The Wheely Good Beanie is a fun and funky, intermediate level, textured crochet beanie design.

Its unique appearance results from a modified Catherine Wheel stitch and 3LO construction.

With its easy sizing – no need to worry about meeting a specific gauge – this beanie is a stress-free make.
Perfect for lovely, unique gifts, charity makes, and market stall stock.
Make it fitted or slouchy.

The basic beanie design and a single brim option is available on my blog.

For the pdf version of the pattern with multiple brim options, headband instructions, and images for the more difficult parts of beanie/headband construction   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 A Sizing Table as a guide.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate.
  • Stitch Terminology: US – refer also to Abbreviations.
  • 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). Example project yarns are provided in Appendix A. Also refer to for additional yarn inspiration.
  • Hook: Follow yarn label as a guide or use your preferred hook. Make a swatch(es) and adjust hook if/ as necessary to achieve the preferred density of crochet fabric.
  • Gauge: No set gauge required. Ensure beanie circumference and length approximates the Appendix A Sizing Table.
  • Pattern Synopsis: Beanie and headband are constructed working in rounds, from bottom to top. The texture results from modified Catherine Wheel stitch in 3LO. The brim is added next – multiple options are provided in the pdf.

Abbreviations

  • ~ = Approximately.
  • 3L = Third Loop. To access this loop, fold work forwards so that the reverse side/ back of the stitches is exposed. The 3L is located on the reverse side, lying beneath the BL.
  • 3LO = Third Loop Only. (Omit both FL and BL and use 3L only.)
  • 3L/4L = Third Loop and Fourth Loop together. (Omit both FL and BL and use Third Loop and Fourth Loop together, inserting hook from front to back through Third Loop first and then through Fourth Loop).
  • 4L = Fourth Loop. To access this loop, fold work forwards slightly so that the reverse side/ back of the stitches is exposed. The 4L is located on the reverse side, lying beneath and parallel to the 3L.
  • Beg = Beginning/Begin.
  • BL = Back Loop.
  • BLO = Back Loop Only.
  • Ch = Chain.
  • DC = Double Crochet.
  • DCTog = DC x number of stitches together. E.g. for DC9Tog, DC the next nine stitches together. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
  • FSC = Foundation SC.
  • Fin = Finishing/Finish.
  • FL = Front Loop.
  • FL/BL = Work in both the Front Loop and Back Loop together.
  • FpHDC = Front Post Half Double Crochet (constructed around the front of the stitch post (instead of in the top two loops of the stitch, as for standard HDC)).
  • HDC = Half Double Crochet.
  • HTR = Half Triple Crochet. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
  • HTRStndSt = Half Triple Crochet Standing Stitch. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
  • n = Number of FSC stitches.
  • Prev = Previous(ly)
  • Rem = Remaining
  • Rep = Repeat
  • Rnd(s) = Round(s)
  • RS = Right Side
  • Sl St = Slip Stitch.
  • SC = Single Crochet.
  • Sp = Space.
  • St(s) = Stitch(es).
  • WS = Wrong Side.
  • Yo = Yarn over (hook).

Special Stitch Instructions

DC<x>Tog (e.g. DC9Tog)

*Yo, insert hook through first st, yo, pull through a loop, yo, pull yarn through two loops on hook, rep from * another (x-1) times, yo, pull yarn through all loops on hook, yo, pull yarn through loop on hook.

E.g.

  • If stitch instruction is to make a DC11Tog, repeat from * another 10 times.
  • If stitch instruction is to make a DC9Tog, repeat from * another 8 times.
  • If stitch instruction is to make a DC7Tog, repeat from * another 6 times.
  • If stitch instruction is to make a DC5Tog, repeat from * another 4 times.
  • If stitch instruction is to make a DC3Tog, repeat from * another 2 times.

HTR

Yo twice, insert hook through st, yo, pull through a loop, yo, pull yarn through two loops on hook (three loops rem on hook), yo, pull yarn through all three loops on hook.

HTRStndSt

Note: This stitch is worked at the start of a new round. It is HTR height and counts as a HTR stitch for stitch count purposes. The method described below is the beginner stacked SC method. This can be substituted with any other HTR standing stitch method, or Ch 4.

Ch 1, SC in the first st from the previous round, Ch 1, SC in SC that was just made (stacking a second SC on the first SC), (without first Ch 1) SC in SC that was just made (stacking a third SC on the second SC).

Tips

  • If your tension is tight, work all 3L/4L instructions as 3LO.
  • If you have loose tension, Beanie Rounds 2 and 3 can optionally instead be worked the same as Headband Rounds 2 and 3.
  • Ensure the ‘eye’ of each DC<x>Tog st is a consistent size and this is large enough to make a shell in but not so large that a noticeable hole will remain once the shell is made.
  • Multiple colours can be used for each ‘wheel’ repeat (odd and even round). Change colour on an odd round. Join new colour in the middle HTR of any HTR shell from the previous round and ignore instructions to Sl St across to this st.

Pattern Instructions – Beanie

Note:

  • HTRStndSt to commence round is included in HTR stitch count.
  • Beg Ch 1 and fin Sl St are not included in the stitch count for this round.
  • 3LO can be used instead of 3L/4L.
  • Ch 4 can be used instead of HTRStndSt in Round 2. Sl St into top two loops of fourth Ch to complete the round. When commencing Round 3, SC into back of third chain of Ch 4, underneath and behind the top two loops of Ch 4 such that these remain exposed on the right side of the beanie.
  • Refer to Appendix B: Sizing Guide for basic toddler/child/tween/adult sizing for sizing circumference (FSC Foundation Round st count) and length (Rounds 8+ instructions).
  • Refer to Appendix C for tutorial images.

Beanie

Round 1 – Foundation Round: Leaving a yarn tail of sufficient length to sew in, FSCƚ a multiple of eight (ensuring the last FSC is joined at the base to the first FSC), Sl St into first FSC. (n FSC (joined to form a circle))

ƚAlternatively, work a foundation Ch round and subsequent SC round, as follows:

  1. Ch a multiple of eight, Sl St into first Ch (to form a closed circle).
  2. Ch 1, SC in first and each subsequent Ch around, Sl St into first SC.

Round 2: HTRStndSt and HTR in first st, HTR in next st, DC in next st, HDC in next st, *SC in next st, HDC in next St, DC in next st, HTR in next st, 3 HTR in next st, HTR in next st, DC in next st, HDC in next st, rep from * around circumference until reaching the last four st, SC in next st, HDC in next st, DC in next st, HTR in last st, HTR in first st (alongside and before the HTRStndSt prev made in this st), Sl St into 3L/4L of HTRStndSt. (Stitch Count: HTR = (FSC/8) x 5, DC = (FSC/8) x 2, HDC = (FSC/8) x 2, SC= (FSC/8.)

Round 3: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of HTRStndSt, Ch 4, DC9Tog over 3LO of the next nine st, Ch 4, *SC in 3L/4L of next st (middle HTR of 3 HTR shell), Ch 4, DC9Tog over 3LO of the next nine St, Ch 4, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, DC9Tog = FSC/8, Ch 4 Sp = (FSC/8) x 2)

Round 4: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of HTRStndSt from two rnds prev (i.e. Rnd 2, either over the top of, or to the left of, the Rnd 3 SC – refer to Appendix C image), sk next Ch 4 Sp, 9 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC9Tog (refer to Appendix C image), sk next Ch 4 Sp, *SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (as before), sk next Ch 4 Sp, 9 HTR in ’eye’ of next DC9Tog, sk next Ch 4 Sp, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, 9 HTR Shell = FSC/8).

Round 5: Sl St in FL/BL of HTR sts across to 5th HTR (middle HTR of 9 HTR Shell – refer to Appendix C images). Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of same HTR, Ch 4, DC9Tog over 3LO of next nine st, Ch 4, *SC in 3L/4L of next st (middle HTR of next 9 HTR Shell), Ch 4, DC9Tog over 3LO of next nine st, Ch 4, rep from * around circumference and working the last four st of the last DC9Tog in the FL/BL of each of the four HTR that the first four Sl St were made into in this rnd (working behind the Sl St – refer to Appendix C images), Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, DC9Tog = FSC/8, Ch 4 Sp = (FSC/8) x 2)

Round 6: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (either over the top of, or to the left of, the SC made in prev rnd), sk next Ch 4 Sp, 9 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC9Tog, sk next Ch 4 Sp, *SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (as before), sk next Ch 4 Sp, 9 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC9Tog, sk next Ch 4 Sp, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC stitches = FSC/8, 9 HTR shell = FSC/8)

Round 7: Sl St in FL/BL of HTR sts across to 5th HTR (middle HTR of 9 HTR Shell – refer to Appendix C images). Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of same HTR, Ch 4, DC9Tog over 3LO of next nine st, Ch 4, *SC in 3L/4L of next st (middle HTR of next 9 HTR Shell), Ch 4, DC9Tog over 3LO of next nine st, Ch 4, rep from * around circumference and working the last four st of the last DC9Tog in the FL/BL of each of the four HTR that the first four Sl St were made into in this rnd (working behind the Sl St – refer to Appendix C images), Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, DC9Tog = FSC/8, Ch 4 Sp = (FSC/8) x 2)

Rounds 8+: Repeat Rounds 6 and 7 until the beanie is equal to approximately 3/4 of the desired length of the beanie (including the length of an unfolded brim – allowing approximately 2cm/0.8” – 3.5cm/1.4” in length for the brim).

Note: For toddler and child size, optionally skip Shape Peak Rounds 3 and 4, and continue instead to Shape Peak Round 5. An additional repeat of Rounds 6 and 7 may be required to achieve the desired length of beanie before the Shape Peak Rounds are commenced.

Shape Peak Round 1: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (either over the top of, or to the left of, the SC made in prev rnd), sk next Ch 4 Sp, 7 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC9Tog, sk next Ch 4 Sp, *SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (as before), sk next Ch 4 Sp, 7 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC9Tog, sk next Ch 4 Sp, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, 7 HTR Shell = FSC/8)

Shape Peal Round 2: Sl St in FL/BL of HTR sts across to 4th HTR (middle HTR of 7 HTR Shell). Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of same HTR, Ch 3, DC7Tog over 3LO of next seven st, Ch 3, *SC in 3L/4L of next st (middle HTR of next 7 HTR Shell), Ch 3, DC7Tog over 3LO of next seven St, Ch 3, rep from * around circumference and working the last three st of the last DC7Tog in the FL/BL of each of the three HTR that the first three Sl St were made into in this rnd (working behind the Sl St), Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, DC7Tog = FSC/8, Ch 3 Sp = (FSC/8) x 2)

Shape Peak Round 3: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (either over the top of, or to the left of, the SC made in prev rnd), sk next Ch 3 Sp, 5 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC7Tog, sk next Ch 3 Sp, *SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (as before), sk next Ch 3 Sp, 5 HTR in ‘eye’ of next DC7Tog, sk next Ch 3 Sp, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8 and 5 HTR Shell = FSC/8)

Shape Peak Round 4: Sl St in FL/BL of HTR sts across to 3rd HTR (middle HTR of 5 HTR Shell). Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of same HTR, Ch 2, DC5Tog over 3LO of next five st, Ch 2, *SC in 3L/4L of next st (middle HTR of next 5 HTR Shell), Ch 2, DC5Tog over 3LO of next five st, Ch 2, rep from * around circumference and working the last two st of the last DC5Tog in the FL/BL of each of the two HTR that the first two Sl St that were made into in this rnd (working behind the Sl St), Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, DC5Tog = FSC/8, and Ch 2 Sp = (FSC/8) x 2)

Shape Peak Round 5: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (either over the top of, or to the left of, the SC made in prev rnd), sk next Ch 2 Sp, 3 DC in ‘eye’ of next DC5Tog, sk next Ch 2 Sp, *SC in 3L/4L of HTR from two rnds prev (as before), sk next Ch 2 Sp, 3 DC in ‘eye’ of next DC5Tog, sk next Ch 2 Sp, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8 and 3 DC Shell = FSC/8)

Shape Peak Round 6: Sl St in FL/BL of DC sts across to 2nd DC (middle DC of 3 DC Shell). Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of same DC, Ch 1, DC3Tog over 3LO of the next three st, Ch 1, *SC in 3L/4L of next st (middle DC of next 3 DC Shell), Ch 1, DC3Tog over 3LO of the next three st, Ch 1, rep from * around circumference and work the last st of the last DC3Tog in the FL/BL of the HTR that the Sl St was made into in this rnd (working behind the Sl St), Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8, DC3Tog = FSC/8, and Ch 1 Sp = (FSC/8) x 2)

Shape Peak Round 7: Ch 1, SC in 3L/4L of DC from two rnds prev (either over the top of, or to the left of, the SC made in the prev rnd), sk next Ch 1 Sp, 2 DC in ‘eye’ of next DC3Tog, sk next Ch 1 Sp, *SC in 3L/4L of DC from two rnds prev (as before), sk next Ch 1 Sp, 2 DC in ‘eye’ of next DC3Tog, sk next Ch 1 Sp, rep from * around circumference, Sl St into first SC. Fasten off yarn leaving a long yarn tail to cinch beanie with. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC/8 and 2 DC Shell = FSC/8)

Cinch Top of Beanie: Use a darning needle, weave the tail of yarn in and out of each subsequent St in the previous round, around the entire circumference. If your chosen yarn is not particularly strong, repeat the weaving process a second time. Gently pull the yarn to cinch the beanie. Ensuring the top opening is fully closed, sew in the end on WS.

Beanie Brim

Make one of the pattern instruction brim designs or make a brim of your own design.

To commence, whilst keeping beanie RS facing, rotate beanie so beanie is positioned with the bottom opening upmost and peak downmost. Join yarn in first FSC.

Option 1 – HDC in 3LO

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Option 2 – SC

Round 1: Ch 1, SC in first and each subsequent st around circumference, Sl St into first SC. (Stitch Count: SC = FSC)

Rounds 2+: Repeat Round 2 until brim is preferred length. Fasten off yarn and sew in end on WS.

Finishing (optional): Work a round of Surface Sl St in each FSC around, ensuring Sl St are made with same tension as foundation round. Fasten off yarn and sew in the ends on WS. (Stitch Count: Surface Sl St = FSC)

Option 3 – HDC Rib in Rounds

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Option 4: HDC Rib in Rows

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Pattern Instructions – Headband

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

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 Restructure and include additional brims
0.3 18.08.2021 Add headband
0.4 25.08.2021 Corrections and enhancements from testing
1.0 07.08.2024 Refresh.

Dedication

This design is dedicated to my dear friend Yvie, who had a cycling accident just before her 30th birthday that left her paralysed from chest level down. Before her accident she was an elite athlete and was passionate about working in the field as a marine biologist. With grit and determination Yvie completed her extensive rehabilitation and eventually started training for the Paralympics. She is now raising two gorgeous boys, and is continuing to advocate for inclusive spaces, through her work with National Parks South Australia. Her vision is to see no barriers to participation, with national parks providing experiences and opportunities for everyone, no matter what their ability is. Thank you, Yvie, for being such an inspiration to many and helping all of us to be more aware about accessibility and accessible spaces.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following fabulous testers for your efforts to test this beanie design:

Appendix A: Project Examples

Natural/Fawn Beanie

  • Yarn: Premier Basix Worsted (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Hazel colour, ~110g/43.3oz.
  • Hook: 6mm/ J-10.
  • Foundation stitch count: 64.
  • Gauge: 8 Foundation Round 2 stitches are ~6.5cm/2.5” in width.
  • Pattern rounds: 18, including four standard repeats.
  • Brim Option 4, beg Ch 5.
  • Relaxed circumference: ~52cm/20.5”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
  • Length (incl. brim): ~26cm/10.25”.
  • Fits: average sized woman (slouchy) or small man (slightly slouchy).

Red Beanie:

  • Yarn: 4 Seasons (thin Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Brick colour, ~100g/43.3oz.
  • Hook: 5.5mm/ I-9.
  • FSC: 72.
  • Gauge: 8 Foundation Round 2 stitches are ~5.5cm/2” in width.
  • Beanie pattern rounds: 18, including four standard repeats.
  • Brim Option 4, beg Ch 7.
  • Relaxed circumference: ~50cm/19.6”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
  • Length (incl. brim): ~23cm/9”.
  • Fits: child (slouchy) to average sized woman (slightly slouchy) or small man (fitted).

Brown Beanie:

  • Yarn: Bernat Super Value Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Topaz colour, ~110g/43.3oz.
  • Hook: 6mm/ J-10.
  • FSC: 64.
  • Gauge: 8 Foundation Round 2 stitches are ~6.5cm/2.5” in width.
  • Pattern rounds: 18, including four standard repeats.
  • Brim Option 4, beg Ch 5.
  • Relaxed circumference: ~52cm/20.5”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
  • Length (incl. brim): ~26cm/10.25”.
  • Fits: average sized woman (slouchy) or small man (slightly slouchy).

Headband:

  • Yarn: Bernat Super Value Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Taupe colour, ~60g/23.6oz.
  • Hook: 6mm/ J-10.
  • FSC: 56.
  • Gauge: 8 Foundation Round 2 stitches are ~6.5cm/2.5” in width.
  • Rounds: 8 in total.
  • Brim Option 4, beg Ch 5 and finishing round of Sl St.
  • Relaxed circumference: ~49cm/19.3”, with a couple cm of positive ease.
  • Length (incl. brim): ~14cm/5.5”.
  • Fits: average sized woman or large child.

 

Appendix B: Sizing Guide

The appropriate beanie size can be determined by using:

  • A) The Sizing Guide Table below, or
  • B) The 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.

To size the beanie circumference, first determine the number of relaxed FSC that equate to the table listed Beanie Circumference for the chosen Beanie Size, and then adjust the st count to the nearest multiple of eight.

To size the beanie length, look up the table listed Beanie Length for the chosen Beanie Size. For a slouchy beanie, add at least an inch or 3-4 cm to the table beanie length.

Beanie Size Beanie Circumference Fitted Beanie Length (incl brim)
Inches Cm Inches Cm
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 for this circumference.

If needed, adjust the FSC count to the nearest multiple of eight.

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. For a slouchy beanie add at least an inch or 3-4 cm to the measured length.

 

Appendix C: Images

Applicable to Rounds 4/5/6/7 – refer to Ravelry pdf.