KIKKI MERINO EAR MUFF BEANIE

Instructions

Reference the downloadable project sheet for project pattern diagrams.

Ear Flaps (make 2) -

Using 7mm needles and MC, cast on 6sts.

1st Row (WS) - Purl.

2nd Row - Cast on 2sts, knit to end ... 8sts.

3rd Row - Cast on 2sts, purl to last 2sts, K2 ... 10sts.

4th Row - K2, inc in next st, knit to last 3sts, inc in next st, K2 ... 12sts.

Size M/L Only -

5th Row - K2, purl to last 2sts, K2.

6th Row - K2, inc in next st, knit to last 3sts, inc in next st, K2 ... 14sts.

All Sizes -

Work 5 rows without shaping, keeping 2sts at each end in garter st (knit every row).

Break off yarn. Leave sts on a stitch-holder.

Beanie -

Using 7mm needles and MC, cast on 9sts, turn, with RS facing knit across sts from one Ear Flap, turn, cast on 22sts, turn, with RS facing knit across sts from other Ear Flap, turn, cast on 9sts ... 64 (68) sts.

Remainder of beanie is worked in rounds. With RS facing, slip sts onto set of 7mm double pointed needles, divided evenly between 3 needles, join to work in rounds, taking care not to twist cast on edge.

1st Rnd - Purl (creates a ridge).

2nd Rnd - Knit.

3rd Rnd - Purl.

Rep 2nd Rnd until Beanie measures 3 (4) cm.

Beg Graph -

Do not weave colours in fair isle, but carry colour not in use loosely across on WS of work. Always carry MC above CC.

1st Rnd - * work 1st Rnd of Graph across next 13sts, K3 (4) MC, rep from * to end.

2nd Rnd - * work 2nd Rnd of Graph across next 13sts, K3 (4) M, rep from * to end.

Cont working from Graph as set in last 2 rnds until all 13 rnds of Graph have been completed. Break off CC.

Next Rnd - Knit.

Rep last rnd until Beanie measures 12 (15) cm, dec 1 (2) st/s in last rnd ... 63 (66) sts.

Shape Crown -

Size M/L Only -

Next Rnd - * K9, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 60 sts.

Next Rnd - Knit.

Next Rnd - * K8, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 54 sts.

Next Rnd - Knit.

All Sizes -

Next Rnd - * K7, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 56 (48) sts.

Next Rnd - * K6, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 49 (42) sts.

Next Rnd - * K5, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 42 (36) sts.

Next Rnd - * K4, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 35 (30) sts.

Next Rnd - * K3, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 28 (24) sts.

Next Rnd - * K2, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 21 (18) sts.

Next Rnd - * K1, K2tog, rep from * to end ... 14 (12) sts.

Next Rnd - * K2tog, rep from * to end ... 7 (6) sts.

Break off yarn, leaving a long end. Run end through rem sts, draw up and fasten off securely.

Finishing

DO NOT PRESS. Using MC and CC together, make 2 plaits and attach to end of each Ear Flap as pictured.