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When I first began making these hats, a friend pointed out that they resembled Fabergé eggs. The craft and history of the Fabergé tradition dates back to tsarist Russia and is quite interesting. The technique used to make the elaborate and fanciful ‘eggs’ involved enamelling over an embossed metal surface, and it is known as guilloche. Thus the Guilloche Beanie was born.



But despite its resemblance to a frivolous bauble, this hat is all about its utilitarian elements. The mini-honeycomb pattern adds structure, warmth, and durability to fine yarns. It is also fully reversible, which is handy for folks who get dressed in the dark, or somehow tend to mistakenly wear their hats inside out! Pretty and practical, the Guilloche Beanie is a quick single skein project, and makes for excellent gift-knitting. 


This pattern was originally designed for a lightweight hat in sportweight yarn. However additional instructions are included for a DK to Aran weight version.

This pattern includes a chart, as well as written instructions, for working the mini-cables, which can be done either with or without a cable needle (instructions for both techniques are provided).

Note that if you purchase the Guilloche Beanie, you can then purchase the Guilloche Beret for only €1 extra, and vice versa. The discount code is in the pattern file.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

Gauge


Lightweight Beanie:
25 sts x 32 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern 


Heavyweight Beanie:
20 sts x 28 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern

Sizing 


Lightweight Beanie:

Size 1 (2, 3, 4) to fit head circumference of approximately
44cm/ 17.5” (50cm/ 20”, 57cm/ 22.75”, 63cm/ 25.25”)

suitable for Junior (Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)


Heavy Weight Beanie:

Size 1 (2, 3) to fit head circumference of approximately
48cm/ 19” (55cm/ 22”, 63cm/ 25.25”) 

suitable for Junior/ Adult Small (Adult Medium, Adult Large)

Yarn 


Lightweight Beanie:
suitable for sportweight yarns
(approximately 300-350m per 100g/ 330-385y per 3.5oz)


Project requires one 100g skein

Heavyweight Beanie:
suitable for DK to Aran-weight yarns
(approximately 150-200m per 100g/ 165-220y per 3.5oz)

Project requires one 100g skein

Needles ^


Lightweight Beanie-

Needle A: circular needle, 3mm (US 3) in diameter
or as needed to meet gauge

Needle B (optional): circular needle 0.5mm smaller in diameter than Needle A


Heavyweight Beanie -

Needle A: circular needle, 4mm (US 6) in diameter
or as needed to meet gauge

Needle B (optional): circular needle 0.5mm smaller in diameter than Needle A



^Note that the circular needle should be long enough to be suitable for the Magic Loop method. Alternatively, you will need a set of double-pointed needles for the crown decreases, same diameter as Needle A. 



Notions

tapestry needle, measuring tape, optional: cable needle

Special

Techniques

crossed stitches, working in pattern while decreasing,
optional: Magic Loop method

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NOTES

. As-written, the pattern will produce a ‘moderately slouchy’ beanie, as shown in the photos. If you prefer to make your beanie either more fitted, or more dramatically slouchy, instructions for working a custom length are provided in the pattern.

. Please be aware that this pattern requires familiarity with ‘working in pattern’ while working crown decreases.

. Yarn selection: Choosing a yarn with less meterage per 100g will result in a denser fabric; choosing a yarn with more meterage per 100g will result in a fabric with more drape. Solid colours will result in better visibility of the texture fabric.

BERET vs BEANIE?

Q: How similar are the Guilloche Beret and the Guilloche Beanie patterns? Is the beret simply a wider version of the Beanie?

A: The two patterns use the same stitch motif, but differ in construction (in other words: No, the beret is not just a wider version of the beanie; the crown shaping is done using different techniques for the two hats).

To compensate for the similarities between the two patterns, while keeping in mind that they are different patterns, I have introduced a bundle discount. So remember that if you have already purchased the Guilloche Beanie, you can purchase the Beret pattern for just €1 extra, and vice-versa. You will find the coupon code in your pattern file.