Xavier Beanie

After I finished Beth's hat last week, I was inspired to cast on another one, this time something for the men in my life. I've always loved the way stripes look on boys.  This isn't to say that stripes don't look great on girls, too, but on guys, stripes add a nice detail when typically men's fashion can be fairly plain.

I knit this beanie in Mission Falls 134 (now discontinued, sadly) but any sport weight will do. The most important aspect is to use wool so the beanie is warm and snug.

I also chose to have the main color be the darker one as I like light-colored stripes, but I would love to see someone knit this in opposite tones.  If I feel really adventurous, I'll knit this beanie in multiple colors next time.

For the crown, I wanted to create a simple but attractive shape, and I especially like the way the decreases make a square design which also hugs the top of the head nicely.

I'm happy to share my second hat pattern for free. I cast on and finished this in one night.  It's a great quick gift or if you suddenly discover that your own hat collection is sparse, you can make one for yourself in no time. Enjoy!

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Xavier Beanie

Materials:  US 7 needles (16" circular and DPNs), sport weight yarn, markers, tapestry needle.

With circular needles and main color (MC), cast on 88 stitches and join in the round, careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Knit a 1-inch 2x rib and continue in stockinette stitch for 6 rows.  Knit with contrasting color (CC) for 2 rows, knit with MC for 6 rows and repeat in pattern until hat measures 6 inches from cast on.

From the beginner marker, knit 11 stitches, *pm, knit 22 stitches, repeat from *.  Next row, *knit to 2 stitches before the marker, ssk, sm, k1, k2tog, and repeat from *. Next row knit.  Repeat these two rows until 8 stitches remain.

Cut yarn, thread tapestry needles, and pull yarn through remaining stitches.  Pull to close and tie, weaving ends in.