The Free Pattern

See "The Details" tab for size, yarn, needle, and gauge information.

Rolled-edge version:
Using smaller needles, cast on 40 (50, 55, 65, 70, 75) sts. Place your different colored marker and join, being careful not to twist. Knit every round until work measures 11⁄2". Proceed to straight section, next page.

Ribbed-edge version:
Using smaller needles, cast on 40 (52, 56, 64, 72, 76) sts. Place a marker and join in round, being careful not to twist.
Round 1: (K2, P2) around to marker. Repeat Round 1 until work measures 1".
Next Round: Knit around, increasing (use M1 method) or decreasing (use K2Tog method) evenly spaced as necessary, to get to 40 (50, 55, 65, 70, 75) sts.

Straight section (both versions):
Change to larger needles, and knit every round, slipping marker as you go, until work measures 41⁄2 (41⁄2, 43⁄4, 5, 51⁄4, 51⁄2)"/11 (11, 12, 13, 13, 14)cm from bottom of rolled edge or cast-on edge of beanie; on last round, place 4 more markers in another color, every 8 (10, 11, 13, 14, 15) sts.
Note: The remaining decrease rows will add ap- prox. 11⁄2, (2, 21⁄4, 21⁄2, 23⁄4, 3)"/4 (5, 5.75, 6, 7, 7.5)cm.

Decrease rounds (both versions):
Note: Change to double-point needles when necessary.
Round 1: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, K2Tog*; repeat between * * around. (5 sts decreased)
Round 2: Knit.
Repeat Round 1 only (decreasing every round) until 5 sts remain.

Plain top:
Break yarn, leaving an 8"/20cm tail. With darning needle, thread tail through all 5 sts one at a time. Draw up tightly and proceed to finishing.

I-cord top:
Set-up Row: K2Tog twice, K1, all onto one needle. (3 sts)
I-cord Row: *Without turning, slide sts back to right end of needle, bring yarn firmly across the back and knit across to end. Repeat from * for 1"/2.5cm for stem, or 4"/10cm for knotted I-cord, or until desired length. Break yarn, leaving a 6"/15cm tail. With darning needle, thread tail through sts one at a time. Draw up tightly and proceed to finishing.

Finishing:
Weave in ends on wrong side. Wet block or steam gently as desired.