I remember the first time I ever crocheted a beanie. I had no clue how to read a pattern, so all I knew was this blueprint that I’m going to share with you here. My first beanie wasn’t perfect but I was definitely hooked!
Read MoreSupplies to Crochet a Beanie | Crochet for Beginners
Wondering what supplies you need to get started on crochet a beanie? Here ya go! I’ve been crocheting beanies since 2002 and I’ve found some favorite supplies through trial and error.
Read MoreHow to crochet with a double strand
Today I want to show you one of my favorite techniques to make a warm, cozy beanie that is really unique -- crocheting with a double strand!
The crocheting with a double strand is great because...
- The finished beanie is super warm and cozy.
- You can make the beanie super fast!
- You can combine any colors (favorite sports team colors?)
- Use any type of yarn, thick or thin.
Watch the video below to learn how to crochet with a double strand!
Want to make the beanies featured in the video? Check out the patterns...
Cranberry Crush Beanie Crochet Pattern
Scrap Yarn Beanie Crochet Pattern - Worsted and Bulky weight yarns
How to Crochet a Beanie: Increase
Today you're going to learn one of the most important steps in crocheting a beanie, the increase. An increase does just what the name implies, it makes the beanie bigger. You use increases to make the top of the beanie about as big as the crown of your head (or the head of the lucky recipient of your handmade awesomeness). Then, once you've reached the desired size, you stop increasing, turn on your favorite TV show and tweedle away until your beanie is finished perfection.
So, check out the video below and learn how to do this important step and you're on your way to crochet greatness.
When you master the increase, you can use it in all of my crochet beanie patterns:
Click here for beanie patterns
With this video I'm drinking red clover blossom tea, and I mentioned that I had a funny story about this tea.
I bought the tea when I was doing a health cleanse, because it's supposed to help clear out your system. I ordered it online because I couldn't find it in the store and I wanted to buy the loose leaf variety. Little did I know that when you buy a pound of loose leaf tea it comes in a huge bag! Check out the picture below. I've been drinking this tea for 4 months and I've barely put a dent in this huge bag of tea leaves. So, if anyone wants to try some red clover blossom tea, I've got plenty!
Loose leaf tea in a mason jar
One huge bag of tea leaves!
How to Crochet a Beanie: Single Crochet
Welcome to Step 2 of crocheting a beanie, the single crochet. In crochet patterns, single crochet is abbreviated as sc.
I love to make beanies with single crochet. The stitches look smooth, tight and beautiful. (Hmmm, that sounds a little dirty, but I'm talking about crochet here! ;) Anyway, single crochet is a basic, easy stitch and it creates awesome results. I use it in most of my patterns so once you nail this stitch, you'll be on your way to making tons of fun projects.
To start your single crochet beanie, you first need to make a magic circle. Now you're ready to do some single crochets into the circle to start the very top of your beanie. See the video below for step-by-step details.
For some people. the magic circle and the first single crochet stitches are the hardest part of the entire beanie. So, take your time and don't get frustrated. Watch the video a few times and follow exactly what I do. Rest assured that your effort is worth it because your beanie is going to look awesome! And, once you've got this part down, the rest of the hat will be easy peasy.
How did it go? Were you able to successfully execute a single crochet stitch? Tell me about it in the comments below! ;)
Crochet Pattern: Gumdrop Baby Beanie
This week my brother Drew went to Pittsburgh to visit my other two brothers, Davey and Danny. I know, we're all D's, isn't that cute?
Anyway, Davey and his wife just had a new baby girl. Since I haven't seen her yet and I probably won't be able to meet her until we all go to Montana in July, I wanted to whip up a little something special for her so she knows that her auntie loves her. I was on deadline since I wanted to be able to finish her beanie in time to send it to Pittsburgh with Drew. Even though I was in a bit of a rush, I ended up being very happy with the result.
Gumdrop Baby Beanie for my niece
I don't normally write baby patterns and I didn't intend to share this one. But when Drew delivered the hat to the family and my sister in law sent me a picture of my niece wearing it, I knew I needed to share the love and share the pattern.
My niece at 2 weeks old. Adorbs!!
I'm feeling full of love looking at the pictures right now, so here's a free pattern for you!
Gumdrop Baby Beanie Crochet Pattern
Materials:
- G hook
- Red Heart Gumdrop yarn in Smoothie
Abbreviations Used:
- rnd - round
- mc/r - magic circle/magic ring
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- sl st - slip stitch
- sts - stitches
- dc - double crochet
Size: Newborn- 3 months
Pattern:
Rnd 1: mc/r, ch 1. Work 6 sc into the mc/r. Join with sl st. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: ch 2, 2 dc in same st. 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)
Rnd 3-4: ch 2, 2 dc in same st, dc in next st. *2 dc in next st, dc in next st, repeat from * around (18 sts)
Rnd 5: ch 2, 2 dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts. *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, repeat from * around (24 sts)
Rnd 6-12: ch 2, dc in each st around (24 sts)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Make pom pom and sew on the top.
Note: When I start the rounds 2-12 of dc's with ch 2, I make the first chain a normal size and then I stretch the second chain so that it's about at the height of a dc. I don't count either of these chains as a st in the rnd. I do it this way because it makes less of a seam and rows look straighter. Try it and let me know how it goes!
P.S. I didn't get a chance to measure my gauge before I sent it off to Pittsburgh. So you'll have to play around with it a bit. Sorry! But the pattern is free so don't complain too much ;)
How to Crochet a Beanie: Magic Circle/Magic Ring
How do you start to crochet a beanie? Never fear, your question is answered here. I'd wager this is the hardest step of the whole process, so be a bit patient with yourself if this seems difficult at first.
Even though this might take some practice to learn, it will be worth it and you'll see why in my video. Using the magic circle makes your beanies look awesome!
In my patterns, I write this step with the abbreviation mc/r. In some patterns, you'll also see MAL, which stands for Magic Adjustable Loop. These two techniques are the same, so this tutorial can help with whichever pattern you're working with.
The magic circle/magic ring technique will result in a beanie with no hole at the top! It really is magic. Use this to start all of your beanies for a clean, neat appearance with no odd hole in the top.
The first step to starting your crochet hat
How did it go? Were you able to start your beanie with the magic circle? Let me know in the comments below!
Want to try your hand at using the magic circle to crochet a beanie? Grab my FREE Mens One Hour Beanie Crochet Pattern here.
