How to Knit a Beanie Without Circular Needles

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Though it's certainly more common to knit a beanie using circular or double-pointed needles (DPNs), it's not necessary. If you don't want to buy needles or feel intimidated by using circular needles or DPNs, you can still create a great beanie with straight needles. You basically just have to decrease your stitches properly and sew together the seams when you are done. This pattern is for an adult hat of average size, with a brim of 60 stitches. If you want a smaller or larger beanie, just determine the number of stitches you need for the brim and adjust the numbers in the pattern accordingly. The gauge for this project is 12 rows and 12 stitches equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Note: This is not a knitting tutorial. You will need to know basic knitting techniques and terms to use this article. If you need to learn to knit, see additional resources for a link to a great tutorial.

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Things You'll Need

  • Scissors

  • Darning Or Yarn Needle

  • 100 Yards Of Yarn (Or Less Depending On Size Of Hat)

  • Size 13 (Or 9Mm) Straight Knitting Needles

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Step 1

Cast on 60 stitches.

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Step 2

Knit 2, purl 2 for 10 rows.

Step 3

Knit 1 row, purl 1 row. Continue in stockinette for 5 more inches.

Step 4

On the next knit row, knit 8 then K2tog (knit 2 together). Repeat this pattern - knit 8, K2tog, knit 8, K2tog, knit 8, K2tog, until you reach the end of the row. This should give you 54 stitches.

Step 5

Purl the next row. Knit the next two rows. Purl the next row. Knit 7, then K2tog, knit 7k, then k2tog, etc. Repeat until the end of the row. You should now have 48 stitches.

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Step 6

Purl 1 row. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row.

Step 7

Knit 6, K2tog, knit 6, K2tog, etc. Repeat until the end of the row. Purl 1 row. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row.

Step 8

Knit 4, K2tog, knit 4, K2tog, etc. Repeat until the end of the row. Purl 1 row. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row.

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Step 9

Knit 4, K2tog, knit 4 K2tog, etc. Repeat until the end of the row. Purl 1 row. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row.

Step 10

Knit 3, K2tog, knit 3, K2tog, etc. Repeat until end of row. Purl 1 row. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row.

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Step 11

Knit 1, K2tog, Knit 1, K2tog, etc. Repeat until end of row. There should be 18 stitches left on the needle.

Step 12

Cast off. Leave a 12-inch tail of yarn and cut.

Step 13

Thread the darning or yarn needle and weave the tail through the remaining stitches. Draw closed.

Step 14

Close the seam with a mattress stitch and weave in the ends.

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