Classroom: Ribbed Beanie & Handwarmers Using Manos del Uruguay Maxima

The Design “Learn to knit in the round.” This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern will teach you to work in the round using two different methods. For the beanie, you’ll begin with a short circular needle. As you begin to decrease for the crown, you will need to change to double-point needles—great practice for the stylish handwarmers! Ribbing is very stretchy, so sizing your beanie is quite forgiving. PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: Decreasing a stitch Joining in the round Buttonhole’ thumb opening WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cable cast-on method, knit stitch, purl stitch, combining knits & purls, binding off in pattern, and weaving in tails. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Knit Companion booklet. The Details FINISHED SIZES Child/Small Adult Beanie: To fit 18–22"/46-56cm head; approx. 15"/38cm around x 7½"/19cm deep, not stretched (it will shorten as it stretches out). Medium/Large Adult Beanie: To fit 20–24"/51-61cm head; approx. 17"/43cm around x 8"/20cm deep not stretched (it will shorten as it stretches out). Handwarmers: Approx. 7"/18cm around x 7½"/19cm long. YARN Child/Small Adult (Med/Large Adult) Beanie: Approx. 115yds/105m (150yds/137m) of worsted-weight yarn (ball band should suggest a gauge of approx. 18 stitches = 4"/10cm). We used 1 skein Manos del Uruguay Maxima (219 yds/200m) in Color 2545 Pewter (on her), Color 2515 Slate (on him). Handwarmers: Approx. 140yds/128m of worsted-weight yarn (ball band should suggest a gauge of approx. 18 stitches = 4"/10cm.) Note: If you lengthen handwarmers, you will need more yarn. We used 1 skein Manos del Uruguay Maxima (219 yds/200m) in Color 2545 Pewter. NEEDLES & NOTIONS Beanie: US 7 (4.5mm) 16"/40cm circular needles and double-points, or size needed to obtain gauge. Handwarmers: US 5 (3.75mm) 7½"/19cm (or longer) double- pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge. Note: Handwarmers are knit on smaller needles for a slightly denser fabric. Stitch marker (beanie only). Blunt darning needle to finish. GAUGE Beanie: Approx. 26 sts/30 rounds = 4"/10cm in K2/P2 ribbing, not stretched. Handwarmers: Approx. 28 sts/32 rounds = 4"/10cm in K2/P2 ribbing, not stretched. KNITTER'S NOTES Ribbing is very stretchy, so sizing your beanie is quite forgiving. As ribbing stretches around it shortens a little in length, so for an extra large hat, you can add a few rounds instead of adding more stitches. What could be simpler?