Valley Yarns Ice Cave Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Ice Cave Slouch Beanie

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Ice Cave is a slouch beanie hat designed by Julie Turjoman. This winter hat features a distinctive twist-stitch textured band paired with a smooth stockinette crown, creating a modern hipster-style beanie. The hat is available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of 18"-19" (Size S), 20"-21" (Size M), or 22"-23" (Size L).

Knitting Techniques

This beanie employs a unique construction method that combines multiple techniques. The project is worked flat and bottom-up, beginning with the band before transitioning to circular knitting for the crown. The design uses a clever two-part construction: the twist-stitch band is worked sideways as a separate piece, then grafted to itself using the Kitchener stitch to form a seamless join. Live stitches are subsequently picked up from one long edge of the completed band and joined to work in the round for the crown shaping.

The transition from flat to circular knitting occurs after the band is complete. The crown is shaped using strategic decreases worked in multiple rounds to create the slouchy silhouette. The pattern includes a note that knitters can customize the slouch level by continuing to knit additional rounds before beginning crown shaping, allowing for up to 3 inches of extra length beyond the standard finished measurement of approximately 9½ inches from the lower edge of the band.

Stitches Used

• Twist Stitch: Creates the textured band with added visual interest, worked sideways to measure approximately 3½ inches wide
• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the smooth crown of the beanie, worked in the round
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog): Used throughout the crown shaping decreases to gradually reduce stitch count and create the fitted top
• Kitchener Stitch (Grafting): Joins the two ends of the twist-stitch band seamlessly

Materials and Yarn

This quick knitting project requires 2 balls of Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Merino Wool. Each ball contains 50 grams and yields 97 yards of yardage. The sample shown was worked in Color 021 Light Blue.

The project calls for US 8 (5mm) needles, specifically a 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (DPNs). The circular needle accommodates the crown stitches during the initial rounds, while DPNs are introduced as necessary when the stitch count decreases and becomes too small for the circular needle. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for grafting and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked, using US 8 (5mm) needles. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The twist-stitch band measures approximately 3½ inches wide across all sizes, while the crown depth measures approximately 9½ inches from the lower edge of the band in the standard version.

Difficulty Level

This hat is classified as a beginner knitting project, making it an accessible choice for those new to knitting. Despite the beginner designation, the pattern introduces several valuable techniques including working in the round, decreasing stitches, and grafting, providing an excellent learning opportunity for developing knitters while remaining manageable for experienced crafters seeking a quick project.