How to knit a slouchy beanie (without using circular needles)

You don't need to be comfortable working with circular knitting needles to work up a slouchy beanie (perfect for transition between seasons, btw – is it snowing where you are today, too?). My friends at LoveKnitting.com are helping me share a pattern I wrote with knitters who might be just starting out in mind, plus a 15% off discount code you can use on their site.

You will need:

• A pair of US 5 needles, 16" long
• A pair of US 7 needles, 16" long
• 1 skein of Main Street Yarns Shiny + Soft (I used the color Almond White)
• A tapestry needle

Using the US 5 needles, cast on 88 stitches.

Row 1: *K1, P1, rep. from * until end

Row 2: Slip the first stitch from the left needle onto the right needle (this will keep the sides from curling as you go). *P1, K1, rep. from * until end

Repeat row 2 until work measures 2". Switch to the US 7 needles and continue working row 2 until total work measures 12" (if you would like more of a "slouch," work for an additional inch or two).

Once you reach the desired length, knit the first stitch, then bind off every other stitch in pattern (44 sts remaining). 

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 16"). Thread the tail through the tapestry needle. Collect the remaining stitches onto the tail via the tapestry needle, and cinch tightly. Seam the two long sides of your work together using your favorite seaming technique or by simply stitching them together. Tie a knot when you're finished, or cut the tail and weave in the end.


And now, the extra fun part: Use the discount code WELCOME15 to save 15% at LoveKnitting.com! The Main Street Yarns Shiny + Soft I used here is lovely and works up well. I'd also like to recommend any shade of the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. I don't quite know why, but they all strike me as "Miles colors," and I'm brainstorming new projects for him. (Plus the Cashmerino Aran and the Shiny + Soft are both machine washable and dryable.)

I received compensation and beautiful yarn from LoveKnitting.com in exchange for this post. Pattern and all opinions are my own.