Linen Stitch Beanie

Linen Stitch Beanie by Katrine H

What is Being Made

The Linen Stitch Beanie is a knitted hat designed by Katrine H. This beginner-friendly project creates a finished beanie with a circumference of approximately 44 cm (17 inches) and a full length of approximately 25 cm (9.8 inches). The hat features a classic beanie silhouette suitable for everyday wear, with a textured linen stitch pattern forming the primary visual element of the design.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The beanie begins with a cast-on edge using circular needles, followed by knitting in the round—a technique that eliminates the need for seaming. The pattern includes a stockinette stitch foundation section, which serves as the ribbed cuff area of the hat. The designer offers an optional technique using The Old Norwegian cast-on method for knitters seeking a more stretchy edge. The pattern utilizes the magic loop technique as an alternative construction method, allowing knitters to work with a single long circular needle if preferred.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in this beanie is the linen stitch, which is worked in the round. The linen stitch is created through a two-round repeat pattern:

• Round 1: Knit 1 stitch, slip 1 stitch with yarn in front; repeat across the round
• Round 2: Slip 1 stitch with yarn in front, knit 1 stitch; repeat across the round

The linen stitch requires an odd number of stitches to work correctly in the round. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch for the initial 8 rounds, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric for the lower portion of the beanie before transitioning to the textured linen stitch section.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The beanie is worked using Malabrigo Arroyo, a 100% merino wool yarn in the sport weight category. One skein is required to complete the project. The color pictured in the pattern is Chispas 064. The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to accommodate different knitting tensions and techniques:

• Circular needles in 3 mm (US 2.5): Used for the initial cast-on and stockinette stitch rounds
• Circular needles in 2.5 mm (US 1.5): Recommended as an alternative for loose knitters who may need a tighter gauge
• Circular needles in 4 mm (US 6): Used for the linen stitch section to maintain consistent knitting gauge
• Magic loop needle in 80 cm (32 inches): An optional alternative construction method for knitters who prefer working with a single long circular needle

The pattern specifies a knitting gauge of 20 stitches over 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, which helps ensure the finished beanie achieves the intended dimensions. The cast-on requires 89 stitches on the 40 cm (16 inch) circular needles to create the proper circumference for the finished hat.