purlJam

**Fox Pattern Beanie - Beginner Level**

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**Introduction:**  
This beanie pattern incorporates a charming fox motif worked in simple colourwork, making it suitable for beginners who want to explore basic Fair Isle techniques. The beanie is knit in the round from the brim up, featuring a k2p2 ribbed brim for warmth and elasticity.  

**Finished Sizes:**  
- **Small (Medium, Large):** To fit head circumference 50-55 (56-61, 62-67) cm [19.5-21.5 (22-24, 24.5-26.5) inches]  
- Depth: Approximately 22 (24, 26) cm [8.5 (9.5, 10.5) inches]  

**Materials:**  
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn  
  - Main Colour (MC - Orange): 100g  
  - Contrast Colour 1 (CC1 - White): 30g  
  - Contrast Colour 2 (CC2 - Black or Dark Grey): 30g  
- **Needles:**  
  - 4.0 mm (UK size 8) circular needles, 40 cm length  
  - 4.5 mm (UK size 7) circular needles, 40 cm length  
  - Optional: 4.5 mm double-pointed needles for crown shaping  
- **Notions:**  
  - Stitch marker  
  - Tapestry needle  

**Tension (Gauge):**  
- 22 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch with 4.5 mm needles

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**Instructions:**

1. **Brim:**

   - With 4.0 mm needles and MC, cast on 88 (96, 104) stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.

   - Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

2. **Body:**

   - Switch to 4.5 mm needles.

   - Knit 10 (12, 14) rounds in stockinette stitch (knit every round).

3. **Fox Pattern (Colourwork Section):**

   **Note:** Carry yarn loosely along the back when working with more than one colour to avoid puckering.

   - Begin fox chart on next round as follows:
   
     **Chart Pattern Repeat:**

     - Rounds 1-3: With CC1, k5, with MC, k3. Repeat around.
   
     - Round 4: With CC1, k1, with CC2, k1, with CC1, k3, with MC, k3. Repeat around.
   
     - Rounds 5-6: Continue as per chart, ensuring to knit respective colours in sequence.
   
   - Repeat the above 8-stitch motif around for 10 (12, 14) rounds, or until desired motif height is achieved.

   - Continue with MC until the piece measures 15 (17, 19) cm [6 (6.5, 7.5) inches] from the cast-on edge.

4. **Crown Shaping:**

   - Round 1: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around.
   
   - Round 2: Knit.
   
   - Round 3: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around.
   
   - Round 4: Knit.
   
   - Continue in this manner, decreasing 1 stitch before each k2tog in every alternate round until 22 (24, 26) stitches remain.

   - Change to double-pointed needles when necessary.

5. **Finishing:**

   - Cut yarn, leaving a 25 cm (10 inch) tail.
  
   - Thread through remaining stitches and secure tightly.

   - Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.

   - Block gently to shape.

**Optional:** Add a pompom made of MC or CC1/CC2 to the top for extra flair.

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**Notes:**  
- Adjust depth by adding or subtracting rounds in the body section before beginning crown shaping.  
- Ensure to maintain consistent tension when working colourwork to avoid tightness.  
- The fox pattern is adjustable; if a larger motif is desired, additional colourwork stitches can be introduced.  

Enjoy your knitted fox beanie, perfect for both playful and practical winter wear!