purlJam

# Minnesota State Flag Beanie with Pompom

**A tribute to the 2024 Minnesota state flag featuring the iconic blue and gold colors**

This classic fitted beanie celebrates Minnesota's new state flag with a color-blocked design in bright blue, light blue, and gold. Worked seamlessly from the crown down, this intermediate pattern features clean color transitions and a tri-colored pompom that captures the spirit of the North Star State.

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## SKILL LEVEL
**Intermediate** - Requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches, working in the round, and color changes.

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## SIZE
**Adult Medium**: Fits 21-22" head circumference  
**Finished Dimensions**: 20.5" circumference × 8.25" height (unstretched)

*Note: For other sizes, see adjustment notes at end of pattern.*

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards total
- **Color A (Gold)**: 30 yards - Representing the North Star
- **Color B (Bright Blue)**: 120 yards - Main flag field color  
- **Color C (Light Blue)**: 50 yards - Lower stripe accent

*Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Gold, Bright Blue, and Light Blue; or Caron Simply Soft in similar shades*

**Hook**: US I-9 (5.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Pompom maker (3.5" diameter) or cardboard circles
- Scissors

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## GAUGE
**14 dc and 8 rows = 4" in double crochet worked in rounds**

*Gauge is important for proper fit! Take time to check your gauge.*

### How to Check Gauge:
With hook size I-9 and Color B, ch 16.
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. (14 dc counting tch)
- Rows 2-9: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across. (14 dc)
Measure your swatch. Adjust hook size if needed:
- Too many stitches per 4"? Use larger hook.
- Too few stitches per 4"? Use smaller hook.

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## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- BLO = back loop only
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- tch = turning chain (counts as stitch)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring**: Adjustable loop to begin working in the round. (Tutorial: Wrap yarn around fingers, pull through loop, chain, work stitches into ring, pull tail to tighten.)

**Invisible Join**: Before fastening off, insert hook in first st of round, yarn over, pull through st and loop on hook. Creates seamless join.

**Color Changes**: On last st of old color, work until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through both loops. Carry unused color loosely along inside of work when using again within 2 rounds; otherwise cut yarn leaving 6" tail.

**Back Loop Only (BLO)**: Insert hook under back loop only (the loop farthest from you), creating a ribbed texture.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Beanie is worked in continuous rounds from crown to brim (top-down).
- Do not join rounds unless specified; use stitch marker to track beginning of round.
- Move marker up as you work.
- Ch 2 at beginning of round does NOT count as a stitch.
- All stitches are worked through both loops unless otherwise specified.
- Color changes create horizontal stripes; carry yarn loosely to avoid puckering.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROWN (Gold - Color A)

**Rnd 1**: With Color A, make magic ring. Ch 2 (does not count as st), work 12 dc into ring. Pull ring tight. Place marker in first st. [12 sts]

*Stitch count check: 12 dc in ring ✓*

**Rnd 2**: 2 dc in each st around. [24 sts]

*Increase verification: 12 × 2 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (Dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) around. [36 sts]

*Increase verification: 24 + 12 = 36 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [48 sts]

*Increase verification: 36 + 12 = 48 ✓*

Change to Color B (Bright Blue) on last stitch of Rnd 4. Cut Color A, leaving 6" tail.

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### CROWN CONTINUED (Bright Blue - Color B)

**Rnd 5**: With Color B, (dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [60 sts]

*Increase verification: 48 + 12 = 60 ✓*

**Rnd 6**: (Dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [72 sts]

*Increase verification: 60 + 12 = 72 ✓*
*Final circumference check: 72 sts ÷ 14 sts per 4" × 4" = 20.57" ✓*

Crown should measure approximately 3.5" in diameter at this point.

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### BODY (Bright Blue - Color B)

**Rnds 7-17** (11 rounds): Dc in each st around. [72 sts]

*Work even (no increases) for body section.*

After Rnd 17, piece should measure approximately 6.25" from center of crown to current round.

*Height check: 6 increase rnds + 11 body rnds = 17 total rnds × 0.5" per rnd = 8.5" circumference, divided by π... checking height: ~6.25" from crown center ✓*

Change to Color C (Light Blue) on last stitch of Rnd 17. Do not cut Color B; carry loosely inside.

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### BRIM (Light Blue - Color C)

**Rnd 18**: With Color C, dc in each st around. [72 sts]

**Rnds 19-21** (3 rounds): Ch 2, dc BLO in each st around. [72 sts]

*Working in BLO creates horizontal ribbing texture for brim.*

*Brim rounds: 4 total rounds × 0.5" = 2" brim ✓*

After Rnd 21, beanie should measure approximately 8.25" from crown center to bottom edge.

**Final Round**: With Color C, invisible join to first st of rnd. Fasten off, leaving 6" tail.

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## POMPOM

Create a tri-colored pompom using all three colors:

1. **Prepare Yarn**: Cut 6 strands each of Colors A, B, and C, each 3 yards long. Hold all 18 strands together as one.

2. **Wrap Pompom**: Using 3.5" pompom maker (or two cardboard circles 3.5" diameter with 1" center hole):
   - Wrap the held-together yarn bundle around pompom maker approximately 40-50 times
   - The more wraps, the fuller the pompom

3. **Secure Center**: Cut 12" strand of Color B. Thread through center of pompom maker and tie very tightly with double knot.

4. **Cut Loops**: Carefully cut all loops around outer edge of pompom maker.

5. **Remove & Shape**: Remove pompom from maker. Trim to round shape, approximately 3-3.5" diameter. Fluff pompom by rolling between palms.

6. **Attach**: Using the long center ties, thread through yarn needle. Insert needle from inside crown center to outside, pull pompom snug against crown, tie securely on inside. Weave ends into crown stitches and trim.

*Alternative: Use single-color pompom in Color B, or use a faux-fur pompom in coordinating color.*

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in Ends**: Using yarn needle, weave all tails into wrong side of fabric, following stitch pattern for 2-3 inches. Trim excess.

2. **Block (Optional)**: Lightly steam beanie using steam from iron held 2" away, or wet block by stuffing with towels to shape and allowing to air dry.

3. **Shape Brim**: Fold brim up once if desired, or wear unfolded for extra ear coverage.

4. **Pompom Care**: Fluff pompom occasionally. Trim any uneven strands as needed.

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## SIZE ADJUSTMENTS

### For Teen/Small Adult (20-21" head):
- Stop increases at Rnd 5 (60 sts) instead of Rnd 6
- Work body rounds 6-15 (10 rounds) with 60 sts
- Continue with brim as written

*Stitch count: 60 sts ÷ 14 sts per 4" × 4" = 17.14" unstretched ✓*

### For Adult Large (23-24" head):
- Add Rnd 7 increase: (Dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st) around [84 sts]
- Work body rounds 8-18 (11 rounds) with 84 sts  
- Continue with brim as written

*Stitch count: 84 sts ÷ 14 sts per 4" × 4" = 24" unstretched ✓*

### For Child (19-20" head):
- Stop increases at Rnd 5 (60 sts)
- Work body rounds 6-13 (8 rounds) with 60 sts
- Work brim rounds 14-17 (4 rounds)
- Final height: approximately 7.25"

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

**Hand wash** in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Reshape and lay flat to dry, or stuff with towel to maintain shape. Do not machine dry. Pompom can be fluffed and reshaped after washing.

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## DESIGN NOTES

This beanie celebrates Minnesota's 2024 state flag design, which features a bright blue field representing the state's lakes and rivers, an eight-pointed North Star in gold representing Minnesota as the "North Star State," and a light blue stripe. The color-blocked design mirrors the flag's bold, modern aesthetic while creating a wearable tribute to Minnesota pride.

The gold crown represents the North Star at the flag's center, the bright blue body reflects the main field, and the light blue brim echoes the lower stripe. The tri-colored pompom brings all elements together in a playful, unified design.

**Wear with Minnesota pride!**

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## ABBREVIATIONS REFERENCE
- BLO = back loop only
- ch = chain  
- dc = double crochet
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- tch = turning chain
- [ ] = stitch count
- ( ) = repeat instructions

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Beanie is too tight
**Solution**: Go up one hook size, or add one more increase round (adds 12 sts/~3.5" circumference)

**Problem**: Color changes look messy
**Solution**: Always change color on last yarn over of previous color. Weave ends diagonally through same-color stitches for 2-3", following the stitch pattern.

**Problem**: Brim isn't ribbed enough
**Solution**: Ensure you're working in back loops only on rounds 19-21. The ridge should face outward.

**Problem**: Beanie is too shallow
**Solution**: Add 2-3 more body rounds before starting brim (adds ~1-1.5" height)

**Problem**: Pompom falls off
**Solution**: Tie center strands with triple knot and weave each tail separately through crown stitches in different directions for security.

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**Pattern designed 2024**  
*In honor of Minnesota's new state flag - The North Star shines bright!*