Ember & Ash Slouchy Beanie: A Cozy Campfire Classic

Wrap yourself in the warmth of a crackling campfire with this slouchy, textured beanie. The rich gradient of burnt orange, deep charcoal, and cream evokes cozy evenings under the stars. This pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills with color changes and simple texture stitches. The result is a stunning, rustic accessory that adds a touch of handcrafted warmth to any autumn or winter wardrobe.

This free knitting pattern guides you through creating a beautifully slouchy beanie with a snug, folded ribbed brim. The alternating knit and purl stripes create a subtle, woven texture that is both visually interesting and incredibly cozy. Whether you're knitting for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, the Ember & Ash Beanie is a satisfying project that you'll be proud to wear.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Color A: Burnt Orange (approx. 200 yards)
  • Color B: Deep Charcoal (approx. 200 yards)
  • Color C: Cream (approx. 200 yards)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for crown shaping.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished beanie fits as intended. Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: Adult Medium (fits 21-23 inch head)

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Ember & Ash Slouchy Beanie. The pattern is worked in the round from the brim up to the crown.

Ribbing (The Brim)

1. With Color A (Burnt Orange), CO 100 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. PM to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Rounds 1-10: *K2, P2*; rep from * to * around. This creates a snug, stretchy ribbed brim that will fold nicely.

Body (Textured Stripes)

Now we'll create the beautiful textured body of the beanie. Follow the color and stitch pattern carefully. Remember to carry your yarn up the inside of the work when switching colors to avoid cutting and re-joining.

Color B (Deep Charcoal) Section

3. Switch to Color B.
4. Rounds 11-12: Knit all sts.
5. Round 13: *K1, P1*; rep from * to * around.
6. Rounds 14-15: Knit all sts.
7. Round 16: *P1, K1*; rep from * to * around.

Color C (Cream) Section

7. Switch to Color C.
8. Rounds 17-18: Knit all sts.
9. Round 19: *K2, P2*; rep from * to * around.
10. Rounds 20-21: Knit all sts.
11. Round 22: *P2, K2*; rep from * to * around.

Color A (Burnt Orange) Section

12. Switch to Color A.
13. Rounds 23-24: Knit all sts.
14. Round 25: *K1, P1*; rep from * to * around.
15. Rounds 26-27: Knit all sts.
16. Round 28: *P1, K1*; rep from * to * around.

Color B (Deep Charcoal) Section

17. Switch to Color B.
18. Rounds 29-30: Knit all sts.
19. Round 31: *K2, P2*; rep from * to * around.
20. Rounds 32-33: Knit all sts.
21. Round 34: *P2, K2*; rep from * to * around.

Color C (Cream) Section

22. Switch to Color C.
23. Rounds 35-36: Knit all sts.
24. Round 37: *K1, P1*; rep from * to * around.
25. Rounds 38-39: Knit all sts.
26. Round 40: *P1, K1*; rep from * to * around.

Color A (Burnt Orange) Section

27. Switch to Color A.
28. Rounds 41-42: Knit all sts.
29. Round 43: *K2, P2*; rep from * to * around.
30. Rounds 44-45: Knit all sts.
31. Round 46: *P2, K2*; rep from * to * around.

Color B (Deep Charcoal) Section

32. Switch to Color B.
33. Rounds 47-48: Knit all sts.
34. Round 49: *K1, P1*; rep from * to * around.
35. Rounds 50-51: Knit all sts.
36. Round 52: *P1, K1*; rep from * to * around.

Color C (Cream) Section

37. Switch to Color C.
38. Rounds 53-54: Knit all sts.
39. Round 55: *K2, P2*; rep from * to * around.
40. Rounds 56-57: Knit all sts.
41. Round 58: *P2, K2*; rep from * to * around.

Crown Shaping (Decreases)

Now we will shape the top of the beanie. Switch to Color A (Burnt Orange) and continue with it for the rest of the crown. As the stitches decrease, switch from your circular needle to your DPNs when the circular needle becomes too long.

42. Switch to Color A.
43. Round 59: *K8, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (90 sts).
44. Round 60: Knit all sts.
45. Round 61: *K7, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (80 sts).
46. Round 62: Knit all sts.
47. Round 63: *K6, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (70 sts).
48. Round 64: Knit all sts.
49. Round 65: *K5, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (60 sts).
50. Round 66: Knit all sts.
51. Round 67: *K4, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (50 sts).
52. Round 68: Knit all sts.
53. Round 69: *K3, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (40 sts).
54. Round 70: Knit all sts.
55. Round 71: *K2, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (30 sts).
56. Round 72: Knit all sts.
57. Round 73: *K1, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (20 sts).
58. Round 74: *K2tog*; rep from * to * around (10 sts).

Finishing

59. Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches). Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle.
60. Carefully thread the needle through the remaining 10 stitches on your needles, slipping them off the needle as you go.
61. Pull the yarn tight to cinch the crown closed. Secure it with a knot on the inside.
62. Weave in all loose ends securely using your tapestry needle, being sure to weave them through the wrong side of the work.
63. Block your beanie lightly. Wet blocking or steam blocking will help even out the stitches and enhance the beautiful texture of the stripes. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.

Your Ember & Ash Slouchy Beanie is now complete! Fold up the ribbed brim for a classic look or leave it down for extra coziness. This beanie is as warm and inviting as a campfire on a cool evening—perfect for crisp autumn walks or snowy winter days.