Contains:
- Digital download pdf
- Metric and Imperial measurements both given
- Unisex pattern which can also be knit as a slouchy beanie
Materials you need at home:
- US8/5mm circular knitting needles
- US9/5.5mm circular needle
- Stitch marker
- Cable needle
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- 125-150m/137-164 yards Aran (or worsted) weight yarn
The Mervue Beanie (named after a Galway neighbourhood) takes a classic Aran style lattice pattern and adapts the motif to work it in the round, on two sizes of circular needle. The finished hat is seamless, with the cables flowing from brim to crown without interruption.
The cabling pattern is not overly complicated, but there is some adjusting of the stitch marker to ensure that the cabling pattern stays seamless throughout. I would consider this a pattern suitable for intermediate knitters.
The hat is sized for an adult, but instructions are given on adjusting the stitch count to create a smaller or larger hat. Any Aran yarn should be suitable for this pattern, 5 mm needles/US8 and 5.5mm needles/US9 are recommended, but there is some leeway given that Aran yarns can vary a little in thickness. I would suggest being guided by the needle size recommended for the Aran yarn you are using. One 100g skein should be just enough for one hat. I would suggest a requirement of 120 metres/130 yards of yarn.
The hat is shown here in a classic beanie style, but it can also be worked as a slouchy beanie, by working more of the main lattice motif. Instructions for this are included in the pattern. In the classic beanie style, the hat measures around 17 inches (43 cm) in circumference (flat, unworn) and 8 1/2 inches (22 cm) from brim to crown (but as I said, it can be adjusted in length as you are knitting).
I’m a knitter from the Aran Islands and am delighted to have my own original designs now available here : )
AranAccessories
I'm a knitter from the Aran Islands, combining traditional elements of Aran knitting (e.g. cables, lattice work) with more modern techniques, such as seamless knitting, to create my own original designs.
I first learnt to knit when I was about 6, and, at school, we moved on to Aran knitting pretty quickly! I kept knitting over the years, as a hobby, and also started knitting some items for my cousin to sell on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Then came the brainwave of setting up a shop online, so people could buy original Aran knits without having to come all the way here! I loved creating my own original designs, and eventually made the step to publishing them : )
I'm always happy to hear from you if you have any queries about my shop! You can find my online shop at www.aranaccessories.net and follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr @aranaccessories ; I am on Facebook at aranaccessories.net Le gach beannacht/With best wishes, Máirín Ní Dhonncha