"Belted" Beanies: Leprechaun, Santa, & Pilgrim

It's getting to be that time of year again with so many holidays back-to-back, so I decided to start making some holiday designs. The first of many, hopefully!

The first I came up with was this belted beanie design because it can be for several holidays: Leprechaun (for St. Patrick's Day), Santa (for Christmas), & Pilgrim (for Thanksgiving).

Beanies

(I always turn my beanies inside out after completing, to use that side as the “right side”, because I feel it always comes out looking better on that side)

***Note on my beanie patterns: I've realized that I had learned the DC stitch wrong, so my beanie pattern was done to the scale of my wrong stitch instead (which is really a long-DC stitch). So, you might want to do long-DC stitches, OR add a row or two to the bottom of the beanie.***

(Every pattern that I currently have available to download is in Word format and is downloadable on my Scribd. If I do not have a pattern there, then I do not have a downloadable version of it. Please do not e-mail me with requests of patterns, as I most likely will not even check my e-mail. I apologize for this but I have a full-time job now and no longer keep up with the pattern requests. Thanks, and here is the link to my Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/ashley_holden_14)

Use a size H hook and size 4 worsted yarn in Red & Black for Santa, Brown & Black for Pilgrim, OR Green & Black for Leprechaun. I used I Love This Yarn's Red, Jelly Bean, & Black. And, RedHearts's Cafe Latte (this was the only color that I could find that looked right, but if you are making for a baby you might try to find something in a different brand since RedHeart is a little scratchy). 

Start with your main color and do rows in Black where indicated.

Size: 0-3 Months
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5-6: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)

Rounds 7-8 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)

Rounds 9-10: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: 3-6 Months
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2 (11 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)

Rounds 7-9 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)

Rounds 10-11: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: 6-9 Months
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2 (11 DC)

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: (DC in first 11, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)
Round 7: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)

Rounds 8-10 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)

Rounds 11-12: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: 9-12 Months
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2 (11 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: (DC in first 11, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)
Round 7: (DC in first 12, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)
Round 8: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)

Rounds 9-11 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)

Rounds 12-13: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: Toddler (appx. ages 12 month – 3 years)
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2 (11 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: (DC in first 11, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)
Round 7: (DC in first 12, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)
Round 8 (in Black): (DC in first 13, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
Round 9-10 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)

Rounds 11-12: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: Preschooler (appx. ages 3-7)
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2 (11 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: (DC in first 11, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)
Round 7: (DC in first 12, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)
Round 8: (DC in first 13, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
Rounds 9-11 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)

Rounds 12-14: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: Child (appx. ages 8-12)
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2 (11 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: (DC in first 11, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)
Round 7: (DC in first 12, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)
Round 8: (DC in first 13, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
Round 9 (in Black): (DC in first 14, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (64 DC)
Round 10-11 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (64 DC)

Rounds 12-14: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (64 DC)

Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Size: Teen/Adult (appx. ages 13 & Up)
Chain 6, join to form ring, Chain 2
Round 1: 11 DC in ring, join to first DC, chain 2 (11 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (22 DC)
Round 3: (DC in first, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 4: (DC in first 2, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (44 DC)
Round 5: (DC in first 10, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Round 6: (DC in first 11, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (52 DC)
Round 7: (DC in first 12, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (56 DC)
Round 8: (DC in first 13, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
Round 9 (in Black): (DC in first 14, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (64 DC)
Round 10 (in Black): (DC in first 15, 2 DC in next) repeat around, join, chain 2 (68 DC)
Round 11 (in Black): DC in each around, join, chain 2 (68 DC)

Rounds 12-14: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (68 DC)Finish off. (Start on Earflap 1, if doing Earflaps/Ties. If doing a border in a contrasting color, start at Edging/Border section here. OR, if you want it one solid color, just weave in ends)

Earflaps

(be sure to pick the right one for your size beanie)

Earflaps for 0-3 Months - Preschooler

Starting at where you finished off your beanie, skip the right amount of stitches for your size beanie and start Earflap 1 in next stitch. Skip 6 stitches for 0-3 Months size, skip 7 for 3-6 Months size, skip 8 for 6-9 Months size, skip 9 for 9-12 Months size, & skip 10 for Toddler/Preschooler sizes.

Earflap 1:
Row 1: Chain 1, SC in next 10, chain 1, turn (10 SC)
Row 2: SC decrease, SC in next 6, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (8 ST)
Row 3: SC across, chain 1, turn (8 SC)
Row 4: SC decrease, SC in next 4, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (6 ST)
Row 5: SC across, chain 1, turn ( 6 SC)
Row 6: SC decrease, SC in next 2, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (4 ST)
Row 7: SC across, chain 1, turn (4 SC)
Row 8: Make 2 SC decreases, (If you are doing braided ties: at this point chain 4, turn, and sl st to last stitch. Finish off here & start Earflap 2) chain 1, turn (2 ST)
Row 9: SC decrease (1 ST)

Finish off. Start on Earflap 2.

Starting at other side of Earflap 1 (where you put your last stitch from Row 1), skip the right amount of stitches and start Earflap 2 in next stitch. Skip 12 stitches for 0-3 Months size, skip 14 for 3-6 Months size, skip 16 for 6-9 Months size, skip 18 for 9-12 Months size, & skip 20 for Toddler/Preschooler sizes.

Earflap 2:
Row 1: Chain 1, SC in next 10, chain 1, turn (10 SC)
Row 2: SC decrease, SC in next 6, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (8 ST)
Row 3: SC across, chain 1, turn (8 SC)
Row 4: SC decrease, SC in next 4, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (6 ST)
Row 5: SC across, chain 1, turn ( 6 SC)
Row 6: SC decrease, SC in next 2, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (4 ST)
Row 7: SC across, chain 1, turn (4 SC)
Row 8: Make 2 SC decreases, (If you are doing braided ties: at this point chain 4, turn, and sl st to last stitch. Finish off here) chain 1, turn (2 ST)
Row 9: SC decrease (1 ST)

Do NOT Finish off, start your Edging/Border here using the same yarn first

Earflaps for Child - Adult

Starting at where you finished off your beanie, skip the right amount of stitches for your beanie size and start Earflap 1 in next stitch. Skip 10 stitches for Child size, & skip 11 for Teen/Adult size.

Earflap 1:
Row 1: Chain 1, SC in next 12, chain 1, turn (12 SC)
Row 2: SC decrease, SC in next 8, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (10 ST)
Row 3: SC across, chain 1, turn (10 SC)
Row 4: SC decrease, SC in next 6, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (8 ST)
Row 5: SC across, chain 1, turn ( 8 SC)
Row 6: SC decrease, SC in next 4, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (6 ST)
Row 7: SC across, chain 1, turn ( 6 SC)
Row 8: SC decrease, SC in next 2, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (4 ST)
Row 9: SC across, chain 1, turn (4 SC)
Row 10: Make 2 SC decreases, (If you are doing braided ties: at this point chain 4, turn, and sl st to last stitch. Finish off here & start Earflap 2) chain 1, turn (2 ST)
Row 11: SC decrease (1 ST)

Finish off. Start on Earflap 2.

Starting at other side of Earflap 1 (where you put your last stitch from Row 1), skip the right amount of stitches and start Earflap 2 in next stitch. Skip 20 stitches for Child size, & skip for 22 Teen/Adult size.

Earflap 2:
Row 1: Chain 1, SC in next 12, chain 1, turn (12 SC)
Row 2: SC decrease, SC in next 8, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (10 ST)
Row 3: SC across, chain 1, turn (10 SC)
Row 4: SC decrease, SC in next 6, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (8 ST)
Row 5: SC across, chain 1, turn ( 8 SC)
Row 6: SC decrease, SC in next 4, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (6 ST)
Row 7: SC across, chain 1, turn ( 6 SC)
Row 8: SC decrease, SC in next 2, SC decrease, chain 1, turn (4 ST)
Row 9: SC across, chain 1, turn (4 SC)
Row 10: Make 2 SC decreases, (If you are doing braided ties: at this point chain 4, turn, and sl st to last stitch. Finish off here.) chain 1, turn (2 ST)
Row 11: SC decrease (1 ST)

Do NOT Finish off, start your Edging/Border here using the same yarn first

Edging/Border

·         It's best when you have added earflaps to do a border in that same color of the earflaps first, and then another border in the contrasting color. This will give you a better looking edge, taking care of any weird gaps caused by different size stitches. So, chain 1 (after last stitch from earflap) & then SC around entire beanie in that same color, join to first SC. Then change to the contrasting color (Ishowed below how I do that) & SC around entire beanie again (make sure that if you are doing Regular Ties, that you do them at the points of the earflaps starting immediately after changing colors for second border)

·         Changing colors: End your last row by starting an SC into last stitch, but do not pull through loops on hook. So with the color your ending: yarn over, insert hook into last stitch, pull up a loop. Then get your second color: yarn over, pull through both loops on hook, slip stitch to first SC of round. Color change complete! Now, Chain 1 with this new color and continue with your border.

***I TURN MY BEANIES INSIDE OUT AT THIS POINT, OR WHEN I'M DONE BECAUSE I FEEL THE "INSIDE" WHILE YOU'RE WORKING ACTUALLY TURNS OUT LOOKING THE BEST.***

Ties

Braided Ties

·         Cut yarn out of desired colors (1-3 colors) in 36" strands (9 total). Fold in half and grab at the loop that forms at the halfway point. Pull that loop through the ch-4 space from last row on Earflap. Open loop up and pull through the strands left (this makes a sort of knot to keep the braid on there and will double your strands, leaving you with 18).

·         Divide yarn into three groups, keeping in mind how the colors will come out looking, and braid until desired length. Tie another knot to finish off and cut ends so that only about an inch to an inch and a half hang down. **I usually make the braids about 5 1/2 inches long (from knot to knot) for 0-9 months and almost 9 inches long (from knot to knot) for the bigger sizes**

Regular Ties

·         Starting at the end of each earflap, chain 40 (or as long/short as you wish), SC in 4th chain from hook and the rest of the way down the chain.

·         After doing both ties, attach Tassels or Pom-Poms.

Tassels

·         Cut a piece of cardboard 3" square (or use the width of your palm). Wind a strand of yarn around the cardboard approximately 30 times (or however thick you want it) and cut it. 

·         Cut a small length of yarn and insert it under all of the strands at the top of the cardboard; pull up tightly and tie securely. Leave the yarn ends long enough to attach the tassel to the beanie. Cut the yarn at the opposite end of the cardboard and then put the cardboard aside. Cut small length of yarn and, 1 inch below the top, wrap it tightly around the tassel twice; tie securely. Trim the ends and attach to beanie.

Pom-Poms

·         Cut a piece of cardboard 3" square (or use the width of your palm). Wind a strand of yarn around the cardboard approximately 30 times (or however thick you want it) and cut it. Carefully slide off of your hand or the cardboard, being careful to make sure it keeps the same shape. 

·         Cut about 15" length of yarn and place behind at the middle; wrap around and tie securely, making sure it stays at the middle. Leave the yarn ends long enough to attach the pom-pom to the beanie. Cut the yarn at the opposite both ends of the pom-pom to make the edges. Trim the ends, fluff it up, and attach to the beanie.

 

Belt Buckle

Use a size H hook and size 4 worsted yarn in Gold (I used Vanna's Choice's Mustard).

Small/Thin Buckle

For smaller sizes (Newborn- 9 Months) The buckle can be done two ways on smaller beanies.... either chain the length needed and stitch it down onto the beanie OR the method I used was forming the buckle straight on the beanie using the stitching method seen in this video (this might work for bigger beanies too, it just won't be very thick lines).

For larger sizes (bigger than the 6-9 Months size), I made this applique pattern:

Large/Thick Buckle

Chain 30, join with slip st, chain 1

Row 1: SC in first 7, 3 SC in next, SC in next 6, 3 SC in next,  SC in first 7, 3 SC in next, SC in next 6

Finish off with long tail for sewing onto beanie. Make sure when sewing it on, you form it to look square like it should look.

******Credit is given where due, I don't claim any patterns to be mine that are not. If you use this pattern please link back to Butterfly’s Creations, please do not claim patterns as your own that are not yours. I also ask that you do not repost my pattern, it takes quite a bit of time to count everything out and type these up so please give credit where it's due. *****