The Zen On Beanie is a fun, warm and squishy, zigzag spiral, textured beanie design, which is unisex in appeal, and perfect for the whole family.
A super quick make, these beanies also have the versality of using any DK or Worsted yarn.
Easy to size – there is no need to worry about meeting a gauge for this stress-free make.
The free version of this pattern includes one design option.
For the pdf version of the pattern with multiple design options 
from Ravelry.
To save this pattern to make later, add to your Ravelry queue and/or pin via the image below:
This is an original pattern by Farrah Jane Tate. You are welcome to sell products you have made using my patterns; however, I ask that you refer to the exact name of my pattern somewhere in the text of your listing. You may not copy, re-publish, sell, distribute, translate without permission, or claim my photos or patterns as your own in any way. This pattern may not be used in a classroom/workshop setting without my permission. Please note: If you have downloaded this pattern from an unofficial site (other than Ravelry, Love Crafts, Etsy, or my personal blog), this will be an unauthorised version and may not be the most current version. Please visit one of these sites to download an official, version-controlled copy.
Pattern Details
- Size: Size to preference. Refer to Appendix 1 Basic Sizing. Can be made fitting to slouchy, according to preference.
- Skill Level: Intermediate (assumes knowledge of post stitches).
- Stitch Terminology: US. Refer to Abbreviations and Special Stitch Instructions.
- Recommended Yarn: Any 8ply/DK/Cat. 3 or 10 ply/Worsted/Cat. 4 weight yarn. Suited to any fibre type that yields a good stitch definition (i.e., avoid fluffy, feathery, or textured yarns).
- Hook: Follow yarn label as a guide or use your preferred hook size for the yarn weight. Adjust hook size if/as necessary to ensure beanie fabric has both the desired density and softness.
- Gauge: Not important for this item. Ensure beanie circumference and length approximates the Appendix 1 Sizing Table. Example beanie gauge is provided for reference only.
- Pattern Synopsis: Reversible beanie that is constructed working in rounds, from top to bottom, finishing with a simple brim that is designed to be worn unfolded. The spiral zig zag texture results from a repeating pattern of front post and back post stitches. Two textured zig zag repeat options are provided in the pattern pdf: Design 1 and Design 2. Design 2 is available for free on this blog. To finish the beanie peak is cinched and ends stitched in. Wear beanie ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ side, according to preference.
- Social Media Share: Please tag me @TheCrochetFix and Hash Tag your projects #ZenOnBeanie.
Abbreviations
- Beg = Beginning
- BLO = Back Loop Only
- BpDC = Back Post Double Crochet. DC is worked around the back of the stitch post.
- BpSC = Back Post Single Crochet. SC is worked around the back of the stitch post.
- BpDCStndSt = Back Post Double Crochet Standing Stitch. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
- Ch = Chain
- DC = Double Crochet
- DCStndSt = Double Crochet Standing Stitch. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
- Fin = Finishing
- FLO = Front Loop Only
- FpDC = Front Post Double Crochet. DC is worked around the front of the stitch post.
- FpSC = Front Post Single Crochet. SC is worked around the front of the stitch post.
- FpDCStndSt = Front Post Double Crochet Standing Stitch. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
- FSC = (Chainless) Foundation Single Crochet Stitch. Refer to YouTube tutorial.
- Prev = Previous
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- Sl St = Slip Stitch
- SC = Single Crochet
- St = Stitch
Special Stitch Instructions
Standing Stitches
A standing stitch will be made at the start of each round. Instructions are provided for a simple stacked SC method. If preferred, a different method can be used.
DCStndSt: (Without first making a Ch 1), SC in first st from prev rnd, Ch 1, SC in FLO of first SC (i.e. stacking the second SC on top of the first).
FpDCStndSt: Ch 1, FpSC around first st from prev rnd, Ch 1, SC in FLO of first SC (i.e. stacking the second SC on top of the first).
BpDCStndSt: Ch 1, BpSC around first st from prev rnd, Ch 1, SC in FLO of first SC (i.e. stacking the second SC on top of the first).
Tips
- Swatch a couple of rounds to determine the best hook size and foundation chain count for a beanie of specific circumference.
- To prevent an obvious seam from forming, ensure the Sl St at the end of each round are made with a tight tension.
- For best textured pattern result avoid using a yarn that is fluffy, feathery, or otherwise heavily textured, or varying in thickness along its length. Also avoid yarns that are variegated or have short colour changes (where the colour change will fall randomly within a round, rather than at the start of a round).
Pattern Instructions – Beanie Design 2
Note:
- DCStndSt is included in the DC st count .
- FpDCStndSt is included in the FpDC st count.
- BpDCStndSt is included in the BpDC st count.
- Beg Ch 1 and fin Sl St are not included in the st count for the rnd.
- The post st sequence is always 3 FpDC followed by 3 BpDC, with the st sequence moving a single st each rnd.
- If needed, refer to Appendix 1 Basic Sizing for sizing the circumference and length of the beanie.
- St count follows each rnd instructions in ( ).
Beanie
Round 1: Leaving a yarn tail of approximately 35 – 40 cm/14 – 18“, FSCƚ a multiple of 6 ensuring the last FSC is joined at the base to the first FSC (to form a circle), Sl St into first SC.
ƚAlternatively, work a foundation Ch round and subsequent SC round, as follows:
- Ch a multiple of 6, Sl St into first Ch (to form a closed circle).
- Ch 1, SC in first and each subsequent Ch around, Sl St into first SC.
Round 2: DCStndSt in first st, DC in each subsequent st around, Sl St into DCStndSt. (DC = Rnd 1 st count)
Round 3: FpDCStndSt around first st, FpDC around next two st, BpDC around next three st, *FpDC around next three st, BpDC around next three st, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into FpDCStndSt. (FpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2, BpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2)
Round 4: BpDCStndSt around first st, FpDC around next three st, BpDC around next three st, *FpDC around next three st, BpDC around next three st, rep from * around circumference until the last five st, FpDC around next three st, BpDC around last two st, Sl St into BpDCStndSt. (FpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2, BpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2)
Round 5: BpDCStndSt around first st, BpDC around next st, *FpDC around next three st, BpDC around next three st, rep from * around circumference until the last four st, FpDC around next three st, BpDC around last st, Sl St into BpDCStndSt. (FpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2, BpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2)
Round 6: BpDCStndSt around first st, BpDC around next two st, FpDC around next three st, *BpDC around next three st, FpDC around next three st, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into BpDCStndSt. (FpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2, BpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2)
Round 7: FpDCStndSt around first st, BpDC around next three st, *FpDC around next three st, BpDC around next three st, rep from * around circumference until the last two st, FpDC around last two st, Sl St into FpDCStndSt. (FpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2, BpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2)
Round 8: FpDCStndSt around first st, FpDC around next next st, *BpDC around next three st, FpDC around next three st, rep from * around circumference until the last four st, BpDC around next three st, FpDC around last st, Sl St into FpDCStndSt. (FpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2, BpDC = Rnd 1 st count/2)
Rounds 9+: Note: The beanie can be finished after any rnd of a pattern rep. Rep Rnds 3 to 8 until the beanie length is approximately equal to the required length minus a brim (allowing approximately 2cm/0.8” – 3.5cm/1.4” in length for the brim).
Brim
Round 1: Ch 1, SC in first st and each subsequent st around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (SC = Rnd 1 st count)
Round 2: Ch 1, SC in BLO of first st and each subsequent st around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (SC = Rnd 1 st count)
Rounds 3+: Rep Rnd 2 as many times as preferred, fasten off yarn leaving sufficient length to sew in.
Finishing
Use a darning needle or crochet hook, weave the beg yarn tail in and out of the entire foundation round circumference, skipping two to three stitches each time. If the yarn is particularly soft and not overly strong (and therefore more prone to breaking), repeat the weaving process a second time. Gently pull the yarn tail to cinch the beanie peak closed. Ensuring the top opening is fully closed, sew in the remaining length of the yarn tail securely on whichever side will be chosen as the reverse side. Sew in the second yarn tail securely on reverse side.
Pattern Support
Pattern support is available via TheCrochetFix Facebook Page.
Pattern Versioning
| Version | Date | Comments |
| 0.1 | 19.05.2021 | Draft Version |
| 0.2 | 06.06.2021 | Corrections and enhancements from testing. |
| 0.3 | 12.06.2021 | Refactor to simplify instructions. |
| 1.0 | 31.01.2024 | Pattern refresh for collaboration event. |
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following testers for your efforts to test this beanie design:
- Tania Barry (@shewgirl1 on IG, Shewgirl on Ravelry)
- Shannon Maughan (@the.crafty.runner on IG, TheCraftyRunner on Ravelry)
- Emma-Joy Gilbert (@em_joy87 on IG, Em-J87 on Ravelry)
- Sharon Edwards (@sharon_edwards_act on IG, DefenceLass on Ravelry)
- Bec Smith (@bec_reinyarnated on IG)
- Simone Howes (@simone.makes on IG, SimoneLH on Ravelry)
- Karen Muller (@geekofcrochet on IG)
- Dominique Case (@needalilyarn on IG)
- Helen Maud (@helen.nanna.made on IG)
- Vimala Vignesh (@vimalavignesh on IG, FB, and Ravelry)
- Jaclyn Tasker (@boyohboy.handmade on IG, @boyohboy.handmade.yarravalley on FB)
Appendix 1: Basic Sizing
The approximate required beanie size can be determined by using:
A) Sizing Guide Table below, or
B) Approximate Personalised Sizing Method.
A) Sizing Guide Table
The table below is based on The American Craft Yarn Council (ACYC) standard head circumference sizes and standard (fitted) beanie length for baby through to adult sizes.
1) For beanie FSC count, determine the number of relaxed FSC that equate to the table listed circumference for the required beanie size. If necessary, increase the st count to the next factor of five (Design 1) or six (Design 2).
2) For beanie length, refer to the table listed length for the required beanie size. If a slightly slouchy beanie is preferred, then add at least a few cm or an inch to the listed length.
| Beanie Size | Beanie Circumference | Beanie Length (incl. brim) | ||
| Inches | Cm | Inches | Cm | |
| Baby | 14 – 16 | 35.5 – 40.5 | 5.0 – 6.5 | 12.5 – 16.5 |
| Toddler | 16 – 18 | 40.5 –46.0 | 7.0 – 7.5 | 18.0 – 19.0 |
| Child | 18 – 20 | 45.5 – 51.0 | 7.5 – 8.0 | 19.0 – 20.5 |
| Tween | 20 – 22 | 51.0 – 56.0 | 8.0 – 8.5 | 20.5 – 21.5 |
| Woman | 21 – 23 | 53.0 – 58.5 | 8.0 – 9.0 | 20.5 – 23.0 |
| Man | 22 – 24 | 56.0 – 61.0 | 8.5 – 9.5 | 21.5 – 24.0 |
B) Approximate Personalised Sizing Method
Circumference measure: Determine the number of relaxed FSC that fit around the person’s head. Or ask the person to measure their head circumference using a tape measure and then determine the number of relaxed FSC that are equivalent to this tape measure circumference. If necessary, increase the st count to the next factor of five (Design 1) or six (Design 2).
Length measure: Use a tape measure, or ask the person to use a tape measure, to measure the length from just above the person’s brow to their crown. If a slightly slouchy beanie is preferred, then add a few cm or an inch or so to the measured length.
Appendix 2: Project Examples
Below are example projects made with Worsted yarn. Other weights of yarn can also be used. Refer to the Ravelry listing for this pattern, to view additional projects.
TOPAZ BEANIE – on reverse side:
- Yarn: Bernat Super Value Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Topaz colour, ~100g/~3.5oz.
- Hook: 6mm/ J-10.
- Design: 1.
- FSC count: 60.
- Gauge: 5 post stitches: ~4.2cm/~1.65” in width.
- Beanie rounds: 20.
- Brim rounds: 5.
- Relaxed circumference: ~51cm/~20”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
- Length (incl. brim): ~24cm/~9.5”.
- Fits: Child (slouchy) to average sized woman (slightly slouchy) or small man (fitted).
GREEN BEANIE – on reverse side:
- Yarn: Redheart Super Saver Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4 in Frosty Green colour, ~100g/~3.5oz.
- Hook: 6mm/ J-10.
- Design: 1.
- FSC count: 60.
- Gauge: 5 post stitches: ~4.2cm/~1.65” in width.
- Beanie rounds: 20.
- Brim rounds: 5.
- Relaxed circumference: ~51cm/20”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
- Length (incl. brim): ~24cm/~9.5”.
- Fits: Child (slouchy) to average sized woman (slightly slouchy) or small man (fitted).
BUFF BEANIE
- Yarn: Redheart Super Saver Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Buff colour, ~120g/~4.2oz.
- Hook: 6mm/ J-10.
- Design: 2.
- FSC count: 66.
- Gauge: 6 post stitches: ~5cm/~2” in width.
- Beanie rounds: 22.
- Brim rounds: 5.
- Relaxed circumference: ~55cm/21.7”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
- Length (incl. brim): ~26cm/~10.2”.
- Fits: Woman (slouchy) to large man (fitted).