As in life, many trails in Colorado – be they walking paths or ski slopes – will come to a split in the path where one must decide which way to go. The diamonds and ‘Y’ shapes in this mock honeycomb texture reminded me of that decision point.
I originally published this pattern back in 2018 and have it listed as an ad-free version on Ravelry and Etsy. It was one of my best selling patterns and finished items that year! I love that it has a more intricate texture and is accomplished without your brain breaking.
What You’ll Need…
- Size 9US/5.5 mm needles with a 16″ connecting cable
- Size 10.5 US/6 mm needles with a 16″ connecting cable
- Size 5 (bulky) yarn, approx. 100 yards for the regular version and an additional 20 yards for the slouchier version (for a total of 120). I love using Bernat Roving, and this hat requires one skein
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry Needle
- (optional) Faux fur pom pom
Knit Stitch Abbreviations
- Knit (k)
- Purl (p)
- Slip 3 stitches purlwise, holding the yarn in front (s3wyif)
- Slide your needle under the loose stiches and knit with the next stitch (k1uls)
- Knit 2 together (k2tog)
- Slip Marker (sm)
Measurements
This pattern should fit teens and adults. If you need to adjust to make the hat larger (or smaller), increase or decrease in increments of four (4) stitches.
Notes
- For a tutorial of the alternate cable cast-on, please visit https://bit.ly/1RkkqhF. I did not make nor am affiliated with this video.
- If you would prefer not to use the alternate cable cast-on, the long tail cast on would work perfectly fine as well.
- For a tutorial on k1uls, visit https://bit.ly/2L565sg. The difference between that video and our pattern is that instead of knitting under one loose strand, you will knit under both (two) of the loose strands. I did not make nor am affiliated with this video.
- If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
- To keep the continuous all the way around, there will be rows where you need to finish the swyif or k1uls past the beginning of the row marker. Don’t panic, just follow the instructions to finish the special row and knit the remaining section of the row. Once you get the hang of it everything will seem more natural.
Trailhead Beanie – Pattern Instructions
Hat Brim
- CO 56 st using the cast on method of your choice using your size 9US/5.5 mm needles. I usually use long-tail cast on.
- Join to work in the round and *k1, p1*, repeating from * to * until the end of the row.
- Repeat the *k1, p1* pattern for a total of 8 or 10 rows depending on your brim height preference.
Trailhead Beanie – Main Body Knit Instructions
Switch to your 10.5 / 6 mm needles
- Knit all stitches in the row
- *k1, s3wyif * repeat from * to * until 3 stitches are left, s3wyif, sm
- Knit all stitches in the row
- *k1, s3wyif * repeat from * to * until 3 stitches are left, s3wyif, sm
- Knit all stitches in the row
- k2, *k1uls, k3*, repeat from * to * until 1 stitch is left, k1
- Knit all stitches in the row
- k3, *s3wyif, K1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches are left, k1, s1wyif, sm
- s2wyif, knit the remaining stitches in the row
- k3, *s3wyif , k1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches are left, k1, s1wyif, sm
- S2wyif , Knit remaining stitches in row
- *k1uls, K3*, repeat from * to * until end of row
- Knit all stitches in the row
- Repeat rows 3-14 twice more
- *optional* (If an extra slouchy beanie is desired, repeat rows 3-8 one additional time) for adults.
Finishing your Trailhead Beanie
- Repeat row 1 of the Body section
- Repeat row 2 of the Body section
- *k2, k2tog*, repeat from * to * around the row (42 st remaining, 14 st decreased)
- *k1, s2wyif* repeat from * to * around the row
- *k1, k2tog* repeat from * to * around the row (28 st remaining, 14 st decreased)
- *k1, k1uls* repeat from * to * around the row
- *k2tog around the row (14 st remaining, 14 st decreased)
- *k2tog around the row (7 st remaining, 7 st decreased)
- Cut yarn leaving a 8″ tail and thread your yarn through the live stitches with a tapestry needle, cinch tight to close.
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Disclaimers & Fair Use
This pattern and the pictures are the property of Knifty Creative, Ltd (2025) and may not be shared or sold in part or in whole. You are permitted to sell the finished product in small quantities, but please credit and/or tag @kniftylittlething by linking the shop and/or pattern in your online description. When selling finished items, you are required to use your own pictures.
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