This truly is an unexpected beanie. This design was not one that I had been ruminating on for a while like several of my other designs. An Unexpected Beanie came about after a Trunk Show with Robin’s Nest Fiber Arts at my local yarn store, Tempe Yarn and Fiber. My son’s favorite color is green and Robin asked him if he wanted Mommy to make him a hat. Of course my son enthusiastically said “Yes!”

Then Robin handed me this skein of yarn to make my son a beanie with. Unexpectedly, this design started to take shape that evening, even though I was doing my best to focus on Christmas knitting. The next morning, my son requested that we watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. With this combination, the name of this design presented itself to me.

Size: 1 (2, 3, 4) - Intended to be worn with 4-6 inches / 10-15 cm of negative ease. When choosing a size, use the finished dimensions to choose a size that is 4-6 inches /10-15 cm smaller than the circumference of the wearer’s head. Sample measures 14 inches / 35.5 cm and is worn on a head with a circumference of 19 inches / 48.5 cm.

Finished Dimensions: 12 (15, 18.5, 21.5) inches / 30.5 (38, 47, 54.5) cm in circumference. 8 (8, 8.5, 9) inches / 20 (20, 21.5, 23) cm in height.

Recommended Yarn: RNFA Downy DK - Christmas Green. 100% Superwash Merino Wool, worsted weight, 219 yards. 100 grams 1 skein.

Approximately 105 (131, 17, 212) yards / 96 (120, 155, 194) meters of DK weight superwash yarn.

Recommended Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) and US 6 (4.0mm), or size required to obtain gauge, preferred method for working with small circumferences: 16 inch, double point, magic loop.

Notions: stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle

Gauge: 26 sts by 31 rounds equals 4x4 inch / 10x10 cm in Inishmore Cable Pattern in the round, after blocking, on larger needles.

This pattern has been tech edited by Melinda of Rhysflowersknits. This pattern has been test knit.