String Stella Hat Knitting Pattern

String Stella Hat: Knitted Beanie Pattern Overview

What Is Being Made

The Stella Beanie is a classic knitted hat designed by Jennifer Wenger-Turchen from Jennifer Knits. This is a one-size-fits-most beanie with finished measurements of 19" circumference and 8" height. The pattern produces a warm, elegant hat suitable for everyday wear, with an optional pompom accent for the crown.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked in the round, meaning the hat is constructed as a continuous tube rather than flat pieces sewn together. Working in the round creates a seamless garment and is a fundamental technique in hat knitting. The construction begins at the brim and progresses upward toward the crown, where stitches are gradually decreased to shape the top.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Casting on: The pattern begins with a loose cast-on of 69 stitches using the smaller circular needle with yarn held doubled
• Joining in the round: Stitches are joined to work continuously in a circle, with careful attention to avoid twisting
• Decreasing: Multiple decrease rounds using k2tog (knit two together) progressively reduce stitches from 69 down to 9 stitches at the crown, creating the hat's tapered shape
• Gauge checking: Knitters are instructed to check gauge before beginning, with the crown worked at 13 stitches and 19 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch
• Needle transitions: The pattern calls for switching from circular needles to double-pointed needles (dpn) when the stitch count becomes too tight for the circular needle
• Finishing: The final stitches are gathered by running yarn through remaining stitches, then secured and woven to the wrong side for a polished finish

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch pattern used throughout the rise of the hat, created by knitting every round for a smooth, classic fabric texture
• Ribbed brim pattern: The lower 2½ inches feature a textured pattern alternating purl and knit stitches (*P2, k1 and *P2, k1tbl), creating an elastic, fitted edge that hugs the head
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used repeatedly in the crown shaping rounds
• Knit through back loop (k1tbl): Used in the brim ribbing for added texture and definition

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Stella Beanie pattern calls for 2 balls of String VENEZIA, a luxury yarn blend consisting of 53% cashmere, 27% lambswool super fine, and 20% silk. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with approximately 197 yards per ball (180 meters). The pattern sample shown is worked in color 730646 Forest Green, though String Venezia is available in multiple colorways including 730643, 518344, and 730647.

Needles and Tools Required

• US 11 (8.0mm) circular needle, 16"/40cm long: Used for the rise section of the hat in stockinette stitch
• US 10 (6.0mm) circular needle, 16"/40cm long: Used for the brim with yarn held doubled to create the proper gauge for the ribbed edge
• US 11 (8.0mm) double-pointed needles (dpn): Substituted for the circular needle during crown decreases when stitch count becomes too small
• Yarn needle: Used for weaving in ends and gathering the crown
• Stitch marker: Used to mark the beginning of the round
• Optional pompom: Can be added to the crown for decorative finishing

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The Stella Beanie is designed in one size that fits most adult head sizes. The pattern is organized into distinct sections: the brim (worked in ribbing over 2½ inches), the rise (worked in stockinette stitch for approximately