Everyone loves mandalas! Here is a crochet slouchy beanie pattern inspired by the mandala concept. The variety of stitches and color changes make it fun and interesting to work up this colorful slouchy beanie. You’ll want to make several of these cute beanies for yourself as well as for gifts for Christmas, Hanukah, Birthdays, and many other occasions. This is a versatile pattern that is suitable for anyone, including woman, men, teens and children.

Size: The beanie shown measures about 10” from crown to brim. The head opening is designed to be stretchy, so one medium size fits most average adults and teens. The fit is slouchy, but not too loose. Directions are also provided for changes for large, extra large and small. The changes are made in the last several rounds for the head opening. This means sizing decisions can be made near the completion of the work when you can see how it is working up and make adjustments for your own preference.

Four colors are used. Follow the suggested color scheme provided or have fun and create your own favorite color palette. The hat shown was made with Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK, a 100% Fine Highland Wool, 1 skein each of 4 colors (see below). The four skeins are enough for at least two beanies. Any DK weight yarn should work, but check your gauge.

NOTE ON YARN: The recommended yarn has been discontinued and is available on a limited basis. I’ve identified yarn almost identical in gauge and very close in color that I think would make an excellent substitute. King Cole Merino Blend DK, 114 yard skeins, in Aran (#046), Magenta (#793), Bayleaf (#3088) and Petrol (#926) is called a blend, but it is 100% wool.

Another 100% wool is Berroco Ultra Wool DK, 292 yard skeins, in Cream (#8301), Sour Cherry (#83145), Pine (#83149), and Periwinkle (#8333).

Both are machine washable and have many other colors available to design your own color scheme. For more information, see the Addendum (after download).

Skill Level: Some experience is helpful. There are many different stitches you will need to be familiar with but it is not a difficult pattern. Counting stitches is the key to successful color work. A beginner with some experience might find it a little challenging but should be able to handle it and learn some new stitches. An experienced crochet crafter should find the varying stitches interesting.

Materials:

Hook: For all sizes: F Hook (3.75 MM) For small, you will also need an E Hook (3.50MM)(See Gauge Note below and adjust hook sizes if needed).

Stitch Markers

Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)

Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK, 100% Fine Highland Wool, in 4 colors, 164 yard skeins, 1 skein of each in Ivory(#18-008), Magenta (#18-015), Moss (#18-019) and Dolphin Blue (#18-011). SEE NOTE ON YARN ABOVE!

Gauge: Every round is a different pattern of stitches so it is difficult to give an exact gauge. With the F hook and recommended yarn, in DC, 8 stitches and 3 rows equal about 2”. Instead of a gauge swatch, I recommend checking your work after Round 2 and again after Round 7. The directions include the intended measurements.

Note: This gauge is for all sizes since the sizing comes in at the end of the pattern with simple variations in decreases and hook size.

Stitches

Chain
Slip Stitch
Skip Stitch
Single Crochet
Single Crochet Back Loop Only
Single Crochet 2 Together (decrease)
Half Double Crochet
Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only
Double Crochet
Double Crochet Back Loop Only
Double Crochet 2 Together (decrease)
Yarn Over
Spike Double Crochet
Front Post Single Crochet
Back Post Single Crochet

Special Stitches (directions provided in pattern)

Puff Stitch
DC Cluster:
Beginning DC Cluster
Spike Stitch