purlJam

# Ignite Beanie

Embrace the warmth of fiery style with this beginner-friendly colorwork beanie. Featuring a bold flame motif that encircles the hat, this pattern uses simple stitches and a clear chart to guide you through your first (or next!) stranded colorwork adventure. Perfect for adding a vibrant touch to your winter wardrobe.

**Skill Level:** Beginner
**Construction:** Bottom-Up, In-the-Round

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### Materials

*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn, 100% wool or wool blend recommended for elasticity and colorwork.
    *   Main Color (MC): approx. 110 yards (100 meters)
    *   Contrast Color 1 (CC1): approx. 60 yards (55 meters)
    *   *Example colors: MC = Black or Dark Gray; CC1 = Bright Orange or Red*
*   **Needles:**
    *   US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle
    *   US 10.5 (6.5 mm) Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs) OR longer circular needle for Magic Loop method
*   **Notions:**
    *   Stitch marker (unique for beginning of round)
    *   Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
    *   Scissors
    *   Measuring tape

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### Gauge

14 stitches (sts) and 18 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch in the round, after blocking, using US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles.

*   **IMPORTANT:** Checking your gauge is crucial for achieving the correct finished size. If your gauge is too tight, use a larger needle size. If your gauge is too loose, use a smaller needle size.

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### Sizes

One Size: Adult Small/Medium (fits average head circumference of 21-22 inches / 53-56 cm)
**Finished Hat Circumference:** approx. 20.5 inches (52 cm)
**Finished Hat Height:** approx. 9 inches (23 cm)

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### Abbreviations Used

*   **CO:** Cast on
*   **k:** Knit
*   **p:** Purl
*   **k2tog:** Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
*   **ssk:** Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
*   **MC:** Main Color
*   **CC1:** Contrast Color 1
*   **pm:** Place marker
*   **sm:** Slip marker
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **rnd(s):** Round(s)
*   **rep:** Repeat
*   **\*:** Repeat instructions following the asterisk as indicated

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### Pattern Notes

*   **Working in the Round:** This pattern is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up.
*   **Colorwork (Stranded Knitting):** When working with two colors in a round, carry the unused color loosely across the back of your work. This strand is called a "float."
    *   **Float Management:** To prevent floats from becoming too long and snagging, catch the unused yarn every 3-5 stitches by twisting it with the working yarn. Make sure to keep your floats loose enough to maintain the elasticity of the fabric; tight floats can make your fabric pucker.
    *   **Reading Charts:** Read colorwork charts from right to left for every round when working in the round. Each square represents one stitch.
*   **Needle Transition:** As the number of stitches decreases during the crown shaping, you will switch from your 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle to DPNs or use the Magic Loop method to continue working in the round.
*   **Blocking:** Blocking is highly recommended for colorwork projects. It evens out stitches, relaxes the fabric, and helps the colorwork pattern bloom, giving the beanie a professional finish.

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### Instructions

Using **MC** and US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle:

1.  **CO 72 stitches.** Be careful not to twist stitches when joining.
    *(Mathematical Check: CO 72 sts. This is a multiple of 4 for 2x2 rib and 6 for the chart repeat.)*
2.  **Join to work in the round**, pm to mark the beginning of the round.

**Brim**

1.  **Rnds 1-12:** \*k2, p2\*; rep from \* to end of rnd.
    *(Mathematical Check: 12 rounds of 2x2 rib, 72 sts throughout.)*
    *(Brim height: 12 rounds / 18 rounds per 4 inches * 4 inches = 2.67 inches / 6.8 cm)*

**Body - Colorwork Section**

Switch to working with both **MC** and **CC1** as indicated by **Chart A**.

1.  **Work Chart A:** Work Chart A for 10 rounds, repeating the 6-stitch pattern 12 times in each round.
    *(Mathematical Check: Chart A is 6 sts wide. 72 sts / 6 sts = 12 repeats per round. Chart A is 10 rounds high. Total 10 rounds worked.)*
    *(Body Height with Chart A: 10 rounds / 18 rounds per 4 inches * 4 inches = 2.22 inches / 5.6 cm)*

Continue with **MC** only.

1.  **Next 2 Rnds:** Knit every stitch with MC.
    *(Mathematical Check: 72 sts throughout.)*
    *(Plain MC height: 2 rounds / 18 rounds per 4 inches * 4 inches = 0.44 inches / 1.1 cm)*

**Crown Shaping**

Switch to DPNs or Magic Loop when stitches become too tight on the circular needle. Continue to knit every stitch with MC unless otherwise specified.

1.  **Decrease Rnd 1:** \*k4, k2tog\*; rep from \* to end of rnd. (60 sts remaining)
    *(Mathematical Check: 72 sts - (72/6)*1 st decrease = 72 - 12 = 60 sts.)*
2.  **Rnd 2:** Knit all stitches. (60 sts)
3.  **Decrease Rnd 3:** \*k3, k2tog\*; rep from \* to end of rnd. (48 sts remaining)
    *(Mathematical Check: 60 sts - (60/5)*1 st decrease = 60 - 12 = 48 sts.)*
4.  **Rnd 4:** Knit all stitches. (48 sts)
5.  **Decrease Rnd 5:** \*k2, k2tog\*; rep from \* to end of rnd. (36 sts remaining)
    *(Mathematical Check: 48 sts - (48/4)*1 st decrease = 48 - 12 = 36 sts.)*
6.  **Rnd 6:** Knit all stitches. (36 sts)
7.  **Decrease Rnd 7:** \*k1, k2tog\*; rep from \* to end of rnd. (24 sts remaining)
    *(Mathematical Check: 36 sts - (36/3)*1 st decrease = 36 - 12 = 24 sts.)*
8.  **Rnd 8:** Knit all stitches. (24 sts)
9.  **Decrease Rnd 9:** \*k2tog\*; rep from \* to end of rnd. (12 sts remaining)
    *(Mathematical Check: 24 sts - (24/2)*1 st decrease = 24 - 12 = 12 sts.)*
10. **Rnd 10:** Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
11. **Decrease Rnd 11:** \*k2tog\*; rep from \* to end of rnd. (6 sts remaining)
    *(Mathematical Check: 12 sts - (12/2)*1 st decrease = 12 - 6 = 6 sts.)*

    *(Crown Height: 11 rounds / 18 rounds per 4 inches * 4 inches = 2.44 inches / 6.2 cm)*
    *(Total height estimate: Brim 2.67" + Chart 2.22" + Plain 0.44" + Crown 2.44" = 7.77 inches. Add for stretched rib and slight variability, approximately 8-9 inches is reasonable.)*

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### Finishing

1.  Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
2.  Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
3.  Thread the needle through the remaining 6 stitches, going purlwise or knitwise as seems easiest, and pull gently to gather the stitches tightly.
4.  Insert the needle into the center of the hat from the outside to the inside, pulling the tail to the inside of the hat.
5.  Secure the end firmly on the inside of the hat by weaving it through a few stitches.
6.  Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the wrong side of the fabric.
7.  **Blocking:** Gently wash your beanie in lukewarm water with a wool-friendly soap. Carefully squeeze out excess water (do not twist or wring). Lay flat to dry or gently shape over a balloon or bowl. Blocking will even out your stitches and help the colorwork pattern settle beautifully.

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### Charts Section

#### CHART A: Flame Motif (6 sts × 10 rows)

This chart is worked from right to left for every round. Repeat the 6-stitch pattern 12 times around the hat for a total of 72 stitches per round.

```
   10: □■■■■□
    9: ■■■■□□
    8: ■■■□□□
    7: □■■□□□
    6: □■□□□□
    5: □□□□□□
    4: ■■■■■■
    3: ■■■■■■
    2: ■■■■■■
    1: ■■■■■■
```

**Key:**
*   **□** = MC (Main Color)
*   **■** = CC1 (Contrast Color 1)