Log Cabin Color-Block Knit Beanie Free Pattern
Log Cabin Color-Block Knit Beanie Free Pattern
Introduction
This cozy beanie is a wonderful first step into color-block knitting, designed for advanced beginners who can knit, purl, and work simple decreases. It is knit in the round as one seamless tube, so there is no seaming and no shaping to fear. The look is inspired by log cabin quilts: six clean horizontal blocks of natural undyed shades, cream, light gray, and dark gray, stacked from brim to crown. In worsted-weight wool it feels warm, springy, and soft against the forehead, with a snug ribbed brim and a gently gathered, rounded top. The finished hat is 18" (46 cm) around and 8.5" (21.5 cm) tall unstretched, fitting an average adult head of 20-22" (51-56 cm).
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (medium, #4), 100% wool, in 3 colors: A (cream) 70 yd, B (light gray) 50 yd, C (dark gray) 40 yd.
- Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) 16" circular needle and a set of 4 double-pointed needles in the same size (or size to obtain gauge).
- Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, tape measure, scissors.
- Finished size: circumference 18" (46 cm), height 8.5" (21.5 cm) unstretched; fits an average adult head 20-22" (51-56 cm).
Abbreviations
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit the next 2 stitches together as one, decreasing by 1 stitch
- [ ]: repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated after them
Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round. To check, cast on a small swatch, knit in the round for a few inches, and measure a 4" section in the middle; if you have more stitches than 18, go up a needle size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your cast-on twice and check that the edge is not twisted before joining; a twisted join cannot be fixed later.
- Keep your color changes tidy by giving the new color a gentle tug after the first stitch, and do not cut the old color until you are sure you will not need it again.
- When the hat becomes too small for the circular needle, switch to the double-pointed needles, dividing the stitches over 3 needles.
- Use a locking stitch marker or a scrap of contrasting yarn to mark the beginning of the round so your color blocks stay even.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brim
With color A, cast on 80 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
Rnds 1-8: [k1, p1] to end (80 sts).
Body
Rnds 1-12: With A, knit (80 sts).
Rnds 13-24: Change to B, knit (80 sts).
Rnds 25-36: Change to C, knit (80 sts).
Rnds 37-48: Change to A, knit (80 sts).
Rnds 49-60: Change to B, knit (80 sts).
Rnds 61-72: Change to C, knit (80 sts).
Crown Shaping
Continue with C.
Rnd 1: [k8, k2tog] to end (72 sts).
Rnd 2: Knit (72 sts).
Rnd 3: [k7, k2tog] to end (64 sts).
Rnd 4: Knit (64 sts).
Rnd 5: [k6, k2tog] to end (56 sts).
Rnd 6: Knit (56 sts).
Rnd 7: [k5, k2tog] to end (48 sts).
Rnd 8: Knit (48 sts).
Rnd 9: [k4, k2tog] to end (40 sts).
Rnd 10: Knit (40 sts).
Rnd 11: [k3, k2tog] to end (32 sts).
Rnd 12: Knit (32 sts).
Rnd 13: [k2, k2tog] to end (24 sts).
Rnd 14: Knit (24 sts).
Rnd 15: [k1, k2tog] to end (16 sts).
Rnd 16: Knit (16 sts).
Rnd 17: [k2tog] to end (8 sts).
Assembly and Finishing
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6" tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 8 stitches with a tapestry needle, then pull tight to close the crown. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working each end in a different direction so the fabric stays flat. Block lightly to measurements: mist with water, pat into shape, and lay flat to dry, keeping the brim relaxed and the crown rounded.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make a two-color version by alternating only A and C, or swap in any three shades of the same yarn for a bolder look.
- Add a folded brim by working the ribbing 2" longer and folding it up, or work the brim in color C for a contrasting edge.
- For a slouchier fit, add one extra 12-round color block before the crown shaping; the decrease sequence still works from 80 stitches.
