Can you impress anyone? Of course, you can. But how easy it is to impress your husband (your best critique) when it is about fashion. Well, I passed that test very well.
My hubby wanted a beanie, but not just any beanie. He was very particular that it has to be interesting yet not tacky; carried a matured look yet not make him look older than he really is. I said done! (with a confident smile). Because I knew it was not difficult, but not at all an easy task too. In a few words, he was asking me to blend the latest in fashion with subtlety for him.
Going by the safe colours approach, I decided to use Black yarn. I had a lot of other questions, should I use the different colour as stripes in between? Should I maintain only one base colour and choose a creative pattern? Most importantly, the beanie shouldn’t lose the main purpose i.e. protect the head and ear from the cold breeze. I started putting my thoughts together trying to visualise what it would look like. After many unsuccessful attempts, I thought of starting with one pattern.
But I still had a lot of other questions. Should I use a different colour as few stripes in between; or should I maintain only one base colour and choose a creative pattern? Most importantly, the beanie shouldn’t lose the main purpose i.e. protect the head and ear from the cold breeze.
I liked Amy Depew – The Laughing Willow – Deeply Textured Hat pattern. It gives a willow effect on the hat. I chose to combine grey colour yarn in between to give an active look. The pattern follows a series of Double Crochet (DC) for creating the base and then following the alternate Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTRC) and Double Crochet (DC). I wanted to have a complete willow flow from the beginning. Thus, I started creating alternative sequential FPTRC and DC from the starting.
And guess what, he really loved the crocheted willow beanie, just the way he wanted.
Process:
Starting with Magic Circle, DC 12 times and Join with Slip Stitch (SL ST).
R1: Ch 2, (DC, FPTRC) in each DC, join on top with SL ST -> 12 DC, 12 FPTRC.
R2: ch 2, (FPTRC, FPTRC) in DC, DC in FPTRC, repeat –, join on the top with SL ST -> 24 FPTRC, 12 DC.
R3: ch 2, (DC, FPTRC) on FPTRC, DC on FPTRC, FPTRC on DC, repeat –, join on the top with SL ST -> 24 DC, 24 FPTRC.
R4: ch 2, 2 FPTRC on DC, DC on next FPTRC, (FPTRC on DC, DC on next FPTRC)3 times, repeat –, join on the top with SL ST -> 24 DC, 30 FPTRC.
R5: ch 2, (DC, FPTRC) on FPTRC, (DC on FPTRC, FPTRC on DC)4 times, repeat –, join to the top with SL ST -> 30 DC, 30 FPTRC.
R6: ch 2, 2 FPTRC on DC, DC on next FPTRC, (FPTRC on DC, DC on next FPTRC)4 times, repeat –, join on the top with SL ST -> 30 DC, 36 FPTRC.
R7: ch 2, (DC, FPTRC) on FPTRC, (DC on FPTRC, FPTRC on DC)5 times, repeat –, join to the top with SL ST -> 36 DC, 36 FPTRC.
R8: ch 2, FPTRC on DC, DC on FPTRC, repeat –, join to the top with SL ST -> 36 DC, 36 FPTRC.
R9: ch 2, DC on FPTRC, FPTRC on DC, repeat –, join to the top with SL ST -> 36 DC, 36 FPTRC.
Repeat R8 and R9 with the black yarn till you reach row 12.
Change the yarn to Gray. Repeat R9 and R8. [Check the link to change the yarn ->Happy Berry Crochet – Joining the round with new colour]
Change the yarn to Black. Repeat R9 and R8.
Change the yarn to Gray. Repeat R9 and R8.
Change the yarn to Black. Repeat R9.
Product Specifications:
Defining Dimensions:-
- Height for an adult man hat: 9.5″
- Circumference: 23″-24″
The sizes could be altered based on the count of the stitches for the rows.
Optional Alterations:-
- For edging, you can use fur, Crab Stitch, Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HHDC) or Slip Stitch of same or contrasting colours.
- You can increase the base diameter to give a more slouchy feel. Also, increase the height of the beanie.
- You can increase the Brim by more than 1 row to define a brim.
Remember: do not over accessorise it. This hides the beauty of the pattern itself. Believe in elegance simplicity!!
In case, you have stuck anywhere or have any queries, kindly contact me.
Willow Beanie
Style Aisle:
- Select the yarn colour matching with your winter wear. Try out the Hat-Scarf combo, Hat-Gloves combo of the same pattern.
- Choose the contrast colours matching with your jacket.
- Choose the wool colour based on the palette in the wardrobe. Experiment and enjoy the beautiful colours.
Materials:
- Yarn: Jo-Ann Big Twist – Soft Gray, Jo-Ann Big Twist – Black
- Note: you can play around with different branded yarns as far as they give the synchronous flow of the pattern using a constant crochet hook.
- You can either go for the yarns with the same recommended crochet hook OR decide the yarn and change the crochet hooks along with the tightness on the crochet stitches as you proceed with the pattern.
- You can change the pattern to get a continuous flow.
- Crochet Hook: 6 mm
- Needles
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Stitch Markers: My stitch markers are the mini safety pins we get from clothing tags.
Happy Crocheting!!!
APPENDIX
Care Instructions:
Quality Promise: If washed with care then the neat stitch guarantees perfection up to multiple washes. The wool quality might stretch upon multiple uses.
Purchase Here:
The crocheted, handmade and made to order item is already sold. In case you are looking forward to purchasing the same item or in any customised form, please check out the following further options. The colour combinations, the designs, the dimensions can alter easily based on your preference and usage.
- KMD – Etsy Shopping Gallery
- Etsy – Knot My Designs
- Drop an email – knotmydesigns@gmail.com
- Connect through the Contact Page.
Disclaimer:
All the contents including photos, designs, and patterns are copyright of Knot My Designs unless otherwise stated. Kindly do not republish them as claiming your own.
The patterns are free to learn and adapt, for personal consumption; however, kindly provide due credit to Knot My Designs every time you use or share them.
Happy Shopping!!!