A beanie that’s perfect for the whole family! My latest knit pattern, the Bonfire Beanie is here! The pattern is written in 10 sizes from newborn to adult XL. It’s worked in the round with worsted weight yarn, and has a foldable ribbed brim. Mix and match with any ensemble for those chilly autumn nights by the bonfire or those blustery winter days building snowmen.
Read on for the design and inspiration, yarn choice, skill level, and step by step pattern. Plus, I’m sharing my all-time favorite circular needles right here on the blog!
Purchase the printable PDF pattern from Etsy or Ravelry.
Save to your Pinterest board for later.
Design & Inspiration
Hats were one of those projects that I always struggled with as a beginner knitter. My cast on stitches would get twisted when joining to knit in the round; the crown would have noticeable gaps at the decrease rounds; I didn’t realize I should use a smaller needle size for a ribbed brim; my hats were either too large or too small because I didn’t gauge swatch first… the list goes on. Not to mention the question that always comes up with knitting in the round: should I use circular or double pointed needles?
The Bonfire Beanie is the first hat I’ve designed, so naturally I wanted something simple yet modern. And above all, beginner-friendly.
It’s available in 10 size options; the circumferences listed are the true head size.
| SIZE | CIRCUMFERENCE | HEIGHT |
| Newborn | 13″ | 6″ |
| Baby 3-6 months | 16″ | 7″ |
| Baby 6-12 months | 17″ | 8″ |
| Toddler 1-3 years | 18″ | 8″ |
| Child 3-5 years | 19″ | 9″ |
| Child 5-10 years | 20″ | 9″ |
| Adult Small | 21″ | 11″ |
| Adult Medium | 22″ | 11″ |
| Adult Large | 23″ | 11″ |
| Adult X-Large | 24″ | 11″ |
The beanie is worked in the round beginning with the brim, which is worked in repeating rounds of K2, P2 with the smaller needle size. Change to the larger needle size to work the body and decrease rounds for crown shaping. The body is worked in repeating rounds of stockinette stitch and decreases are worked by knitting 2 together. Follow the pattern for the appropriate size. The beanie is finished off by cinching the top and weaving in the ends. Add a pom-pom if desired.
The hat can be worn with the brim folded or as is. The pattern is written with 2 inches of negative ease, so choose the circumference that is closest to the true head size as shown in the chart.
Choosing the right size: The head circumference listed above is the true measurement in inches. Measure around the middle of forehead and just above ears with a tape measure for accurate head circumference. Round up to closest circumference for size. Model’s head circumference is 21” and is wearing size Adult Small.
Yarn Choice
Any worsted weight yarn will do for the Bonfire Beanie. I used Lion Brand’s Touch of Alpaca because y’all know how much I love it. Take a peek at my other designs that I’ve used this yarn for: Basic Knot Headband (knit version); Basic Knot Headband (crocheted version); At Home Crochet Throw
Knitting Needles
As for knitting needles, my all-time favorites are the addiClicks interchangeable circulars from Skacel. I swear by the Turbo set, which are my go-to for all my projects (even when knitting flat). They’re made of nickel-plated brass, which makes sliding stitches on and off much easier and faster; the stitches don’t get caught like the way they sometimes do on wooden needles. The tips on the Turbos in particular are a bit more rounded, which I love because they don’t split the yarn. Plus, I don’t stab my finger (very bad habit of mine) every time I slide stitches off the left-hand needle.
They’re interchangeable, which means you can change needle size or cord size literally whenever. There’s a mechanism at the end of the needles called addiGrip that locks the cords and firmly holds them in place with a click, so it’s VERY easy to change needles. The cords are made of super-pliable blue nylon and they truly are indestructible. I’ve twisted and bent my cords in the funniest of ways for projects, thinking for sure I’m going to break them, but they bounce right back.
The Turbos, like all the interchangeable sets, come in a soft storage case with a wide range of needle sizes and cords. And the best part? There’s no key needed to change needle sizes. Unlike most other interchangeable needle sets I’ve come across, addiClick’s don’t require a little key (or 2) to lock and unlock the cords from the needles. Remember the addiGrip mechanism I mentioned? It’s like magic!
Recently, I invested in the Short Rocket set, which are great for sweater sleeves and hats–those smaller in-the-round projects. The shorties measure 3.5″ long each needle (Turbos are 5″ long each). The cords that come with the shortie set are interchangeable with the Turbo set (or any addiClick interchangeable set for that matter). I’ve been using them for about a month and just love them!
addiClick’s are THE BEST knitting needle brand (in my opinion); I really can’t say a negative thing about them.
Skill Level
As mentioned, this hat is for beginners. I purposely designed the foldable ribbed brim so that knitters can get into a rhythm of knitting and purling in the round for a while before changing to the larger needle size and working in stockinette (knit stitch only). It’s a good pattern to use for practicing knitting and purling in the round. Or if you want to up your game and learn continental knitting.
What you need to know: How to knit and purl in the round, how to decrease stitches (knit 2 stitches together), how to fasten off the top (cinch closed), and how to add a pom-pom if desired.
The Bonfire Beanie will keep you warm and toasty; you’ll be ready to roast some marshmallows by an open fire in no time!
Pattern
Purchase the printable PDF pattern from Etsy HERE.
Purchase the printable PDF pattern from Ravelry HERE.
Pin to your Pinterest board for later HERE.
MATERIALS
- 1 skein of Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca or 207yds/190meters of worsted weight category 4 yarn
- Size US 6/4.0mm circular knitting needles with 24” cord or dpns
- Size US 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles with 24” cord or dpns
- Tapestry needle
- Fur or yarn pom-pom (optional)
FINISHED SIZES
*Circumference and Height measurements are in inches*
| SIZE | CIRCUMFERENCE | HEIGHT |
| Newborn | 13″ | 6″ |
| Baby 3-6 months | 16″ | 7″ |
| Baby 6-12 months | 17″ | 8″ |
| Toddler 1-3 years | 18″ | 8″ |
| Child 3-5 years | 19″ | 9″ |
| Child 5-10 years | 20″ | 9″ |
| Adult Small | 21″ | 11″ |
| Adult Medium | 22″ | 11″ |
| Adult Large | 23″ | 11″ |
| Adult X-Large | 24″ | 11″ |
GAUGE
5 sts x 7 rounds = 1” in stockinette worked in the round on US 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles
Choosing the right size: Head circumference listed in chart above is the true measurement in inches. Measure around the middle of forehead and just above ears with a tape measure for accurate head circumference. Round up to closest circumference for size. Model’s head circumference is 21” and is wearing size Adult Small.
ABBREVIATIONS
*Pattern is written in standard US terms*
CO – cast on
DPNs – double pointed needles
FO – finish off
K – knit
K2tog- knit 2 stitches together
Pm – place marker
P – purl
Rep – repeat
Rnd(s) – round(s)
St(s) – stitch(es)
Notes: Beanie is worked in the round beginning with the brim, which is worked in repeating rounds of K2, P2 with smaller needle size. Change to larger needle size to work the body and decrease rounds for crown shaping. Body is worked in repeating rounds of stockinette stitch and decreases are worked by k2tog. Follow pattern for the appropriate size. Beanie is finished off by cinching the top and weaving in the ends. Add a pom-pom if desired. Beanie can be worn with brim folded or as is. Height listed in size chart is the full measurement of the beanie with brim unfolded. Pattern is written with 2 inches of negative ease, so choose the circumference that is closest to true head size. See example in ‘choosing the right size’ note above.
Newborn:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 56 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 18 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 18 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (42)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (28)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (14)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around. (7)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Baby 3-6 months:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 72 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 21 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 21 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (54)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (36)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (18)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around. (9)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (5)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Baby 6-12 months:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 76 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 24 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 24 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (57)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (38)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (19)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (10)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around. (5)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Toddler 1-3 years:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 80 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 24 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 24 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (60)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (40)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (20)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around. (10)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around. (5)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Child 3-5 years:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 84 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 28 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 28 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (63)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (42)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (21)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (11)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (6)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Child 5-10 years:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 88 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 28 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 28 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (66)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (44)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (22)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around. (11)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (6)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Adult Small:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 92 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 35 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 35 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (69)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (46)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (23)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (12)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around. (6)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Adult Medium:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 100 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 35 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 35 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (75)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (50)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (25)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (13)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (7)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Adult Large:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 104 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 35 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 35 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (78)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (52)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (26)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around. (13)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (7)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Adult X-Large:
With US 6/4.0mm knitting needles, CO 108 sts and join in the rnd, pm.
Work brim ribbing for 35 rnds in *K2, P2; rep from * around.
Change to US 7/4.50mm knitting needles and K all for 35 rnds.
Decrease rnds (crown shaping):
Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (81)
Rnd 2: K all.
Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (54)
Rnd 4: K all.
Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (27)
Rnd 6: *K2tog; rep from * around, K last st. (14)
Rnd 7: *K2tog; rep from * around. (7)
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends. Add a pom if desired.
Contact
Please email me at gourdgeousknits@gmail.com if you have any questions about the pattern. Feel free to send and tag me in any photos of your works in progress and finished projects with #BonfireBeanie and #gourdgeousknits. I love seeing your knits and sharing them on my social media sites.
The patterns and photographs are the property of Kristin Strecker-Kellogg of gourdgeous knits and are for personal, non-commercial use. The selling or distribution of these patterns physically or electronically are not permitted. Please credit gourdgeous knits when sharing on social media with #gourdgeousknits.
