The Caldera Beanie is a refined, modern hat featuring subtle colourwork and clean, understated details. A folded brim with gentle colour transitions adds warmth and structure, while a delicate lateral braid marks the transition to the smooth stockinette body.

The design highlights the beauty of simple shapes and carefully chosen colour combinations, making it equally lovely in soft neutrals or bold contrasts. Part of the Caldera Collection, the beanie is designed to complement the other pieces while looking just as beautiful on its own.

CONSTRUCTION:
The beanie is worked seamlessly from the bottom up. It begins with a provisional cast-on to create a folded brim featuring stranded colourwork. A decorative lateral braid marks the transition to the stockinette body, which is shaped with decreases at the crown.

SIZING AND MEASUREMENTS:
The pattern is written for sizes 1 (2; 3), which correspond to Adult Small (Medium; Large). The beanie is designed to be worn with 5-7 cm / 2-2.75 in. of negative ease, meaning its circumference is smaller than the wearer’s head circumference for a snug fit.

To fit head circumference: 54-56 (56-58; 57.5-59.5) cm / 21.5-22.5 (22.5-23.25; 23-23.75) in.
Brim circumference: 49 (51; 52.5) cm / 19.5 (20.5; 21) in.
Length of the beanie: 24 (25; 26) cm / 9.5 (10; 10.5) in.

GAUGE:
22 stitches and 25 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 in. x 4 in. in stockinette stitch in single-colour and in colourwork worked in the round, after blocking.

YARN:
For my samples I used the following yarns:
White / lavender sample: Drops Baby Merino (100% superwash extra fine merino, 50 g = 175 m / 191 yd), in shades 01-White as the main colour and 25-Lavender as the contrast colour; held together with Drops Kid-Silk (75% mohair, 25% silk, 25 g = 210 m / 230 yd), in shades 01-Off White as the main colour and 11-Lavender as the contrast colour.

Light green / brown sample: Drops Baby Merino (100% superwash extra fine merino, 50 g = 175 m / 191 yd), in shades 58-Pistachio Ice Cream as the main colour and 17-Beige as the contrast colour; held together with Drops Kid-Silk (75% mohair, 25% silk, 25 g = 210 m / 230 yd), in shades 47-Pistachio Ice Cream as the main colour and 35-Chocolate as the contrast colour.

Light blue / white sample: Drops Daisy (100% merino wool, 50 g = 110 m / 120 yd), in shades 10-Light Blue as the main colour and 01-Off White as the contrast colour.

My husband’s sample: Drops Merino Extra Fine (100% superwash extra fine merino, 50 g = 105 m / 115 yd), in shades 20-Dark Blue as the main colour and 26-Pistachio as the contrast colour.

You will need approximately:

• Main colour: 135 (150; 155) m / 150 (165; 170) yd;
• Contrast colour: 45 (50; 55) m / 50 (55; 60) yd; of DK weight yarn when using a single strand. For fingering weight yarn held together with lace weight yarn, plan for the meterage and yardage listed above for each yarn.

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS:

• 4.5 mm / US 7 circular needles of 80 cm / 32 in. for the main fabric in single-colour. Or needle size needed to reach gauge.
• 5 mm / US 8 circular needles of 80 cm / 32 in. for the cuff in colourwork. Or needle size needed to reach gauge.
• 3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles of 80 cm / 32 in. for the lateral braid or needles 1 mm smaller than the main fabric in single-colour needles.
• 5 mm / US H-8 crochet hook for the provisional cast-on. The exact size is not important, but it should be similar to the needles used for the colourwork.
• 3.5 mm / US E-4 crochet hook to close the gap in the lateral braid. The exact size is not important, but it should be the same size as or smaller than the needles used for the lateral braid, to make closing the gap easier.
• Smooth, non-fluffy sport- or DK-weight waste yarn in a contrasting colour to your main colour yarn for the provisional cast-on.
• 8 stitch markers, including one distinct marker to indicate the beginning of round
• Tapestry needle
• Measuring tape

TECHNIQUES:

• Provisional cast-on
• Working in the round
• Simple stranded colourwork
• Lateral braid
• Right- and left-leaning decreases

The pattern was tech-edited by Marie-Eve Wedge and test knitted by a wonderful group of knitters.

For pattern support, please contact me at: aggie.in.stitches@gmail.com.