purlJam

# Pattern: The Snowdrop "Granny" Machine-Knit Beanie
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Machine:** Bulky (9mm) or Mid-gauge (6.5mm)
**Yarn:** Worsted Weight (Weight 4) - Base Color (Blue/Grey), Green (Stems), White (Petals)
**Tension:** 
- Main Bed: T8 (for body)
- Ribbing: T6 (if using ribber)

---

### 1. MACHINE SETUP & MATERIALS
- **Bed Configuration:** Main Bed only (unless using ribber for brim).
- **Tools:** 1-prong, 2-prong, and 3-prong transfer tools, latch tool, yarn needle, waste yarn.
- **Tension Dial:** Main Yarn (Base Color) T8.
- **Cast-on:** Waste yarn followed by ravel cord, or E-wrap cast-on.

---

### 2. THE SQUARES (Make 5)
*Each square represents a "Granny Square" unit.*

- **Setup:** Cast on 20 needles (L10 to R10).
- **RC 000:** COL. Set Tension to T8. Knit 1 row.
- **RC 001:** COR.
- **RC 001 - 028:** Knit in Stockinette until RC 028.
- **RC 028:** COL. 
- **Finishing Square:** Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Bind off loosely using the latch tool or back-stitch bind-off.
- **Repeat:** Make 5 squares total.

---

### 3. THE SNOWDROP MOTIF (Duplicate Stitch)
*Work this on the center of each square before assembly.*

**Chart (Central 7 stitches, Rows 10-20):**
1. **Stem (Green):** RC 10 to 16. Center stitch only (Stitch 0).
2. **Sepals (Green):** RC 17. Stitches L1, 0, R1 (3 sts total).
3. **Flower (White):** 
   - RC 18: Stitches L1, 0, R1.
   - RC 19: Stitches L2, L1, 0, R1, R2.
   - RC 20: Stitches L1, 0, R1.

*Note: Use the yarn needle to follow the "V" of the knit stitch. This creates the flower without the tension issues of Fair Isle.*

---

### 4. ASSEMBLY: THE BODY
1. Lay the 5 squares side-by-side. 
2. **Vertical Join:** Use a Crochet Hook (Size H/5mm) to work a Slip Stitch join on the "right side" of the fabric to create the raised "Granny Square" ridge. 
3. Join the first and last square to form a ring (Circumference: 100 stitches).

---

### 5. THE BRIM
- **Setup:** With the "Right Side" facing you, hang the bottom edge of the joined ring onto the machine. 
- **Needles:** 100 needles (L50 to R50). Pick up 20 stitches from the edge of each square.
- **RC 000:** COL. Set Tension to T6.
- **Knit:** 10 rows for a simple roll brim, or 20 rows for a mock-rib hem (fold and rehang RC 000 onto needles at RC 020).
- **Bind off:** Loosely with latch tool.

---

### 6. THE CROWN (Top-Down Shaping)
- **Setup:** Hang the top edge of the squares onto the machine (100 needles).
- **RC 000:** COL. Tension T8.
- **RC 001 - 005:** Knit 5 rows even.
- **RC 006 (Decrease 1):** COL. Using the 2-prong tool, move every 3rd and 4th stitch onto the 2nd and 3rd needles (K2, K2tog). 
  - *Calculation: 100 sts -> 75 sts.*
- **RC 007 - 009:** Knit 3 rows.
- **RC 010 (Decrease 2):** COL. Move every 2nd and 3rd stitch (K1, K2tog).
  - *Calculation: 75 sts -> 50 sts.*
- **RC 011 - 012:** Knit 2 rows.
- **RC 013 (Decrease 3):** COL. Move every other stitch (K2tog across).
  - *Calculation: 50 sts -> 25 sts.*
- **RC 014:** COR. Knit 1 row.
- **Finishing:** Cut yarn leaving a 20" tail. Thread through remaining 25 stitches with a yarn needle and pull tight to close the crown.

---

### 7. FINISHING
- **Seaming:** Sew the small vertical seam of the brim and crown.
- **Weaving:** Secure all tails on the inside (WS) of the hat.
- **Blocking:** Steam lightly, especially over the duplicate stitch flower, to settle the yarn. Do not press the iron onto the fabric; hold it 1 inch away.
- **Optional:** Add a 3" (8cm) white pompom to the top to mimic a large snowdrop bulb.

---
**Technical Editor's Note:** 
- *Gauge Check:* If your square measures less than 4.25" wide, increase tension to T9. 
- *Weight Check:* Ensure your carriage weights are evenly distributed across the 100 stitches during the crown shaping to prevent dropped stitches at the edges (L50/R50).*