How to DIY a Beanie: Your Cosy Knitting Guide for Beginners 🧶
If you’ve ever wanted to knit your own beanie but had no idea where to start, you’re in the right place. Whether you're after a snug winter warmer or just love the idea of making something by hand, DIY-ing a beanie is one of the easiest (and most satisfying) knit projects you can tackle — even if you’ve never picked up a pair of needles before!
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can cast on with confidence.
🧵 What You’ll Need
-
Chunky yarn – around 100g (we recommend acrylic or wool blends for softness + warmth)
-
8mm knitting needles – straight or circular, your choice
-
Tapestry needle – for sewing it all together
-
Scissors
-
Measuring tape
-
Optional: a pom pom maker or your hands for the fluffiest finishing touch
🧶 Step 1: Cast On Your Stitches
To make an adult-sized beanie, cast on 40–50 stitches (depending on how snug you want it). Make sure the number is even. If you’re using chunky yarn and 8mm needles, you’ll get that soft, squishy texture we all love in a good beanie.
Hot tip: Use the long tail cast-on for a stretchy, comfy edge.
📏 Step 2: Ribbing (aka the brim of your beanie)
Work in knit 1, purl 1 (a basic rib stitch) for about 5–7cm. This helps the beanie stay snug around your forehead without sliding off when you’re walking into a headwind.
🧤 Step 3: Knit the Body of Your Beanie
Now for the relaxing part — the main body! Switch to knit every row (garter stitch) if you're using straight needles, or knit in the round (stockinette stitch) if you're using circular needles.
Knit until your beanie measures around 20–22cm from the cast-on edge. Want a slouchy vibe? Keep knitting a little longer.
🪡 Step 4: Shape the Crown
When your beanie is tall enough, it’s time to decrease and shape the top:
If using straight needles:
-
Knit 2 stitches together across the row.
-
Purl the next row.
-
Repeat the knit-2-together row once more.
-
Cut a long tail of yarn, thread it through a tapestry needle, and pass the needle through all remaining stitches. Pull tight to gather the top.
🧵 Step 5: Seam It Up
Fold the beanie in half (inside out) and use your yarn tail to seam the back from top to bottom using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
Turn it right-side out and admire your handiwork 😍
🎀 Step 6: Add a Pom Pom (Optional, but highly recommended)
Make a pom pom using your hands, a fork, or a pom pom maker, and stitch it securely to the top of your beanie.
The bigger the pom, the better — no scientific reason, just good vibes.
🧶 That’s it — you’ve made a DIY beanie!
Seriously, how good does it feel to make something from scratch? This easy DIY beanie is the perfect weekend project, and it makes an amazing handmade gift too.
Tag us @havingayarnkits on socials if you knit one – we’d love to see your creations!
✨ Want the easiest way to get started?
Grab one of our DIY knit kits — yarn, needles, pattern and all! Perfect for beginners and guaranteed to keep you cosy.