purlJam

# Men's Basic Beanie Pattern (3 Styles in 1)
**Designed by:** By Jenny Designs (Adapted)
**Difficulty:** Intermediate (Beginner-Friendly)
**Sizes:** Adult Male (One Size: Fits ~22-24" head circumference)

This is a versatile crochet beanie pattern worked top-down. The construction features a unique crown expansion where increase rounds alternate with non-increase rounds, creating a smooth, rounded shape perfect for a fitted men's beanie. The pattern includes instructions for three style variations: **Basic Fitted**, **Folded Edge**, and **Slouchy**.

### Customizing Your Beanie
When customizing:
1. **Yarn weight:** Medium Weight / Worsted (Category 4)
   - Jenny uses: *I Love This Yarn* (Stonewash in "Steel Gray" or "Dark Gray")
   - Alternative: *Vanna’s Choice*
   - Estimate: 175 yards (Basic) to 240 yards (Slouchy)
2. **Hook size:** US H-8 (5 mm)
3. **Essential materials:**
   - Scissors
   - Darning/Yarn needle
   - Tape measure

### Standard Beanie Construction (Top-Down)

**Notes:**
- **Join:** Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round.
- **Start:** Chain 1 at the beginning of rows does not count as a stitch.
- **Check Gauge:** Important measurements are provided after Rnd 3 and Rnd 9.

#### CROWN (All Styles)
*Start with a Magic Circle.*

- **Rnd 1:** Ch 1, work 11 hdc into the circle. Pull tight. Join. [11 sts]
- **Rnd 2 (Inc):** Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. [22 sts]
- **Rnd 3 (Inc):** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next st*, repeat around. Join. [33 sts]
  > *Gauge Check: Diameter should be between 2¼ and 2½ inches.*
- **Rnd 4:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. [33 sts]
- **Rnd 5 (Inc):** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 2 sts*, repeat around. Join. [44 sts]
- **Rnd 6:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. [44 sts]
- **Rnd 7 (Inc):** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 3 sts*, repeat around. Join. [55 sts]
- **Rnd 8:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. [55 sts]
- **Rnd 9 (Inc):** Ch 1, *2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 4 sts*, repeat around. Join. [66 sts]
  > *Gauge Check: Diameter should be approximately 6 inches.*
- **Rnd 10:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. [66 sts]
- **Rnd 11 (Final Inc):** Ch 1, work 9 hdc, 2 hdc in next st. Then *6 hdc, 2 hdc in next st* - repeat from * to * 8 times around. Join. [75 sts]
  > *Technical Note: This row adds exactly 9 stitches to reach the final width.*

#### BODY (Choose Your Style)
*Proceed with Rnd 12. Work hdc in each stitch around, joining at the end of each row. The total number of even rounds determines the style.*

| Style | Rounds to Work | Instructions |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Basic Beanie** | 25 Rounds | Work Rnds 12–36 even (1 hdc in each st). Stitch count remains 75. |
| **Folded Edge** | 33 Rounds | Work Rnds 12–44 even (1 hdc in each st). Stitch count remains 75. |
| **Slouchy** | 38-40 Rounds | Work Rnds 12–50 even (adjust for desired slouch). Stitch count remains 75. |

#### FINISHING
Follow the instructions below for your chosen style.

**Basic Beanie Finish:**
1. Ch 1. Single crochet (sc) in each st around.
2. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
3. Weave in ends.

**Slouchy Beanie Finish:**
1. Ch 1. Single crochet (sc) in each st around. Join.
2. Ch 1. Work a second round of sc in each st around. Join.
3. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

**Folded Edge Beanie Finish:**
1. **Turn your work** (Working on the wrong side).
2. Ch 1. Single crochet (sc) in each st around.
3. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
4. Sew in ends carefully (weave back and forth 3 times to secure).
5. Turn hat right side out. Fold brim up 2–3 inches.

### Size Chart (Head Circumference)
*This pattern produces an Adult Male size.*
- **Target Head Size:** 22–24 inches (Adult Large)
- **Finished Hat Circumference:** Approx 21.5 inches (unstretched)
- **Fit:** Negative ease allows for a secure fit.
- **Height:**
  - Basic: ~9 inches
  - Folded: ~11 inches (unfolded)
  - Slouchy: ~12.5 inches

### Stitch Pattern Options
This pattern utilizes **Half Double Crochet (hdc)**.
- **Hdc:** Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
- **Why hdc?** It offers a perfect balance between the speed of double crochet and the density/warmth of single crochet.

### Beanie Styles
1. **CLASSIC FITTED (Basic):**
   - Sits close to the head, covers ears comfortably.
   - Ideal for everyday wear.
   - Shown in color "Corey Days".

2. **FOLDED EDGE:**
   - Features a wide cuff (brim) folded up.
   - Classic "watch cap" or "Carhartt" style.
   - Shown in color "Desert Dust".

3. **SLOUCHY:**
   - Extra length creates fabric that drapes at the back of the head.
   - Relaxed, modern fit.
   - Shown in color "Dark Gray".

### Ribbed Brim Techniques
*Note: This specific pattern uses a simple folded brim or sc edge. If you prefer a ribbed look, you can substitute the final rows with post stitches, but the Folded Edge style achieves the look simply by folding the fabric.*

### Pompom Instructions (Optional)
While this pattern is designed as a men's basic beanie, a pompom can be added for a different look.
- Wrap yarn around 4-inch cardboard 80-100 times.
- Tie tightly through center. Cut loops. Trim to sphere.
- Attach to the magic circle center.

### Common Requests
- **'Make it smaller'**: Stop increasing at Rnd 9 (66 sts) for a Teen/Small Adult size.
- **'Make it tighter'**: Switch to a G (4.0 mm) hook if your gauge is loose.
- **'Holes in top'**: When weaving in the magic circle end, sew back and forth 3 times to permanently lock the ring closed.

### Finishing Tips
- **Magic Circle Security:** Pull the starting tail tight. Thread onto a darning needle and weave through the base stitches in three different directions. This prevents the top from opening up over time.
- **Joining:** Pull your slip stitch tight to minimize the visibility of the seam.
- **Folded Edge:** Turning before the final round ensures the edge looks neat when folded up against the main body of the hat.

### Quick Color Variations
- **Solid:** Classic look (as demonstrated).
- **Stripes:** Change colors every 2-4 rounds during the body section.
- **Team Colors:** Make the body one color and the final 2 rounds (or brim) a contrasting color.

### YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (4)
**SPECIFICATIONS FOR THIS YARN WEIGHT:**
- **Brand:** *I Love This Yarn* (Hobby Lobby) or *Vanna's Choice* (Lion Brand)
- **Fiber:** 100% Acrylic (or blend)
- **Weight:** Medium / Worsted / Aran
- **Care:** Machine washable

### TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVIATION PROFILE
- **ch:** chain
- **hdc:** half double crochet
- **sc:** single crochet
- **sl st:** slip stitch
- **st(s):** stitch(es)
- **inc:** increase (work 2 stitches in the same spot)
- **Magic Circle:** adjustable ring to start
- **Measurement:** Inches (Imperial)