Zig Zag Beanie
The Zig Zag Knit Beanie uses easy mosaic/slip stitch colorwork to create a bold zig zag design without the hassle of Fair Isle or stranded knitting. With two sizes, it’s a fun way to try colorwork while keeping the technique simple.
You’ll find everything you need to knit the beanie below, including the yarn, knitting needle, a free pattern, and a video tutorial. If you like this pattern, please share it!
Subscribe to get alerts when new patterns are released.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links for the items I used to knit this pattern, at no cost to you. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. This blog post also displays ads. The revenue from ads and affiliate links allows me to offer this knit pattern for free. Please do not copy, paste, or distribute this pattern. If you prefer not to view the pattern on the blog, you may purchase an ad-free digital PDF in my pattern shops for a small fee (link below). Thank you so much for your support!
Knit Tutorials
If you’re new to knitting, no worries! I have many beginner tutorial videos to guide you through every step of the process. My tutorials are designed to be easy to follow and will help you master the basics and beyond. You can use the search bar anytime to look for a particular stitch or technique.
Yarn Selection
For the pictured beanie I used Knit Picks Mighty Stitch in the following yardage (large size listed, go down 10 yards for each color for the smaller size) and colors:
- approx. 125 yards of Knit Picks Mighty Stitch in Mulberry (26828) CA
- approx. 60 yards of Knit Picks Mighty Stitch in White (26807) CB
- approx. 60 yards of Knit Picks Mighty Stitch in Fairy Tale (26835) CC
You may substitute the yarn with any medium worsted weight. I’ve listed a few good choices below at different price points.
$
Lion Brand Wool-Ease is a versatile worsted weight yarn that combines the warmth of wool with the easy care of acrylic, making it perfect for a wide range of projects from garments to accessories and home décor. Soft and smooth with great stitch definition, it’s ideal for both knit and crochet patterns. Wool-Ease offers the comfort of natural fiber with the added durability and washability of a blended yarn, making it a reliable choice for everyday use and long-lasting handmade gifts.
$$
Vanna’s Choice yarn is a beloved and versatile yarn that has become a staple in the crafting community. Created in collaboration with the renowned television personality and avid crocheter, Vanna White, this yarn is celebrated for its exceptional quality and wide array of vibrant colors. Crafted from a blend of acrylic fibers, Vanna’s Choice offers a soft and easy-to-work-with texture, making it ideal for various projects such as blankets, scarves, and garments. Its durability and machine-washable nature ensure that your handmade creations will stand the test of time.
$$$
Knit Picks High Desert Worsted is a premium 100% American-grown wool yarn made from a luxurious blend of Merino and Merino-Rambouillet fibers. With a tight twist that delivers excellent stitch definition, it’s perfect for showcasing textured patterns and cables. The yarn comes in a beautiful palette of jewel-toned solids and rustic heathers, inspired by the high desert landscape. Soft yet durable, it’s a great choice for cozy garments and accessories.
Knitting Needles Used For Pattern
- US 6 [4mm] 16” circular needles
- US 7 [4.5mm] 16” circular needles
- One set US 7 [4.5mm] DPNs (if needed for decreasing on the crown).
After testing numerous brands of knitting needles, I’ve narrowed down my favorites. Below, you’ll find my top picks, ranked from least to most expensive.
$
ChiaoGoo Fixed Circular Knitting Needles are renowned for their high-quality stainless steel construction, offering a smooth, lightweight, and durable knitting experience. The precision-crafted tips provide excellent stitch control, making them ideal for intricate patterns and lacework. Featuring a flexible, memory-free red nylon-coated steel cable, these needles prevent kinks and tangles, ensuring a frustration-free knitting process.
$$
Addi Turbo Circular Needles are beloved for their smooth, fast knitting experience, featuring lightweight brass tips coated with nickel for a slick, low-friction surface. Designed for speed and efficiency, these needles allow stitches to glide effortlessly, making them perfect for everything from simple stockinette to complex lacework. The pliable, kink-resistant blue cord ensures smooth transitions between needle and cable, reducing hand strain and tangling.
$$$
Lantern Moon Interchangeable Knitting Needles in Ebony are a luxurious choice for knitters who love the warmth and smooth glide of wood. Made from sustainably sourced ebony, these needles have a rich, dark finish and a polished surface that allows stitches to flow effortlessly while maintaining just the right amount of grip. The finely crafted tapered tips provide excellent precision, making them ideal for a variety of projects. Paired with strong, flexible cords and smooth, snag-free joins, Lantern Moon’s interchangeable needles offer both beauty and performance for those who prefer the natural feel of wooden needles.
Additional Supplies Needed
You will need a stitch marker to keep track of rounds.
I love how cute ChiaoGoo Stitch Markers are but they are also great stitch markers. They slide easily and come in many sizes in one package so you have one for every project you can think of.
You will need a 3″ pom pom maker (or just a 3″ pom pom). The Clover Pom Pom Maker is one of my favorite tools for creating perfectly fluffy pom poms every time—no more lopsided fluff balls! It’s super easy to use and great for adding that extra bit of charm to your hats, scarves, or gifts. Want to see it in action? Check out my tutorial here to learn exactly how to use it.
The only other thing you will need is a yarn needle to weave in the ends. My favorite yarn needles are made of metal, they are easy to slide through any yarn. I like the Susan Bates option below.
Gauge For Pattern
Gauge is important for beanies or they will not fit correctly. To achieve the correct size, you will need the following gauge:
4”= 19 sts and 24 rows in stockinette
Video Tutorial
The video tutorial will walk you through the pattern so all levels of knitters can make their own beanie.
Pin For Later
If you’re not ready to start the project yet, pin this page to head back quickly.
Finished Measurements (Unstreched)
The pattern can be made in the following sizes:
- Child Beanie (small): 17.5” circumference
- Adult Beanie (large): 20” circumference
Construction
The beanie is worked in the round from the brim up. Starting with a ribbed brim, you then move onto easy repeats and then finish with an easy crown decrease. The Pom Pom is added at the end.
Abbreviations Used
- CA(B,C)- contrasting color A, B, C
- dpn- double pointed needles.
- k- knit
- k2tog- knit 2 sts together
- p- purl
- pm- place marker
- Rnd- round
- sl- slip
- sm- slip marker
- st(s)- stitch(es)
- wyib- with yarn in back
- […] x times- work the stitches contained within the brackets the amount of times as stated directly after the brackets.
- *…- work the stitches after the asterisk across the body of the project when called for. The pattern will tell you when to stop the repeat.
COPYRIGHT
The pattern and all related content are the exclusive property of Knit and Crochet Ever After, protected under copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, screenshots, printing, or other electronic or mechanical methods, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from me.
This free knit pattern is intended for personal use only on the blog. By accessing this pattern, you agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions. Unauthorized sharing or reproduction may result in legal consequences.
Thank you for respecting my hard work and intellectual property!
Zig Zag Beanie
Get the ad-free version including a color chart, of the pattern from my Fourthwall or Ravelry shops. Enjoy a clean, easy-to-read format without distractions. Click the links below to support my work and allow me to make more patterns for you to enjoy!
Special Instructions For The Pattern
- Read through the whole pattern before beginning.
- The instructions are written for the smallest size with the large sizes in parenthesis.
- Yarn yardage is for largest size, reduce by 10 yards each color for small beanie
Brim Instructions
With smaller needles and CA, CO 84 (96) sts. Join and pm, taking care not to twist sts on needle.
Rnds 1-13: *K2, p2; repeat from * around. 84 (96) sts
Change to larger needles.
Rnd 14-15: Knit.
Begin Slip Stitches
Rnd 1: With CB, *k1, sl 3 wyib; repeat from * around.
Rnd 2: *K2, sl 1 wyib, k1; repeat from * around.
Rnds 3-4: Knit.
Rnds 5-8: With CC, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 9-12: With CA, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 13-16: With CB, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 17-20: With CC, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 21-24: With CA, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 25-28: With CB, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 29-32: With CC, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 33-36: With CA, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 37-40: With CB, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 41-44: With CC, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Rnds 45-48: With CA, repeat Rnds 1 – 4.
Crown
Note: Switch to DPNs as needed during decreasing.
Rnd 1: [K10, k2tog, place marker] 7(8) times. 77 (88) sts
Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12: Knit.
Rnd 3: [K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm] 7(8) times. 70 (80) sts
Rnd 5, 7, 9, 11, 13: Repeat Rnd 3. 35 (40) sts remain after Rnd 13.
Rnd 14: [K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm] 7(8) times. 28 (32) sts
Rnd 15: [K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm] 7(8) times. 21 (24) sts
Finishing
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a needle, weave tail through remaining sts and pull tightly to close.
Weave in ends.
Make 3” pom pom with your preferred method.
Note: I use the Clover Pom Pom Maker.
Use tails from pom pom to tie to top of beanie and weave in ends.
I hope you enjoy this pattern and would love to see what you make with it. Be sure to tag me on Insta or Facebook with @knitandcrocheteverafter, I love seeing what you guys come up with!