How to Knit Beards

You can knit beards with straight or circular needles.

When knitting a beard, select a yarn that will mimic the end effect you want the beard to have. For a neat appearance, use a smaller weight of yarn with a smoother, tighter twist with at least two plies. For a rougher appearing beard -- say, one to mimic a viking or biker --look for loosely twisted natural fibers in a larger weight, ideally with one ply. Whichever you choose, a knitted beard is sure to keep your face warm throughout winter.

Things You'll Need

• Knitting needles, sized to the yarn chosen
• Ruler or tape measure
• Yarn, 1 or 2 skeins
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cast on enough stitches to make a 2 inch row, and knit six rows of that stitch count. A stitch marker placed at the end of the first row will help you keep track.

2. Knit enough stitches to make 1 inch of fabric along the seventh row, and then knit front to back two additional stitches.

3. Continue this pattern with three more rows until your rows are 4.5 inches long.

4. Begin decreasing by two stitches on the eleventh row, one on each side of the row, until you have only two stitches remaining or the beard has reached your desired length-- whichever happens first.

5. Cast off.

6. Loop the tail through your tapestry needle and thread it back through the knitting. Knot it when near the end, and cut any remaining fiber from the knot.

7. Measure the circumference of your head. Add 6 to this measurement.

8. Cast on three new stitches to your needles in the same yarn, and continue to knit with three stitches per row until you have an I-cord the length of the measurement in Step 7.

9. Lay the I-cord flat on a table, and align the top of the beard with its center.

10. Stitch the beard to the I-cord using another length of the same yarn and the tapestry. Knot both ends and cut off any excess yarn.

11. Tie the I-cord around the back of your head to wear your new knitted beard.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional visual interest, you may wish to knit patterns, such as cables or colorwork, into your beard.