This beanie is inspired by a freezing winter day and my youngest child, Bjorn, who’ll take off every hat unless it has a likable factor to it’s design. To encourage him to love this beanie, I’ve created it modeled after his very well-loved stuffed animals. Needless to say, he does love it. Not to mention, “Bjorn” means “bear”.

Designed to be a true beanie, this unisex hat is comfortable and the material is stretchy and forgiving. The brim-up design is simple for whichever age you’re making the pattern, and the bear ears can be stuffed with batting or scrap yarn for a more plump pair of ears. There is an optional embroidery section to make a contrasting center for the inside of the bear ears. It could be fun to use fringe yarn to complete this section so that it looks fuzzy.

Sizes: Newborn (3-6 mo, 6-18 mo, 18 mo-3 yrs)

Finished Measurements: approx 6 ½” (7”, 7 ¼”, 7 ½”) wide and 7” (7 ½”, 7 ¾ “, 8”) tall lying flat

Gauge: approx 9 sts = 2” in St st on 5 mm
Approx 7 rows= 1” in st st on 5 mm

Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn, 50 g
Contrasting color yarn, 10 g or less (optional)

Needles:
4 mm (US 6) dpns
5 mm (US 8) dpns or 5 mm 9-16” circs