I got to go to a white elephant party last night with Kathy, from Danish Mama. I grew up with my parents throwing one every year and I couldn’t wait to grow up and have my own. BUT my husband isn’t in love with parties (although he totally supports me throwing parties- he just doesn’t want to COME to the party). So I haven’t been to one in years. I was THRILLED to go to the party. BUT what to bring??? It was 2 am the morning of when I remembered I still didn’t have anything. Then I remembered a project I’ve wanted to try…
Yup! The bearded beanie!!!! Cute, silly, funny and usable at the same time. I based mine on this bearded beanie pattern. I changed it quite a bit, my gauge was totally off from hers, and I made some other changes as well. I used two different hooks, a smaller one for a tighter look for the beanie and a larger hook for a more full look for the beard
Beanie
Material:
worsted weight yarn
Hook G- 4.25mm
Stitches used:
chain (ch)
slip stitch (sl st)
single crochet (sc)
double crochet (dc)
front post double crochet (FPdc)
back post double crochet (BPdc)
start with a magic ring (if your not familiar with that that method CH2 and work the first row in the 2nd ch)
Row 1- Ch3, 11 dc in loop, sl st in top of ch 3. 12 dc
Row 2- Ch3, 2 dc in each st, sl st in top of ch 3. 24 dc
Row 3- Ch3, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 36 dc
Row 4- Ch3, *dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 48 dc
Row 5- Ch3, *dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 60 dc
Row 6- Ch3, *dc in next 9 st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 66 dc
Row 7- Ch3, *dc in next 10 st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 72 dc
Row 8- Ch3, *dc in next 11 st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 78 dc
Row 9- Ch3, *dc in next 12 st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in top of ch 3. 84 dc
Row 10- Ch3, dc in each st, sl st in top of ch 3. 84 dc
Row 11- change color, Ch1, sc in each st, sl st in top of ch 3. 84 sc
Row 12- change color back, Ch3, dc in each st, sl st in top of ch 3. 84 dc
Row 13- repeat row 11
Row 14- repeat row 12
Row 15- repeat row 11, end of color, fasten off
Row 16-17 repeat row 12
Row 18-21 Ch2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st* around, sl st to top of ch 2, fasten off weave in ends
If you don’t want the stripes just repeate row10, through row 16, skip row 17 (to make up for the short sc rows) and finish with rows 18-21)
Now on to the beard. This took more taking apart and starting over than the beanie did. But in the end I’m really happy with it.
Beard
Material:
worsted weight yarn
Hook I- 5.50mm
Stitches used:
chain (ch)
slip stitch (sl st)
single crochet (sc)
single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
half double crochet (hdc)
double crochet (dc)
double crochet decrease “puff” (dc2tog)
use 2 double crochets to make a cluster rather than 3 or 4 (2dblcrochet cluster)
Chain 41
Row 1- sc in second ch from hook and in each st across. 40 sc
Row 2- Ch1, turn, sc across 40
Rows 3-4- repeat row 2
Row 5- sc2tog, sc to last 2 st, sc2tog 38
Row 6- Ch 1, turn, sc in next 7 st, hdc in next 2 st, dc in next 20 st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in last 7 st 38
Row 7- Repeat row 6 38
Row 8- Ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 9 st, sc2tog, dc in next 12 st, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog 34
Row 9- Ch 1, turn, sc in next 9 st, sc2tog, dc in next 12 st, ssc2tog, sc in next 9 st 32
Row 10- Ch 1, turn, sc in next 10 st, hdc in next st, ch 10, skip 10 st, hdc in next st, sc in next 10 st 32
Row 11- Ch 1, turn, sc in next 9 st, 3 dc in next st, 2dblcrochet cluster 10 times in ch space, 3 dc in next st, sc in next 9 st.
finish off
Sew row ends of beard to the inside edge of beanie making sure it is spaced evenly between the two sides. I sewed mine about 1/2 inch up, I like the way it pulls and looks better than attaching RIGHT to the edge.
My husband loved it and it fit both him and I. He asked me to make him this exact one again (but I think I’ll go with a different color just for a nice change) and I think all the kiddo’s need one a well… I’ll write up that pattern when I do it!
And the party was a blast!
Pin It 
I love these. A lady from Cache valley sells these on etsy and makes very good money!!!!
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Ashlee Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I bet, a lot of people sell their patterns too! but I don’t want to make more than one or two of projects. i could never stand to make enough to sell! Too bad, huh!
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I love this!! Is there a problem with the beard instructions? It says ch 35 but you are supposed to have 41sc at the end of row 1?
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Ashlee Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
GAH! Yes there was! Thanks for catching it. I fixed it. Chain 41, the first row should end with 40!
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Can’t wait to start on this, my son wants one so bad! Thanks for fixing it, I would have been stumped!
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Ashlee Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
turns out there were a few more quick fixes, I hope it makes more sense now!
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Hi there!
First, thanks for the pattern, I whipped it up and really like it.
Now, there seems to be a mistake in row 11, where it says “*tc2tog* 10 times over ch”. I’m not sure whether you meant dc2tog 5 times (or maybe tc2tog 5 times!) or if you meant dc 10 times. I tried both and personally preferred to dc 10 times. Or maybe part of the repeat is missing?
I’m happy with it as it is, but I thought I should point it out
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Ashlee Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Your totally right, I meant that to say Dc2tog, not the triple crochet, but double. When I was writing it I tried over and over again to think of the best way to phrase what I did here. Here is the note I added, I hope it helps!
“you can just dc 10 stitches across the 10 ch space, but I wanted a fuller looking moustache so I “dc2tog” creating basically 20 dc, but brought together in groups of 2 (that’s where you get the 10) for a fuller, “bushier” look. ”
Does that make ANY sense at all??? I’m still new to writing and sharing my homemade patterns. Thanks for the correction!
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Do you mean crochet 2 dc in each of the 10 stitches? If so, you would write something to the effect of (2dc in next chain) 10 times.
dc2tog means to decrease by a stitch. 2dc means to increase by a stitch.
Does that help?
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Ashlee Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
no because we’re not increasing the stitch count. It’s more like making a puff except with dc instead of hdc and with only 2 instead of three of four. I know it’s a terrible way to phrase it. GAH, so annoying. Not in chain itself of course, but in the chain space, working around the whole chain. it’s not a decrease or an increase, just fuller. Am I being more clear or more confusing?
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Oh I see now!
It’s like you’re increasing and decreasing in the same step.
Is this what you’re doing? Yarn over (YO), insert hook into ring, YO and draw up, YO and pull through first two loops, YO, insert hook into ring, YO and draw up, YO and pull through first two loops, YO and pull through all three loops.
Now that I realise that’s what you meant, I understand why you said dc2tog! It’s the same thing but worked into the gap instead of into existing stitches. I wonder if there’s a better way to express that or if I’m the only one who didn’t get it, lol!
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Ashlee Reply:
December 6th, 2011 at 1:28 am
YES!!! That’s totally it. I knew it would be confusing and I hoped that the first few people who tried it would help me explain it better!!! I’m glad it wasn’t too painful- just 3 back and forths that’s pretty good! I’ll work more on the phrasing. let me know if you think of a better way to explain it easily!!! I’m SURE you’ll only be the first of many that don’t get it, so no worries!
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HA!!! I love this.
Jamie
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
P.S. I have a giveaway going on. Come over and check it out.
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
thanks! I’m making a few more this week! LOVE them!
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Holy crap! I am laughing my arse off over here! HOw I wish I had the patience to crochet! I’d make the whole family this! hahahaha….
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
I’m TOTALLY thinking of doing the entire family! Stocking stuffers?
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this is so fun I know a bunch of friends who would love this! I’ve love you to add it to my what we wore and made party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
I love them too! I’m totally making a few more now!
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I love this hat. So cute. My kids would love something like this. Thanks for sharing. I would love it if you could link this up to our linky party going on right now.
http://junkintheirtrunk.blogspot.com/2011/12/link-it-up-wednesday-6.html
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
My kids haven’t expressed much interest, but I think they’ll get one for Christmas anyway!
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This is funny every time! You were right too – it is a good white elephant gift.
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
thanks! I’ve never been good with white elephant gifts, glad I found something I could use, but can’t get away with them every year… or can I?
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How fun. I would love for you to share at bacon time on friday. We bundle up here in chilly northern CALI.
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
jealous! I wish I was in Cali! I don’t mind a little chill, but really hate snow! Also I miss the humidity
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I love bearded beanies! I made one using the same pattern on Ravelry. I read right off the pattern but I want to try another one with some modifications. You can see it here http://projectsaroundthehouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/crochet-bearded-beanie.html
Your site is really cute I love the crochet projects. I’m your newest follower
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
love the fuzzy yarn, totally considered using it! I might still next time!
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Hi! I actually found this through ravelry first, but didn’t even notice the date was recent…then I saw you on the Show & Tell Saturday link party too! I’m about 90% done with my first hat and about halfway through the beard – so far I love it and my husband thinks it’s funny – one of them will be for his brother for xmas.
Thanks for sharing your pattern!
mj
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Ashlee Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Funny that you found me on two places! fate I guess. I hope the pattern works well for you!
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I finished my first and my husband modeled it for me: http://www.sweetwatercloth.com/2011/12/crochet-me-this-crochet-me-that-look-at.html
I’m going to pick up some ‘fuzzy yarn’ tomorrow and do one for my step-dad as well
Thanks again for the pattern, it rocks!
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
It looks great! I hope you enjoy the fuzzy yarn version! I’ve been meaning to try the fuzzy yarn myself! I hope it works out well! Thanks for sharing!
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I really need to learn how to do this. Hilarious!
Lou
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
I’m going to start teaching some friends to crochet this year if your a local! I’m still planning on trying to make some for my children, I hope the smaller version goes over as well.
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thanks for the pattern! i’m a new crocheter and this looks easy enough! my son NEEDS one of these babies
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
I hope it was as easy as it looks to make! I’m still pretty new to pattern making and worry that it’s clear enough or not!
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what if the beanie is too small and we need to make it bigger, how do i make it bigger?
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Funny, the first time I made it, it fit perfectly, the second time WAYYYYYY to bigg! So I’ve had to make the pattern smaller for me! To make it bigger add a few more increase rows. So between row’s 9 and ten if you just need a bit more space. If you need a LOT more space then maybe between rows 5 and 6 when your still increasing twice as often.
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can you use super bulky yarn thats all i have for the beard. this is a great pattern im making both my brothers one. ill be busy the next few days. My brother actually found this pattern.
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Sure you can use whatever yarn get’s the job done, but you might have to use a bigger hook and cut out a few stitches on either end.
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Thanks so much for the pattern. I’m a total noob and the pattern was really easy to follow!
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! People only leave problems or questions about the pattern, so I was getting a complex that I wrote it really really bad! Thank you so much for the positive comment. It’s my number 1 viewed post last year, and yet with all the negative comments I’ve been super super worried! Thank you so so SO much. Your comment means so much (and I LOVE the use of the word noob!)
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patterns awesome my brothers loved it im just having a hard time sewing it on im using buttons but i put the buttons to far front what is a good lenghth to put it back? Thanks
P.S sorry if that don’t make sense its hard to explain:(
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
I put the hat inside out, then wrapped the beard where I wanted it and pinned the beard. Then took it off and sewed it into place. I hope that helps and I’m SO sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you! What a fun, but crazy time of year!
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The stitch you are using I believe is called a 2dblcrochet cluster, using 2 double crochets to make a cluster rather than 3 or 4.
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Ashlee Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I knew SOMEONE would know what I was trying to say and tell me the BETTER way to say this! I’m going to change the pattern RIGHT NOW!
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Sorry I meant longer.
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Ashlee Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Longer is easy repeat row 10 as may times as you need to.
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Beautiful and easy to love this type of effort Thank you
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Ashlee Reply:
March 3rd, 2012 at 1:02 pm
thank you so much! Usually people only comment when they don’t understand a pattern, it’s SO nice to get positive comments! I appreciate it so much!
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I’ve tried twice to make the hat from your pattern, and I’ve checked and double checked the stitch count on both occasions, but the top of the hat always seems to come out flat. The first time, I was using very large, soft yarn… I thought that was the issue. The second time, I used Vanna’s Choice and it is still flat. There is a good downturn at about row 10, but up until that point, it’s mostly flat. Is this because of the yarn, or might I be doing something else wrong?
Thanks.
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Ashlee Reply:
March 3rd, 2012 at 1:46 pm
that’s totally right, around row ten the sides start. For some people their gauge is larger than mine and you can start the downturn earlier, but as it’s written it’s pretty much flat until row 10. There are lots of different ways to crochet beanies and this is the one I picked for this hat, but you can totally make another version if you have a favorite. for my husband this hat is perfect for me I get rid of row 9 and start the sides earlier, it’s all about preference! Good luck an I hope you like the rest! Your not doing anything wrong.
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