanies. Designed to fit over an egg, each beanie is worked flat using ribbing, stocking stitch and a series of simple decreases.
The original instructions are written for a single-colour yarn, but this quick project is perfect for stripes, colour blocking, leftover yarn and coordinating Easter shades.
Project: Easter Egg Beanies
Pattern: #2770
Difficulty: Beginner to easy
What You Will Need
- A small amount of yarn
- Knitting needles suited to your chosen yarn
- A wool needle for sewing up
- Scissors
- A small pompom, if desired
Abbreviations
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together
- Sts: Stitches
Knitting Instructions
Begin the Brim
- Cast on 34 stitches.
- Work eight rows in rib.
For a shorter brim that will not be folded back, work four rows of rib instead of eight.
Work the Main Section
- Work eight rows in stocking stitch.
- Work one purl row.
Shape the Crown
Continue with the following decrease sequence:
- Decrease row 1: Knit 1, then repeat knit 6, knit 2 together to the end.
- Work one purl row.
- Decrease row 2: Knit 1, then repeat knit 5, knit 2 together to the end.
- Work one purl row.
- Decrease row 3: Knit 1, then repeat knit 4, knit 2 together to the end.
- Work one purl row.
- Decrease row 4: Knit 1, then repeat knit 3, knit 2 together to the end.
- Work one purl row.
- Decrease row 5: Knit 1, then repeat knit 2, knit 2 together to the end.
- Work one purl row.
- Decrease row 6: Knit 3, then repeat knit 1, knit 2 together to the end.
- Work one purl row.
- Knit two stitches together repeatedly to the end of the row.
- Work one purl row.
- Continue alternating these final two rows until only a very small number of stitches remains.
Finishing the Beanie
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough for sewing.
- Thread the yarn through the remaining crown stitches and pull firmly.
- Use the same yarn tail to sew the back seam from the crown to the lower edge.
- Turn the beanie right side out and fold back the ribbed brim, if desired.
- Attach a small pompom to the top.
- Sew in any remaining yarn ends and place the finished beanie over an egg.
Alternative Yarns for This Project
This is an ideal project for using small amounts of leftover yarn. Smooth yarns are easiest to knit and will show the shaping clearly.
- 4 ply wool or acrylic – creates a fine, lightweight beanie suited to smaller eggs.
- 5 ply or sport-weight yarn – offers a slightly fuller finish while remaining neat and flexible.
- 8 ply wool or acrylic – creates a warmer, chunkier beanie and may suit larger eggs or decorative foam eggs.
- Merino wool – produces a soft, warm finish with good elasticity.
- Cotton yarn – creates a crisp, smooth beanie with clear stitch definition, although it will have less stretch than wool.
- Self-striping or variegated yarn – adds colour without requiring manual yarn changes.
Choosing the Best Substitute
Because the original yarn and needle size are not stated, begin with yarn already in your stash and use the needle size recommended on its label. Check the fit after working the ribbing and stocking-stitch section.
The knitted fabric should stretch comfortably over the egg without being loose. Use smaller needles for a firmer fabric or larger needles for a softer, more flexible finish.
Colour and Styling Ideas
- Alternate two colours every two rows.
- Create pastel rainbow stripes.
- Use one colour for the brim and another for the crown.
- Add a contrasting pompom.
- Embroider small spots, initials or simple motifs.
- Make coordinating sets for Easter table settings or gift baskets.
Care
Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn. Hand wash gently in cool water, reshape and allow the beanie to dry flat.