The Monarch's Wing Beanie: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Butterfly Stitch Hat

Unlock the Magic of Texture: Knit the Monarch's Wing Beanie

Are you ready to add a stunning, dimensional stitch to your knitting repertoire? The Monarch's Wing Beanie is the perfect project to do just that. This free knitting pattern features a captivating butterfly stitch that creates a beautiful, wing-like texture across the crown. Knit in a rich, jewel-toned worsted weight yarn, this beanie is not just a cozy winter accessory; it's a statement piece that adds a touch of whimsy and handcrafted elegance to any outfit. Whether you're a confident beginner looking for a new challenge or an experienced knitter seeking a quick, satisfying project, this textured hat is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive in and create something truly special.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 200-250 yards). The sample shown uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras' (a deep teal with subtle variegation), but any worsted weight yarn will work beautifully.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch circular needle and a set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size for the crown decreases. Use the needle size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• Notions: Stitch marker for the beginning of the round, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for a well-fitting hat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your own Monarch's Wing Beanie. The pattern is worked in the round from the brim up.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• yo: yarn over
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Special Stitch: Butterfly Stitch (worked over 5 stitches, 4 rows)

This stitch creates the beautiful, gathered 'wing' effect. It is worked over a set of 5 stitches and takes 4 rows to complete before the 'butterfly' is formed.

• Row 1 (RS): P5.
• Row 2 (WS): K5.
• Row 3 (RS): P5.
• Row 4 (WS): K5.
• Row 5 (RS): Insert the right needle under the three loose strands created on the WS (the strands from rows 2 and 4), then knit the next stitch, pulling the stitch through the strands. This gathers the strands and creates the 'butterfly' shape.

Pattern Instructions

Brim

• Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 100 stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the cast-on edge. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
• Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a stretchy, snug-fitting brim.

Body

The body is worked in a 14-round repeat that creates the textured butterfly pattern.

• Round 1: Knit all stitches.
• Round 2: Purl all stitches.
• Round 3: Knit all stitches.
• Round 4: Purl all stitches.
• Round 5: *Work Butterfly Stitch over next 5 stitches (as described above), k5; repeat from * to end of round. (You will have 10 butterfly motifs).
• Round 6: Purl all stitches.
• Round 7: Knit all stitches.
• Round 8: Purl all stitches.
• Round 9: Knit all stitches.
• Round 10: Purl all stitches.
• Round 11: *K5, work Butterfly Stitch over next 5 stitches; repeat from * to end of round. (This offsets the butterflies for a staggered pattern).
• Round 12: Purl all stitches.
• Round 13: Knit all stitches.
• Round 14: Purl all stitches.
• Repeat Rounds 1-14 two more times (or until the hat measures approximately 7 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a Round 14).

Crown Decreases

Switch to double-pointed needles when the stitches become too tight for the circular needle.

• Round 1: *K8, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (90 sts)
• Round 2: Knit all stitches.
• Round 3: *K7, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (80 sts)
• Round 4: Knit all stitches.
• Round 5: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (70 sts)
• Round 6: Knit all stitches.
• Round 7: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (60 sts)
• Round 8: Knit all stitches.
• Round 9: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (50 sts)
• Round 10: Knit all stitches.
• Round 11: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (40 sts)
• Round 12: Knit all stitches.
• Round 13: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (30 sts)
• Round 14: Knit all stitches.
• Round 15: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (20 sts)
• Round 16: *K2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (10 sts)
• Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 10 stitches using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the top, and weave in the end securely.

Finishing

• Weave in all remaining ends using a tapestry needle.
• Block the hat gently to open up the butterfly stitches and even out the fabric. A light steam block or a gentle wet block will work beautifully.

Congratulations! You've just completed the Monarch's Wing Beanie. Wear it with pride, knowing you've mastered a beautiful new stitch pattern. Happy knitting!