Valley Yarns Let It Snow Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Let It Snow Beanie

What Is Being Made

The Let It Snow Beanie is a colorful winter hat designed by Julie Turjoman that features cheerful color-blocking and a repeating Fair Isle snowflake motif. This knitted beanie is suitable for the whole family and is specifically recommended as a great first colorwork project for newer knitters. The finished beanie provides warmth for cold winter days while maintaining visual interest through its multi-color design.

Construction Method and Techniques

This beanie is worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a ribbed band and progressing upward to the crown. The construction starts with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller circular needles, then transitions to larger needles for the body. The pattern incorporates Fair Isle colorwork, a traditional stranded knitting technique where multiple colors are carried across the row to create the repeating snowflake pattern. The color-blocking element adds visual variety while keeping the construction manageable for beginner colorwork knitters.

Stitches Used

The Let It Snow Beanie employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for its beginner-friendly design:

• Ribbed stitch for the cuff band, created by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing) to provide elasticity and a secure fit
• Stockinette stitch for the main body, worked in the round to create a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases for shaping the crown

Yarn and Materials

The Let It Snow Beanie is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a 100% Extra Fine Merino Superwash yarn. The pattern requires three colors of this yarn: Color 305 Blue Mood as the main color (MC), Color 261 Natural as the first contrasting color (CC1), and Color 220 Black as the second contrasting color (CC2). Each color requires one skein of 50 grams and 97 yards, making this a yarn-efficient project. Valley Superwash is noted for creating a quick and sturdy knit, and its superwash properties make the finished beanie easy to care for and maintain.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles in a 16-inch length and double-pointed needles for the main fabric, with US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles for the ribbed cuff. The working gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches on US size 8 needles in stockinette stitch when blocked. Stitch markers and a tapestry needle are also required for construction and finishing.

Sizing

The Let It Snow Beanie is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with finished circumferences of 16, 20, and 24 inches respectively. The pattern provides stitch counts and modifications for each size, allowing knitters to customize the fit for different head sizes across the family.