Valley Yarns Sussex Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Sussex Knit Beanie

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Sussex is a charming knit beanie designed by Julie Turjoman, crafted from luxurious baby alpaca yarn. This hat features a classic beanie silhouette with a folded ribbed band and optional pom pom crown, available in three sizes: Small (18¼" circumference), Medium (20" circumference), and Large (21¾" circumference). The design combines warmth and visual appeal, making it suitable for both newer knitters exploring colorwork and experienced crafters seeking an enjoyable project.

Techniques Used

This beanie is worked in the round from the bottom up, utilizing circular needles for the body and transitioning to double-pointed needles (dpns) at the crown to manage decreasing stitches. The construction method ensures a seamless finish characteristic of circular knitting. The most prominent technique featured is stranded colorwork, a two-color fair isle method worked across the rise of the hat. The designer notes that stranded colorwork can be intimidating for newer knitters, but this pattern uses a simple design with a limited color palette to make the technique accessible. The ribbed band is worked in a single color and is long enough to fold double for a classic beanie appearance, though knitters may choose to work it shorter for a single-layer band.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which forms the foundation of the beanie body and provides a smooth, classic knit fabric. The lower portion features a ribbed band that creates elasticity and ensures a snug fit around the head. The stranded colorwork section incorporates a charted two-color pattern worked in stockinette stitch, with the upper crown completed in solid-color stockinette. The gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rounds per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles, blocked.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Sunderland, a 100% baby alpaca yarn that produces a warm and luxurious finished beanie. The main color (MC) requires 2 balls in Winter Sky, while the contrasting color (CC) requires 1 ball in Navy. Each ball of Valley Yarns Sunderland weighs 50 grams and contains 109 yards. The yarn choice contributes significantly to the beanie's appeal, as baby alpaca is prized for its softness and insulating properties.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires US size 5 (3.75 mm) 16-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles for the main construction, worked at the specified gauge. An optional US size 6 (4.00 mm) 16-inch circular needle may be needed when working the stranded colorwork section, as the two-color technique can create tighter tension. The designer recommends checking gauge over the colorwork chart in addition to a stockinette swatch, as gauge may shift when working with two colors. If a larger needle size is required for the colorwork, knitters should switch back to the smaller size once the colorwork section is complete. Additional materials include stitch markers to track rounds, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and an optional ready-made pom pom for the crown.

Skill Level and Pattern Approach

Rated as Adventurous Beginner, this pattern is specifically designed to introduce knitters to stranded colorwork in a manageable way. The simple pattern and limited two-color palette make it achievable for most knitters while remaining engaging for experienced crafters. The designer emphasizes that while stranded colorwork can seem daunting to newer knitters, the Sussex beanie serves as an excellent introduction to the technique, building confidence through a project that is both achievable and visually appealing.