Classroom: Ribbed Beanie & Handwarmers Pattern

“Learn to knit in the round.”

• about the DESIGN

This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern will teach you to work in the round using two different methods. For the beanie, you’ll begin with a short circular needle. As you begin to decrease for the crown, you will need to change to double-point needles—great practice for the stylish handwarmers! Ribbing is very stretchy, so sizing your beanie is quite forgiving.

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN:

• Decreasing a stitch
• Joining in the round
• Buttonhole’ thumb opening

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cable cast-on method, knit stitch, purl stitch, combining knits & purls, binding off in pattern, and weaving in tails. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Knit Companion booklet.

• basic DETAILS

FINISHED SIZES
Child/Small Adult Beanie: To fit 18–22"/46-56cm head; approx. 15"/38cm around x 7½"/19cm deep, not stretched (it will shorten as it stretches out).
Medium/Large Adult Beanie: To fit 20–24"/51-61cm head; approx. 17"/43cm around x 8"/20cm deep not stretched (it will shorten as it stretches out).
Handwarmers: Approx. 7"/18cm around x 7½"/19cm long.

YARN
Child/Small Adult (Med/Large Adult) Beanie: Approx. 115yds/105m (150yds/137m) of worsted-weight yarn (ball band should suggest a gauge of approx. 18 stitches = 4"/10cm).
We used 1 skein Manos del Uruguay Maxima (219 yds/200m) in Color 2545 Pewter (on her), Color 2515 Slate (on him).
Handwarmers: Approx. 140yds/128m of worsted-weight yarn (ball band should suggest a gauge of approx. 18 stitches = 4"/10cm.) Note: If you lengthen handwarmers, you will need more yarn.
We used 1 skein Manos del Uruguay Maxima (219 yds/200m) in Color 2545 Pewter.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Beanie: US 7 (4.5mm) 16"/40cm circular needles and double-points, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Handwarmers: US 5 (3.75mm) 7½"/19cm (or longer) double- pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge. Note: Handwarmers are knit on smaller needles for a slightly denser fabric.
Stitch marker (beanie only).
Blunt darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
Beanie: Approx. 26 sts/30 rounds = 4"/10cm in K2/P2 ribbing, not stretched.
Handwarmers: Approx. 28 sts/32 rounds = 4"/10cm in K2/P2 ribbing, not stretched.

• NOTES

Ribbing is very stretchy, so sizing your beanie is quite forgiving. As ribbing stretches around it shortens a little in length, so for an extra large hat, you can add a few rounds instead of adding more stitches. What could be simpler?