Hi there! I know it’s been a while since my last post… What can I say but the usual: I’ve been busy with my studies and with work. I’ve taken on a few pattern editing + translating jobs besides university, so I don’t have a lot of time left for blogging. But don’t worry – it’s definitely not all work, no play for me! I’ve been spending quite some time with Lindy lately – our adorable American staffy pup! I love taking her out for a walk and playing with her in the yard. She’s been with us for 1,5 months now and she’s brought us all so much joy!
My sister Sasja (check out her crochet creations on Instagram here) and I affectionately refer to Lindy as “Spekkie”. I was planning on releasing a free beanie pattern, but I just couldn’t come up with a name. I decided to go for “Speckie” in honor of the original, absolutely adorable Spekkie! I know this beanie will keep me warm on my walks with her on the chilly winter mornings to come.
Speckie is the perfect basic beanie. It’s is worked from the bottom up and the pattern includes instructions for working flat and in the round. The ad-free, printable PDF version of the pattern can be purchased in English and Dutch in my webshop and on Ravelry.
You can find the instructions below the photo of Lindy – I just had to show her off on here!
SPECKIE BEANIE
SIZE
One size fits most (50 – 58 cm / 19½ – 22¾ inches head circumference)
MATERIALS
Needles:
12 mm needles. The pattern includes instructions for straight needles and circular needles.
Yarn:
Approx. 150 grams (60 meters / 66 yards) of The Wool from We Are Knitters or Crazy Sexy Wool from Wool and the Gang. Both yarns come in 200g balls (à 80 meters / 87 yards) and are available respectively at www.weareknitters.com and www.woolandthegang.com. You can use code MGM75G3QY to get a $12/€10 discount on your first order from We Are Knitters. You can use any other yarn that matches gauge.
Other tools:
Darning needle, scissors, stitch marker.
GAUGE
8 sts x 12 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches); on 12 mm needles in 1 x 1 rib stitch.
ABBREVIATIONS
K = Knit
P = Purl
Sl = Slip
SSK = Slip, slip, knit
P2tog = Purl 2 stitches together
PSSO = Pass slipped stitch(es) over
CDD = Center double decrease
PCDD = Purl center double decrease
St(s) = Stitch(es)
EXTRA INFORMATION
This pattern uses some unusual decreases, which are worked as described below.
Center double decrease:
Sl 2 sts together knitwise, K1, PSSO.
Purl center double decrease:
P2tog, sl next st knitwise, return slipped st to left hand needle to twist it. Return last worked st (the P2tog) to left hand needle, pass twisted stitch over, return worked st to right hand needle.
Video tutorials:
Center double decrease – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW-5xX2Q7-0
Purl center double decrease – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlPuDUNDuwM (starting at 4:56)
Italian tubular cast on – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEbC-2C5dO0
DIRECTIONS FOR KNITTING FLAT
Cast on 36 sts using the Italian tubular cast on. You can find a video tutorial for this technique on the previous page.
Sl 1 purlwise, *K1, P1*, repeat between * * to last st, K1. Turn your work.
Repeat this row 23 more times, until you have worked a total of 24 rows. You will now work a decrease row:
*CDD, PCDD*, repeat between * * till end of row. (12 sts)
Do not bind off, but pull the yarn through all of the stitches (starting with the 1st stitch of your last row). Pull tight and close the crown of the head. Seam the sides of the beanie and weave in all ends.
DIRECTIONS FOR KNITTING IN THE ROUND
Cast on 34 sts using the Italian tubular cast on. You can find a video tutorial for this technique on the previous page. Join in the round after completing the setup rows of the cast on, and place a marker to indicate beginning of round.
*K1, P1*, repeat between * * till end of round.
Repeat this round 23 more times, until you have worked a total of 24 rounds. You will now work a decrease round:
SSK, *PCDD, CDD*, repeat between * * to last 2 sts, P2tog. (12 sts)
Do not bind off, but pull the yarn through all of the stitches (starting with the 1st stitch of your last round). Pull tight and close the crown of the head. Secure this end and weave in all ends.
FINISHING
You can add a pompom to the top of your beanie if desired.
I hope you’ll enjoy the process of creating your Speckie and that it fits perfectly. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. For more inspiration, find me on Instagram (@chaicrafts). I would love to see your Speckie, so please tag me @chaicrafts and #chaicrafts #SpeckieBeanie.
Much love,
Sanne
Happy knitting!
Designed by Sanne de Niet / Chai Crafts. Copyright © 2021.
Please note: this pattern is for personal use only. This pattern is property of Chai Crafts. You may not redistribute, sell, or share this pattern in part or in whole, physically or electronically.
