How To Knit Swirl Beanie Tutorial

Knitting a swirl beanie is a delightful way to spend your time and add a pop of color to your outfits. The swirling design of the hat is a real eye-catcher, and using a 48-needle knitting machine makes it surprisingly simple to whip up. You'll enjoy seeing your progress row by row as you turn soft yarn into a cozy accessory.

Knit Swirl Beanie

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Aran weight yarn (Example color: Apple). The tutorial mentions using Aldi So Crafty yarn, but any Aran weight yarn should work.
• Tools: 48-needle knitting machine, yarn feeder, darning needle, notebook for tracking, heavy marble cutting board (optional for stability), scissors.

Setup:

Prepare the Machine:

• Ensure your 48-needle knitting machine is clean and smoothly operational.

Casting On:

• Start by threading the tail through the center tension hole.
• Cast on by weaving the yarn over and under the needles all around the machine.

Creating the Swirl Pattern:

Initial Rows:

• Knit four rows regularly to start off the base of the beanie.

Swirl Stitch Routine (36 Rows):

• This routine comprises wrapping and knitting in a specific pattern as follows:
• Wrap two, knit one - repeat six times.
• Wrap two, knit two.
• Repeat the wrap two, knit one sequence seven times before ending on a wrap two, knit two.
• Ensure tension is controlled; the yarn should not be too tight or too loose around the needles.
• Repeat this stitch pattern for a total of 36 rows, tracking each row in your notebook for accuracy.

Creating the Brim and Liner:

Prepare for Plain Knitting:

• After completing the patterned section (36 rows), set up your machine for plain knitting.

Knit 80 Rows:

• This section forms the brim and liner. Knit 80 rows regularly. Adjust the number according to your preference for the beanie's length.

Casting Off:

Prepare to Cast Off:

• Cut 12-18 inches of yarn from the ball to leave a long tail for stitching. Remove yarn from the feeder.

Casting Off:

• Use a darning needle to thread through each loop on the machine, ensuring every stitch is captured before removing the project from the machine.

Finishing Touches:

Close the Top:

• Gather both ends of the beanie and stitch them together to seal the top.

Sewing and Weaving in Ends:

• Use the remaining yarn tails to sew the top securely and weave in any loose ends.

Stretch and Shape:

• Lightly stretch your beanie to even out stitches and shape the final product.

Embellishing (Optional):

Adding a Pom Pom:

• Attach a pom pom to the top of the beanie for an extra touch.