The Got Grit Beanie is a beginner level textured beanie with a simple repeat. It is perfect for both sexes and all ages. Use any yarn and size to standard sizes using included sizing table, or custom size according to individual measurements.

This free pattern was created for #SmallProjectsChallenge2022 for the July Winter Warmers category. As it has not been tested as yet, please contact me via Facebook message to notify me of any errors you find, thanks.

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.  Please note: If you have downloaded this pattern from a site other than Ravelry, Love Crochet, or my personal blog, you may not have the most current version. Please visit one of the aforementioned sites to download an official, version-controlled copy.

Pattern Details

• Size: Size to preference. Refer to Sizing Table as a guide.
• Skill Level: Beginner.
• 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). Refer to Appendix A for yarn used for Example Projects.
• 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 Sizing Table.
• Pattern Synopsis: Beanie is constructed working in rows, alternating RS and WS to form a rectangle of crochet fabric. A modified Grit Stitch row is alternated with a HDC BLO row. When the rectangle is the desired size, a seam is Sl St or sewn to join the starting row with the finishing row, to form the beanie cylinder. The top opening of the beanie cylinder is then cinched together by weave stitching the long yarn tail with a needle around the circumference, and then pulling taut. Beanie can be worn as slouchy or fitted (with brim folded) and either on RS or WS, as preferred.
• Social Media Share: Please tag me @TheCrochetFix and Hash Tag your projects: #GotGritBeanie.

Abbreviations

• Beg = Beginning.
• BL = Back Loop.
• BLO = Back Loop Only.
• FC = Foundation Chain.
• FL = Front Loop.
• FLO = Front Loop Only.
• Ch = Chain.
• DC = Double Crochet.
• DCStndSt = Double Crochet Standing Stitch. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• HDC = Half Double Crochet.
• Rpt = Repeat.
• RS = Right Side.
• SC = Single Crochet.
• Sk = Skip.
• Sl St = Slip Stitch.
• St = Stitch.
• WS = Wrong Side.

Special Stitch Instructions

DCStndSt

The DC Standing Stitch is worked at the start of a new row and stands for a DC stitch (in height and width). The method described below is the beginner worthy stacked SC method; however, if you already have a preferred standing stitch method, then please substitute your preferred method wherever this stitch is listed in the pattern instructions. Alternatively, a beg Ch 3 can also be substituted.

Ch 1, SC in st from previous row, Ch 1, SC in FLO of first SC (so that the second SC is stacked on top of the first).

Pattern Instructions

Note:

• Beg DCStndSt is included in DC st count.
• Beg Ch 1 is not included in the st count and should not be worked into in the subsequent row.
• For Modified Grit Stitch Row, BLO can be used instead of both FL and BL to exaggerate the grit texture – try a swatch of each, and then use the preferred loops consistently in each of these rows.
• If beanie is to be worn with no folded brim, both FL and BL can be used for all rows (as rib effect will not be required on the reverse side for folded brim). This will make the crochet fabric slightly thicker.
• [ ] represents a short st sequence that is to be repeated the number of times specified by the pattern instructions.
• ( ) following each row contains the st count for the row.

Beanie Foundation Chain

Note:  Refer to Steps 1, 2 and 3 in the Beanie Sizing Guide in Appendix B if you need assistance with sizing the length of your beanie.

Ch a FC that is a multiple of 2 and a length that (when relaxed) corresponds with the desired length of the beanie + brim (if the beanie is intended to be worn either as fitted with folded brim or as a slouch (unfolded)).

Beanie Pattern Rows

Row 1 – HDC – RS: Ch 1 (in addition to FC already made), HDC in second Ch from hook and each subsequent remaining FC. (HDC = FC)

Row 2 – Modified Grit Stitch – WS: Turn, DCStndSt and SC in first st, sk next st, [DC and SC in next st, sk next st] rpt until reaching the last two st in the row, DC in next st, SC in last st. (DC = FC/2,  SC = FC/2.)

Row 3 – HDC in FLO – RS: Turn, Ch 1, HDC in FLO of first and each subsequent st in the row. (HDC = FC)

Row 4 – Modified Grit Stitch – WS: Turn, DCStndSt and SC in first st, sk next st, [DC and SC in next st, sk next st] rpt until reaching the last two st in the row, DC in next st, SC in last st. (DC = FC/2,  SC = FC/2.)

Additional Rows

Note: Refer to Step 4  in the Beanie Sizing Guide in Appendix B if you need assistance with sizing the circumference of your beanie.

Rpt Rows 3 and 4 until the long edge of the beanie rectangle is approximately equal to the desired beanie circumference.

Side Seam

Either sew: Fasten off yarn leaving a long tail (~12”/30cm) and sew together the beginning and finishing short edges of beanie rectangle (forming a closed cylinder).

Or crochet: Sl St through stitches of both beginning and finishing short edge of beanie rectangle, to form a closed cylinder. Fasten off yarn, leaving a long tail (~6”/15cm in length).

Cinch Top

Use a darning needle to weave the tail of yarn in and out of the top edge of beanie, at the point of every second row, around the entire circumference of the beanie. If the chosen yarn is not particularly strong, repeat the weaving around the circumference a second time. Gently pull the yarn to cinch the beanie. Ensuring the top opening is fully closed, sew in the end securely and fasten off.

Pattern Support

Pattern support is most readily available via TheCrochetFix Facebook Page.

Pattern Versioning

A Little Background Regarding This Design

G.R.I.T. stands for Guts, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity. When I think of grit personified, I think of my dearest mum, Fiona. She has grit in abundance… and yet she also has the biggest of hearts and is one of the kindest people I know. She has spent her life devoting herself to helping and caring for others, even whilst facing significant challenges of her own, which would be so very overwhelming and all-consuming for many.

If you know someone who needs a little encouragement to keep going, to keep steadfastly putting one foot in front of the other, even when their circumstances are so very tough… then gift them a grit beanie, as a symbol that you are thinking of them and cheering them on, come what may.

Or maybe there is that special person, who you would like to acknowledge for their GRIT and their inspiration for others.

I made a bunch of these beanies for #WinterWarmers2021 charity makes for community members who are doing it tough. I cannot even begin to imagine the grit it takes to survive an entire Winter sleeping rough.

Appendix A: Example Projects

Taupe: Bernat Super Value Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Taupe colour, ~120g/~4.2oz. Hook: 6mm/ J-10. Foundation row stitch count: 50. Pattern rows: 50. Relaxed circumference: ~53cm/~21”, with a couple cm of positive ease. Length (incl. brim): ~30cm/~11.8”. Fits: average sized woman.

Neutral: Redheart Super Saver Yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Buff colour, ~120g/~4.2oz. Hook: 6mm/ J-10. Foundation row stitch count: 50. Pattern rows: 50. Relaxed circumference: ~53cm/~21”, with a couple cm of positive ease. Length (incl. brim): ~30cm/~11.8”. Fits: average sized woman.

Appendix B: Beanie Sizing Guide

The following Sizing Table has been formulated as a guide for sizing your beanie, taking into consideration The American Craft Yarn Council standard head circumference sizes.

Your beanie can be approximately sized by the following steps:

1. Locate the required Beanie Size in Column 1.
2. Find the approximate required Beanie Length in Column 2/ Column 3 for the beanie size chosen in Step 1. Add additional length to accommodate a folded brim (if a folded brim is preferred). An additional 5-10cm/2-4” is recommended for a folded brim. For example, for a woman sized beanie of ~22cm/8.5”with a brim length of ~8cm/3”, the total length will be ~30cm/11.5”.
3. In your chosen yarn and with your chosen hook, determine the relaxed number of chains that correspond with the beanie length from Step 2. If this is an even st count, add an additional st.
4. Work the pattern repeats until the rectangle measure (from beg short edge to fin short edge (in a relaxed state)) approximately equals the Beanie Circumference found in Column 4/ Column 5. For example, for a woman sized beanie, construct pattern repeats until the rectangle in its relaxed state is ~53cm/21” from short beg edge to short fin edge.

Sizing Table