Jules

Jules Beanie by Olive & Pearl Knits

What Is Being Made

The Jules Beanie is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Olive & Pearl Knits. This downloadable PDF knitting pattern produces a finished hat measuring 8 inches from top to bottom, making it a classic beanie suitable for a range of head sizes when worked to the specified gauge. The design incorporates textured stitch work and cable techniques to create visual interest and dimension.

Yarn & Materials

This pattern calls for approximately 50 grams of sport-weight yarn with a yardage of 137 yards (125 meters). The pattern specifies Cloudborn Merino Alpaca Sport yarn as the suggested fiber, though any sport-weight yarn that meets the required gauge is acceptable. Sport-weight yarn is a lightweight option that produces a refined, drapey fabric ideal for fitted hats and accessories.

The pattern requires the following needles and notions:

• Size 5 US (3.76mm) 16-inch circular needles
• Size 6 US (4mm) 16-inch circular needles
• Size 6 US (4mm) double-pointed needles or longer circular needles for magic loop technique
• Cable needle for cable stitch work
• Ruler or tape measure for gauge checking
• Tapestry or darning needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge & Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 30 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working twisted rib in the round on size 5 needles, after the fabric has been washed and blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished hat dimensions and ensuring the beanie fits as intended.

Techniques & Stitches Used

The Jules Beanie employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add texture and visual appeal to the finished garment.

Twisted Rib: The pattern uses twisted rib as a foundational stitch, which creates a dense, elastic fabric commonly used for hat cuffs and ribbed sections. Twisted rib is worked by knitting through the back loop (KTBL), which twists each stitch and produces a refined, polished appearance.

Cable Stitches: Cable work is a central design element in this beanie. The pattern includes C6F (Cable 6 Front) instructions, which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle and holding them to the front of the work before knitting subsequent stitches. This technique creates the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture associated with cable knit patterns. Cables add both visual interest and subtle texture to the hat.

Decreases: The pattern incorporates several decrease techniques to shape the crown of the hat and achieve the proper fit:

• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches individually knitwise onto the right needle, then inserting the left needle through the front of both stitches and knitting them together.
• P2TOG (Purl Two Together): A simple right-leaning decrease worked on purl stitches by purling two stitches together as one.
• CDD (Centered Double Decrease): An advanced decrease technique that slips two stitches together knitwise with yarn held in back, purls the next stitch, then passes the slipped stitches over the purled stitch. This creates a centered, symmetrical decrease ideal for shaping hat crowns.

In-the-Round Knitting: The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The transition from larger circular needles to double-pointed needles or the magic loop method allows for decreasing as the crown narrows toward the top of the hat.

Pattern Structure

The Jules Beanie is an intermediate project that combines foundational knitting skills with more advanced techniques such as cable work and centered decreases. The use of sport-weight yarn and smaller needle sizes produces a refined, fitted beanie suitable for various seasons depending on fiber content. The pattern's inclusion of detailed abbreviations and stitch definitions makes it accessible to knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable working in the round and executing cable and decrease techniques.