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# North Star Beanie
## A Minnesota Flag-Inspired Crochet Hat

Celebrate Minnesota's beautiful new flag with this easy beanie featuring the signature light blue and dark blue colors. This classic fitted beanie is worked seamlessly from the top down using simple double crochet stitches, making it perfect for beginners. The optional white star appliqué adds an authentic touch honoring the North Star State.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- **Color A (Light Blue):** 150-175 yards worsted weight yarn (4)
- **Color B (Dark Blue/Navy):** 50-75 yards worsted weight yarn (4)
- **Color C (White):** Small amount (10-15 yards) for optional star appliqué

*Suggested yarns: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft*

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

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Small amount of fiberfill for dimensional star

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## GAUGE

14 dc and 8 rounds = 4 inches in double crochet worked in the round

**Gauge is important for proper fit!** Take time to check your gauge. If you have fewer stitches, use a smaller hook; if you have more stitches, use a larger hook.

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## SIZES

Pattern is written for Adult Medium with adjustments for other sizes in parentheses.

| Size | Head Circumference | Stitch Count | Height from Crown |
|------|-------------------|--------------|-------------------|
| Child | 19-20" | 58 sts | 7-7.5" |
| Teen/Small Adult | 20-21" | 60 sts | 7.5-8" |
| **Adult Medium** | **21-22"** | **66 sts** | **8-8.5"** |
| Adult Large | 23-24" | 72 sts | 8.5-9" |

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- BLO = back loop only
- sl st = slip stitch
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Beanie is worked in continuous rounds from crown to brim; do not join rounds unless instructed
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round; move marker up as you work
- When changing colors, work last yarn over of final stitch with new color for clean transition
- Color A = Light Blue (main color)
- Color B = Dark Blue (brim)
- Color C = White (optional star)

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROWN (Color A - Light Blue)

**Rnd 1:** Using Color A, create a magic ring, ch 2 (does not count as st), work 12 dc into ring. Pull ring tight. Place marker in first st. [12 sts]
*Math check: 12 sts*

**Rnd 2:** 2 dc in each st around. [24 sts]
*Math check: 12 × 2 = 24 sts*

**Rnd 3:** (Dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) around. [36 sts]
*Math check: 24 + 12 = 36 sts*

**Rnd 4:** (Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [48 sts]
*Math check: 36 + 12 = 48 sts*

**Rnd 5:** (Dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [60 sts]
*Math check: 48 + 12 = 60 sts*

**Rnd 6 (Adult Medium):** (Dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [66 sts]
*Math check: 60 + 6 = 66 sts*

**Size adjustments for Rnd 6:**
- **Child (58 sts):** (Dc in next 28 sts, 2 dc in next st) twice. [60 sts], then skip to Body.
- **Teen/Small Adult (60 sts):** Skip Rnd 6, proceed to Body with 60 sts.
- **Adult Large (72 sts):** (Dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [72 sts]

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### BODY (Color A - Light Blue)

**Rnds 7-16 (Adult Medium):** Dc in each st around. [66 sts]

Work 10 rounds even (no increases) to create the body of the hat.
*These 10 rounds create approximately 5" of height. Combined with 3" from crown increases = 8" total before brim.*

**Size adjustments:**
- **Child:** Work 8 rounds even (Rnds 7-14)
- **Teen/Small Adult:** Work 9 rounds even (Rnds 7-15)
- **Adult Large:** Work 10 rounds even (Rnds 7-16)

**After completing body rounds, change to Color B** (Dark Blue) in last yarn over of final stitch.

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### BRIM (Color B - Dark Blue)

**Rnds 17-24 (Adult Medium):** Working in BLO, dc in each st around. [66 sts]

Work 8 rounds in back loops only to create a ribbed texture for the brim.
*Working in BLO creates horizontal ridges that mimic a ribbed edge and provide stretch.*

**Size adjustments for brim:**
- **All sizes:** Work 8 rounds in BLO with Color B

**Final Round:** Sl st in next st. Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Use yarn needle to weave all ends securely into the fabric, especially at color changes.

2. **Shape the hat:** Lightly steam or wet block if desired. Stuff with a rolled towel to shape while drying.

3. **Brim finish:** The BLO brim will naturally have a nice stretch and texture. You can fold up the brim for a cuffed look, or wear it down for full ear coverage.

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## OPTIONAL: WHITE STAR APPLIQUÉ

Add an authentic North Star detail to honor the Minnesota flag!

### EIGHT-POINTED STAR (Color C - White)

**Rnd 1:** Magic ring, ch 1, [sc in ring, ch 5] 8 times. Pull ring tight. Sl st to first sc. [8 points started]

**Rnd 2:** (Sl st in ch-5 space, ch 1, 5 dc in same space, ch 1, sl st in same space) 8 times. [8 star points completed]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

**To attach:** Position star on the right side of the beanie (1-2 inches up from brim or centered on side). Use white yarn tail and yarn needle to sew star securely to hat. Weave in ends.

**Optional dimensional star:** Before sewing star completely, add small amount of fiberfill behind it for a raised, 3D effect.

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## ALTERNATIVE DESIGN IDEAS

**Striped Version:** Instead of solid light blue body, alternate 2 rounds Color A with 2 rounds Color B throughout the body for a team-spirit striped look.

**Simplified Version:** Skip the star appliqué for an even easier project that still honors Minnesota's colors.

**Pompom Addition:** Add a white or light blue pompom to the crown for extra style and warmth.

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## STITCH COUNT VERIFICATION TABLE

For Adult Medium size (adjust accordingly for other sizes):

| Round | Stitch Count | Notes |
|-------|--------------|-------|
| 1 | 12 | Crown start |
| 2 | 24 | 12 × 2 = 24 ✓ |
| 3 | 36 | 24 + 12 = 36 ✓ |
| 4 | 48 | 36 + 12 = 48 ✓ |
| 5 | 60 | 48 + 12 = 60 ✓ |
| 6 | 66 | 60 + 6 = 66 ✓ |
| 7-16 | 66 | Body (10 rnds) |
| 17-24 | 66 | Brim (8 rnds) |

**Total height calculation:**
- Crown (6 rnds): approximately 3"
- Body (10 rnds): approximately 5"
- Brim (8 rnds): approximately 4"
- **Total: approximately 8.5"** ✓

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping while damp. Do not wring or twist.

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## PATTERN NOTES FOR SUCCESS

**Fit Tips:** 
- The beanie should measure about 1-1.5" smaller than your head circumference when laid flat, as crochet fabric stretches
- For a slouchy version, add 2-3 extra rounds in the body section before starting the brim

**Color Change Tips:**
- To avoid a jog when changing colors, work the color change in the last yarn over of the final stitch before the new section
- Carry Color A loosely up inside if you plan to add stripes

**Beginner Tips:**
- Count your stitches at the end of each increase round to ensure accuracy
- The magic ring can be tricky; alternatively, ch 4 and sl st to form a ring for Round 1
- Don't worry if your first few rounds look a bit wonky—they'll shape up as you continue!

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## ABOUT THE DESIGN

This beanie celebrates Minnesota's new state flag, adopted in 2024. The flag features a field of light blue representing sky and water, with an eight-pointed star symbolizing the North Star. The dark blue elements represent Minnesota's natural landscapes. This simple but meaningful color combination makes for a beautiful, wearable tribute to the North Star State.

**Skill Level:** Easy/Beginner
**Estimated Time:** 3-4 hours

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**Pattern Design & Technical Editing:** Expert Pattern Designer
**Version:** 1.0

© 2024. For personal use and charitable donations only. Please do not sell items made from this free pattern without permission.

*Share your finished North Star Beanies with #NorthStarBeanie #MinnesotaCrochet*

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