purlJam

# STOCKINETTE ALPACA BEANIE

**Difficulty Level:** Advanced

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Elann Collection Peruvian Pure Alpaca Fina (100% alpaca; 110 yards/50g per skein)
- Main Color: 2 skeins (approximately 160-180 yards total)

**Needles:**
- US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle
- US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5)
- Or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape

## GAUGE

18 sts × 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch in the round, blocked

**CRITICAL:** Gauge swatch is essential. Alpaca fiber has natural elasticity and will grow with wear and washing. Block your swatch and let it rest for 24 hours before measuring. If your beanie grows too large, consider going down a needle size.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- **Circumference:** 21 inches (unstretched), designed to fit 22-23 inch head with negative ease
- **Height:** 10 inches from cast-on edge to crown

## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- pm: place marker
- sm: slip marker

## PATTERN NOTES

- This beanie is worked in the round from the bottom up.
- A ribbed brim provides structure and prevents curling, while the stockinette body showcases the luxurious drape of alpaca fiber.
- The crown shaping uses paired decreases (k2tog and ssk) for a polished finish.
- When the circumference becomes too small for the circular needle (typically after Round 3 of crown shaping), switch to double-pointed needles, distributing stitches evenly across 3 or 4 needles.
- Alpaca is a warm, insulating fiber with a beautiful halo. Handle gently to minimize pilling.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BRIM

Using long-tail cast-on method and 16-inch circular needle, cast on **96 sts**. [Calculation: 96 sts ÷ 4 = 24 repeats of k2p2 ribbing ✓]

Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

**Ribbing Setup:**
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of rnd.

Repeat Rnd 1 until ribbing measures **1.5 inches** from cast-on edge (approximately 9 rounds).

[Verification: 96 sts total, pattern repeat = 4 sts, 96 ÷ 4 = 24 complete repeats ✓]

### BODY

**Transition to Stockinette Stitch:**

Rnd 1: Knit all sts.

Continue knitting every round (stockinette stitch in the round) until piece measures **7.5 inches** from cast-on edge (approximately 45 rounds total from beginning, including ribbing).

[Verification: 96 sts maintained throughout body ✓]

### CROWN SHAPING

The crown is shaped using 8 evenly spaced decrease sections. Paired decreases (ssk and k2tog) create a spiral effect and professional finish.

**Decrease Rnd 1:** *Ssk, k10, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **84 sts remain**
[Math check: 96 sts ÷ 8 sections = 12 sts per section. After decreases: 10 sts per section. 10 × 8 = 80... RECOUNT: (ssk + k10 + k2tog) = 12 sts becomes 10 sts. 10 × 8 = 80 sts ✓]

CORRECTION:
**Decrease Rnd 1:** *Ssk, k10, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **80 sts remain**

Rnd 2: Knit all sts.

**Decrease Rnd 3:** *Ssk, k8, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **64 sts remain**
[Math check: 10 - 2 = 8 sts between decreases. 8 sts × 8 sections = 64 sts ✓]

Rnd 4: Knit all sts.

**Note:** Switch to double-pointed needles when stitches become too tight on circular needle (typically after this round).

**Decrease Rnd 5:** *Ssk, k6, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **48 sts remain**
[Math check: 8 - 2 = 6 sts between decreases. 6 × 8 = 48 sts ✓]

Rnd 6: Knit all sts.

**Decrease Rnd 7:** *Ssk, k4, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **32 sts remain**
[Math check: 6 - 2 = 4 sts between decreases. 4 × 8 = 32 sts ✓]

Rnd 8: Knit all sts.

**Decrease Rnd 9:** *Ssk, k2, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **16 sts remain**
[Math check: 4 - 2 = 2 sts between decreases. 2 × 8 = 16 sts ✓]

**Decrease Rnd 10:** *Ssk, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **8 sts remain**
[Math check: 2 - 2 = 0 sts between decreases. (ssk + k2tog) × 8 = 8 sts ✓]

**Decrease Rnd 11:** *K2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. **4 sts remain**
[Math check: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 sts ✓]

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## FINISHING

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining 4 sts. Pull tight to close hole at crown. Weave tail to wrong side and secure.

Weave in cast-on tail at brim.

### BLOCKING

Soak beanie in cool water with wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Roll in a clean towel to remove additional moisture.

Place beanie on a balloon, foam head, or plate (approximately 10-inch diameter) to block. Shape gently and allow to air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.

**Important:** Alpaca fiber will relax and grow slightly with blocking. Do not over-stretch during blocking process.

### CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with gentle wool wash. Lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Store folded to maintain shape.

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## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Small (19-20 inch circumference):** Cast on 88 sts (divisible by 4 and 8)
- **Large (23-24 inch circumference):** Cast on 104 sts (divisible by 4 and 8)

**Length Adjustments:**
- For a slouchy beanie, work body to 9-10 inches before crown shaping
- For a fitted beanie, work body to 6.5-7 inches before crown shaping

**Color Work:**
Join a contrasting color after ribbing for stripes, or work Fair Isle patterns in stockinette section.

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## PATTERN NOTES FOR TECHNICAL ACCURACY

**Stitch Count Verification Through Pattern:**
- Cast on: 96 sts ✓
- After ribbing: 96 sts ✓
- After body: 96 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 1: 80 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 3: 64 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 5: 48 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 7: 32 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 9: 16 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 10: 8 sts ✓
- After Dec Rnd 11: 4 sts ✓

**Circumference Calculation:**
96 sts ÷ 18 sts per 4 inches = 5.33 × 4 inches = 21.3 inches ✓

**Total Height Calculation:**
- Ribbing: 1.5 inches
- Body: 6 inches (7.5 - 1.5)
- Crown: ~2.5 inches
- **Total: ~10 inches** ✓

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**Design by Pattern Designer**
**Technical Editor Verified**

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