Learn How to do Filet Crochet with this Easy Beanie Pattern
Photo Guide
Creating the Swirls and Curls
If you’ve worked the pattern correctly, your hat will have 6 different curved lines, formed by the chain spaces in the pattern.
The colour swirls are created by weaving chains of wool, through these spaces. In this photo guide, I show you two different ways to finish your beanie. The techniques are very similar; the first method shows you how to weave the swirls with curls on top of the hat, while the second method shows you how to make the swirls without the curls on top.
Please keep in mind, these instructions may seem cumbersome, as I have written them out in a detailed manner for beginners. Once you know the method, you will be able to work quickly to add the finishing touches. You may have your own method you want to use, so feel free to do whatever works best for you.
Materials
Small amounts of yarn in various colours.
A crochet hook, in your desired size.
Darning needle.
Note – I used 12ply wool and a 4mm hook to create the swirls and curls on my hats.
PomPom
I haven’t included instructions on how to make a pompom. I used a large pompom maker to create mine. If you don’t have one though, here is a great link with two easy tutorials. It shows you how to make pompoms with either a fork or two rolls of toilet paper.
Finishing the Beanie with Curls
Leave a beginning tail (approx. 4-6 inches), and make a chain that is about 6 inches longer than the hat. Lay the chain across one curved line to check for length (see the image below). Note – your length doesn’t have to be perfect you can adjust it later. Place the last stitch onto a stitch holder.
With the right side of the hat facing you, pick up the beginning tail with your needle and work through the middle of the 1st round of your hat. Exit the needle through the first chain space in the hat – see image below. Note: n the photo below, I jumped ahead and did the other strands already but the technique is the same for each one).
Now continue to work your needle over and under the chain spaces in the line (see the image below), until you reach the bottom of the hat.
Ensure your chain is not twisted and has the correct side facing upwards.
Next, working on the wrong (inner) side of the hat, thread your needle through the closest stitch possible, just above the chain space.
For 6-12 months, Toddler and Child sizes, the final round will be an even round of dc. The best place I found to insert your stitch is into the two vertical stitches of this last round – see the image below.
For the 0-3 months and 3-6 months sizes, it is best to work the stitch into the front loop only (with the wrong side facing you) – see the image below.
Pull your yarn gently, and once again, check your chain is sitting correctly.
Now work back through the closest hump stitch on the underside of the chain – see the image below.
Keep working your thread back and forth through these humps for about an inch or so, to secure your end – see the image below. Snip off any excess yarn, being careful not to cut through your chain, and seal with non-toxic glue, if desired. I personally don’t use glue but the decision is up to you.
Now you are ready to work the curl at the top of the hat. Turn your hat inside out to the right side again.
During this step, be sure not to pull too tightly on the chain; remember the hat needs some leeway to stretch onto heads. I find it best to stretch out the hat with your hands gently, to ensure the chain has adequate stretch.
Next, remove your stitch holder and pick up the last stitch with your hook. Check your chain length. You want about 6 inches of excess chain for the curls so if needed, add some chains before you continue.
Make the Curl
Work a sc in the 2nd chain and each chain across till you reach the top of your hat. You will notice the sc stitches curl-up.
Fasten off, leaving around 12 inches of the tail for finishing later
Repeat all these steps again – 5 more times for each different colour.
Now you are going to use those long threads to finish off your work. Gather the threads into 2 groups of three – see the image below.
Now wrap the threads around the base of the curls, pull tight and tie a knot, then another knot for added security.
To finish off, you can snip the ends close to the knot and secure with glue. Otherwise, you can weave the ends to the underside of the hat. I used an extra-large darning needle so that I could weave in more than one thread at a time. I wove in my ends in two groups of three. I simply wove them under the top of the hat, and under the chain swirls. I wove one group of threads under three swirls, and the other group under the other three swirls – see the image below.
To finish off the hat without the curls go to page 3.
