purlJam

# Men's Basic Beanie (3 Variations)
**Design by Jenny Designs | Technical Edit by AI Pattern Assistant**

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

## Description
This versatile pattern creates a classic men's beanie using half double crochet stitches. The unique construction alternates between increase rounds and even rounds to create a smooth, rounded crown that fits comfortably without pointing. The pattern includes instructions for three distinct styles: a **Classic Fitted Beanie**, a **Slouchy Beanie**, and a **Folded Brim (Watch Cap)** style.

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Medium Weight (4) Worsted Yarn
    *   *Recommended:* "I Love This Yarn" Stone Wash (Color: Steel Gray) or Vanna's Choice.
    *   *Yardage:* Approximately 175 - 240 yards (depending on style chosen).
*   **Hook:** US H-8 / 5 mm
*   **Notions:** Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape.

## Gauge & Sizing
*   **Target Size:** Adult Men (Head circumference ~22-23 inches)
*   **Gauge Checkpoints:**
    *   After Round 3: Diameter should measure between 2.25" and 2.5".
    *   After Round 9: Diameter should measure approximately 6" across the center.
    *   *Note:* Measure with the magic circle pulled tight.

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
*   **ch**: chain
*   **hdc**: half double crochet
*   **sc**: single crochet
*   **sl st**: slip stitch
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **rem**: remaining
*   **rep**: repeat

## Notes
1.  **Construction:** Worked top-down in rounds.
2.  **Joining:** Join each round with a sl st to the first stitch of the round.
3.  **Turning:** Do not turn your work unless specifically instructed (only for the Folded Brim edging).
4.  **Chain 1:** The ch 1 at the beginning of rounds does **not** count as a stitch.

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## Instructions

### Crown (All Styles)
**Rnd 1:** Create a magic circle, ch 1, work 11 hdc into the circle. Pull tight, join to first hdc. (11 sts)

**Rnd 2:** Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)

**Rnd 3:** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next st; rep from * around. Join. (33 sts)
> *Gauge Check: Diameter should be 2.25" - 2.5".*

**Rnd 4:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. (33 sts)

**Rnd 5:** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 2 sts; rep from * around. Join. (44 sts)

**Rnd 6:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. (44 sts)

**Rnd 7:** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 3 sts; rep from * around. Join. (55 sts)

**Rnd 8:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. (55 sts)

**Rnd 9:** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 4 sts; rep from * around. Join. (66 sts)
> *Gauge Check: Diameter should be approx. 6".*

**Rnd 10:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. (66 sts)

**Rnd 11 (Final Increase):** Ch 1, hdc in first 9 sts. *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts; rep from * 8 times. 2 hdc in the last st. Join. (75 sts)

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### Body (Choose Your Style)

**Rnd 12:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. (75 sts)

Proceed based on your desired style:

#### Option A: Basic Fitted Beanie
1.  **Repeat Rnd 12** until you have completed **25 rounds total** (counting from the start of the hat).
2.  **Finishing Rnd:** Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.
3.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

#### Option B: Slouchy Beanie
1.  **Repeat Rnd 12** until you have completed **38 to 40 rounds total** (depending on desired amount of slouch).
2.  **Finishing Rnd 1:** Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.
3.  **Finishing Rnd 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.
4.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

#### Option C: Folded Brim (Watch Cap)
1.  **Repeat Rnd 12** until you have completed **33 rounds total**.
2.  **Finishing Rnd:** Ch 1, **TURN** work. Sc in each st around. Join.
    *   *Note: Turning ensures the "right side" of the single crochet edge is visible when you fold the brim up.*
3.  Fasten off.
4.  **Sewing Ends:** When weaving in the final tail, remember that the brim will be folded up. Weave carefully so the end is hidden inside the fold.
5.  Fold up the bottom edge approx. 2-3 inches.

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## Finishing
1.  Using a darning needle, weave in all ends.
2.  For the magic circle tail, weave back and forth three times to ensure it does not come undone.
3.  Block gently if desired, though usually not necessary for this everyday fit.