purlJam

# Pattern: The Azure Horizon Beanie
**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Style:** Top-Down Classic Beanie with Relief Ribbing

## Description
A classic, fitted beanie worked from the top down. This project features a seamless circular construction starting with a magic ring. The intermediate classification comes from the use of post stitches (relief stitches) for the brim, creating a stretchy, professional-looking ribbed finish similar to knitted ribbing.

## Sizes
**Adult Medium**
To fit head circumference: 55–57 cm (21.5–22.5 inches).
Finished Hat Circumference: 51.5 cm (20.25 inches) – includes negative ease for a snug fit.
Finished Length: 22 cm (8.75 inches).

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 100g / 180m of Worsted (Aran) weight yarn in Navy or Royal Blue.
    *   *Fibre Recommendation:* Wool or Acrylic/Wool blend for best elasticity.
*   **Hook:** 5.0 mm (Metric).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, measuring tape.

## Tension (Gauge)
14 stitches and 8 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) in Treble Crochet (tr).
*Check your tension. If you have more stitches than 14, use a larger hook. If you have fewer stitches, use a smaller hook.*

## Terminology & Abbreviations
*This pattern uses **UK English** crochet terminology.*
*   **beg:** beginning
*   **ch:** chain
*   **htr:** half treble crochet (US hdc)
*   **tr:** treble crochet (US dc)
*   **ss:** slip stitch
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **rem:** remaining
*   **rep:** repeat
*   **FPtr:** Front Post treble crochet (Insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, [yo, draw through 2 loops] x 2).
*   **BPtr:** Back Post treble crochet (Insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, [yo, draw through 2 loops] x 2).

## Pattern Notes
1.  **Join Method:** Rounds are joined with a slip stitch to the first *treble* of the round, not the chain.
2.  **Starting Chain:** The `ch 2` at the beginning of a round **does not** count as a stitch unless stated otherwise. This creates a hidden seam.
3.  **Magic Ring:** Ensure the ring is pulled tight and secured well to prevent the top from opening.

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## Instructions

### Section 1: The Crown (Increases)

**Foundation:** Create a magic ring.

**Round 1:** Ch 2 (does not count as st), work 12 tr into the ring. Pull ring tight. Join with ss to first tr.
*[Math: 12 sts]*

**Round 2:** Ch 2, 2 tr in each st around. Join with ss to first tr.
*[Math: 12 sts × 2 = 24 sts]*

**Round 3:** Ch 2, *1 tr in next st, 2 tr in next st; rep from * to end. Join.
*[Math: 24 sts + 12 inc = 36 sts]*

**Round 4:** Ch 2, *1 tr in next 2 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * to end. Join.
*[Math: 36 sts + 12 inc = 48 sts]*

**Round 5:** Ch 2, *1 tr in next 3 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * to end. Join.
*[Math: 48 sts + 12 inc = 60 sts]*

**Round 6:** Ch 2, *1 tr in next 4 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * to end. Join.
*[Math: 60 sts + 12 inc = 72 sts]*

> **Technical Check:** Measure the diameter of your circle. It should measure approximately 16–17 cm (6.25–6.5 inches).
> *   *If smaller than 15 cm:* Add an extra round of increases: (1 tr in next 11 sts, 2 tr in next st) to get 78 sts.
> *   *If larger than 18 cm:* Your tension is loose; consider restarting with a smaller hook or omitting Round 6.

### Section 2: The Body (Work Even)

**Rounds 7 – 15:** Ch 2, 1 tr in each st around. Join with ss to first tr.
*[Math: Maintains 72 sts per round]*

*Continue working even rounds until the piece measures approximately 17 cm (6.75 inches) from the centre of the magic ring, or approx. 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches) less than desired total length.*

### Section 3: The Ribbed Band

*This section uses post stitches to create a ribbed effect essential for a snug fit.*

**Round 16:** Ch 2, 1 tr in each st around. Join. (This sets up a clean foundation for the posts).
*[Math: 72 sts]*

**Round 17:** Ch 2. *FPtr around first st, BPtr around next st; rep from * around. Join with ss to first FPtr.
*[Math: 72 sts (36 FPtr, 36 BPtr)]*

**Round 18 – 20:** Ch 2. Work FPtr around every FPtr from the previous round, and BPtr around every BPtr from the previous round. Join with ss to first FPtr.
*[Math: 72 sts]*

*Note: You may add more rounds of ribbing here if a folded brim is desired.*

### Section 4: Finishing

1.  Fasten off yarn, leaving a 15 cm tail.
2.  Using a tapestry needle, weave in the final tail on the wrong side (inside) of the hat.
3.  **Crucial Step:** Thread the starting tail from the magic ring onto the needle. Pull the ring tightly closed one last time, then weave the yarn back and forth through the base of the Round 1 stitches to lock it permanently.
4.  Block lightly if desired (wash and lay flat) to smooth out the stitches, though this is optional for a beanie.