Mini Apollo Hat & Scarf Knitting Pattern

Mini Apollo Hat & Scarf in MODE at Rowan Colourmix

What is Being Made

The Mini Apollo is a coordinating beanie and scarf set designed by Quail Studio. The beanie is a top-down knit hat suitable for children approximately 3–12 years old, with a stretchy ribbed construction that provides an unstretched circumference of 33cm. The scarf is a separate coordinating accessory worked flat on needles. Together, these pieces create a complete winter accessory set in the MODE at Rowan Colourmix yarn.

Beanie Construction and Techniques

The Mini Apollo beanie is worked in the round from the top down, beginning with a small cast-on and increasing systematically to create the crown and body. The pattern uses double-pointed needles initially, with a transition to a circular needle once stitch count permits. This construction method allows for a seamless, tubular garment worked continuously in rounds.

The increases are achieved through strategic yarn-over placements combined with knit and purl stitches. Early rounds feature yarn-overs worked into the previous round's yarn-overs, creating decorative eyelets that contribute to the hat's structured appearance. The pattern incorporates multiple increase rounds that expand the stitch count from 6 stitches to 80 stitches across the crown and upper body sections, establishing the foundation for the final ribbed section.

Stitches Used in the Beanie

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in alternating patterns to create ribbed texture
• Yarn-over (yo) – creates decorative eyelets and contributes to increases
• Knit into stitch without slipping off needle – a specialized increase technique that creates multiple stitches from a single stitch, used in combination with yarn-overs and knit/purl sequences
• Rib pattern (K1, P1) – the final rounds establish a 1×1 ribbed texture that provides stretch and recovery
• Cast-on and cast-off in rib – edge treatments that maintain the ribbed aesthetic

Scarf Details

The Mini Apollo scarf is worked flat on straight needles at a slightly larger gauge than the beanie. The pattern requires 3 balls of Colourmix yarn and is constructed using 5.5mm (US 9) needles. While specific stitch-by-stitch instructions for the scarf are not detailed in the provided content, the scarf is designed to coordinate with the beanie as a matching accessory set.

Materials and Yarn

The Mini Apollo set uses Rowan Colourmix, a yarn available in 50-gram balls. The photographed samples showcase Powder Blues 101 and Rainbow 100 colorways, demonstrating the yarn's versatility in both cool and multi-colored palettes. Colourmix is a suitable choice for beginner knitters due to its workability and the visual feedback provided by its color variations.

Needles and Tools

The beanie requires one set of 4mm (US 6) double-pointed needles and one 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring 40cm, though the circular needle is optional and used only if preferred for comfort when accommodating increased stitch counts. The scarf uses one pair of 5.5mm (US 9) straight needles. A stitch marker is essential for denoting the start of each round when working the beanie in the round.

Gauge and Sizing

The beanie tension is measured at 24 stitches and 30 rounds over 10cm using 4mm (US 6) needles worked in rib pattern, measured unstretched. This tension specification ensures the ribbed fabric maintains its intended elasticity and fit. The beanie is one size, with the stretchy rib accommodating the full age range of 3–12 years. The finished hat measures 28cm in length from the cast-on edge, or can be adjusted to desired length before casting off.

Finishing Techniques

Both the beanie and scarf require blocking to measurements as a final finishing step. This process sets the stitches, evens the fabric, and ensures the pieces achieve their intended dimensions and drape. Blocking is particularly important for ribbed fabrics, as it helps establish the final stretch and recovery characteristics of the elastic rib.

Skill