Free Knitting Pattern
I love the texture of the Irish Moss stitch. It is very close to the moss/seed stitch but you double up the rows to get more of a diamond shape that comes together with to form a cool diagonal line pattern which looks so amazing knit up in a bulky wool. Mix that with a long brim that is long enough to fold for extra warmth on cold days and a slouch in the back to make a cozy warm and stylish textured beanie.
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This hat is knit up in Cascade 128 Superwash Merino Wool. It is bulky weight and so squishy soft, especially after the first wash, which makes this beanie so cuddly and warm. And because it is superwash you can just throw it in the dryer after a snowy day playing outside. The colour I used for this one is dusty blue which is absolutely gorgeous. It is a very muted greyish blue which shows off all of the textures so beautifully.
Yarn
Cascade 128 Superwash Merino Wool, you can find this yarn at Love Crafts (see affiliate statement above)
Weight – Bulky (5)
Amount – 1 skein (128 yards)
I used the colour Dusty Blue #246 for the hat in the photos
Needles and Tools
- US10 (6.0 mm) 16″ circular needle
- Set of US10 (6.0 mm) Double Point Needles (DPNs)
- Stitch Marker
- Darning Needle
Gauge
4″ (10 cm) = 16 stitches and 20 rows in Irish Moss Stitch (rounds 1-4 in the instructions below)
Size
Adult/One Size
Circumference fits between 22″-24″ (56-61 cm), length 10″ (25.5 cm)
Abbreviations
CO – Cast on
DPNs – Double point needles
K2tog – Decrease 1 by knitting the next 2 stitches together
KFB – Increase 1 by knitting into the front and back of the next stitch
P2tog – Decrease 1 by purling the next 2 stitches together
Instructions
CO 72 stitches on US10 (6mm) 16″ (40.5 cm) circular needle
Place marker and join round
[K2, P2] repeat to end
Work last round 15 more times (total 16 rounds of ribbing)
Increase Round: [K8, KFB] repeat to end (80 stitches)
Begin Irish Moss rounds
Round 1: [K1, P1] repeat to end
Round 2: [K1, P1] repeat to end
Round 3: [P1, K1] repeat to end
Round 4: [P1, K1] repeat to end
Work Rounds 1-4 five more times, then rounds 1-2 once more (total of 26 rounds)
Begin Decrease Rounds
Next Round: [[P1, K1] x3, P2tog] repeat to end
Next Round: [[P1, K1] x3, P1] repeat to end
Next Round: [[K1, P1] x2, K1, P2tog] repeat to end
Next Round: [K1, P1] repeat to end
Switch to DPNs – work 4 repeats on the 1st needle and 3 repeats each on the 2nd and 3rd needle
Next Round: [[P1, K1] x2, P2tog] repeat to end
Next Round: [[P1, K1] x2, P1] repeat to end
Next Round: [K1, P1, K1, P2tog] repeat to end
Next Round: [K1, P1] repeat to end
Next Round: [P1, K1, P2tog] repeat to end
Next Round: [P1, K1, P1] repeat to end
Next Round: [K1, P2tog] repeat to end
Next Round: [K2tog] repeat to end
Cut the yarn and run it through the remaining stitches and into the center of the hat with a darning needle. Sew a couple stitches on the inside to keep from getting a hole in the center.
Weave in loose ends
Handwash and Block
note: superwash takes a little longer to dry than regular wool and it may seem a little stretched out when wet, let it air dry after the first wash though, it’ll be worth a wait.
Wear and Enjoy
© 2021 Heather Pelletier – Handknit Hugs
Do not copy, re-distribute or sell this pattern either in whole or in part.
You may sell products made from this pattern – credit would be appreciated.
Thanks so much for checking out this pattern. Comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I would love to see your finished beanie. Share your pics on Ravelry or Instagram and tag me @handknithugs #bulkyirishmossbeanie. Happy Knitting – Heather
Pssst… If you’re looking for the same style but a little less texture try my Simple Bulky Slouch Beanie free pattern
