Your step-by-step guide to crocheting the Bonnie Beanie
Hey there, stitch superstar! You’ve just unlocked the secret sauce to making your very own Bonnie Beanie — and we’re excited to be stitching it out with you.
This guide will be your BFF through the entire journey. Whether you’re brand new to crochet or just here for a refresh, we’ll take you from “how do I hold this hook?” to “look what I made!” — one cozy row at a time.
Firstly, let's look at what's covered in this blog.
INCLUDED IN YOUR KIT
Your kit comes with everything you need to make your masterpiece. Inside your drawstring bag you'll find:
🕺 10mm crochet hook |
The only tool you'll need. |
🧶 2 x balls Cardigang Chunky Yarn |
In either Everyday or Premium depending on your order. |
| 🍒 Pom Pom maker | The round plastic thing to make your cherry on top! |
👆 A darning needle |
To sew in any loose ends. |
🤓 Your printed pattern |
We assume you've got that since you made it here! |
🫶 A 'Made By Me' tag |
You can sew into your finished knit. |
You'll also want to have a pair of scissors, a pen and a tape measure handy.
Let’s Start with Some Practice
Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s warm up those hands and that hook. Think of this like stretching before a workout — except comfier, cuter, and way more fun.
Grab some of the yarn from your kit (just a little, you’ve got enough to spare!), and get familiar with the motions. Try out the stitches you’ll be using in this pattern. This is your time to mess it up, try again, and feel things out — no pressure, no judgement, just you and your new fave hobby.
Bonus: practising now = fewer headaches later (trust us on this one).
Here’s what you’ll need to know for this pattern — we’ve linked each tutorial so you can follow along step-by-step:
Take your time, replay the videos as many times as you need, and don’t stress if it feels a little awkward at first — everyone starts here 💖
Time to Test Your Gauge
Once you’re feeling comfy with the stitches, it’s time to check your gauge. We know, we know — it sounds technical, but it’s really just about making sure your tension matches the pattern.
Why? Because different crocheters = different stitch tightness. And we want your finished masterpiece to end up just the right size.
So grab your measuring tape, crochet a little swatch, and let’s make sure you’re on track before the main event begins.
THE BONNIE BEANIE
If done correctly, your 10x10cm swatch should be 8 stitches wide and 5 rows high when made in half double crochet on a 10mm hook.
STEP 1
Chain 10 + 2 stitches (the +2 makes your turning chain - so 12 chain stitches total).
STEP 2
Then work in half double crochet for 6 rows.
STEP 3
Measure a 10x10cm square and count your stitches and rows within that space to make sure you're crocheting at the correct tension.
If you've got more stitches or rows than the instructions say you should have, your work is a little too tight, and if you've got less your work is too loose. Adjust your tension by holding the yarn a little more tightly/ loosely as you crochet.
Ready to take your knitting and crochet game to the next level?
Join The Cardigang Click on Facebook. It’s THE place to share your creations, ask for advice, and get inspired by fellow yarn lovers. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a supportive and fun community eager to help and cheer you on.
Stitch out in style.
Whether you’re deep in a knitflix binge or vibing with your needles on a Sunday arvo, we’ve curated the ultimate Spotify playlists to match your mood and your project. From mellow loops to main-character anthems, it’s the soundtrack to your next DIY moment.
Let's STITCH Up A storm
It's time to dive into our pattern. The Bonnie Beanie is perfect for beginners. In fact, we designed her specially for newbies who want an easy-as-pie project. So chunky, so cosy and so your new favourite.
BEANIE
STEP 1:
Using your 10mm hook, chain on your foundation chain of 27 stitches.
💭 Try to make your chain stitches as evenly sized as possible. Don't pull the loops too tight because you'll struggle to work into these loops in your first row. On the other hand, if you make your loops too loose, your project will look a little messy.
Once you've chained, you'll move onto the first row of half double crochet stitch.
💡 Your beanie will grow as you crochet so don't be concerned if after you've chained on the piece doesn't look big enough.
STEP 2:
In this first row you're working into the chain so you'll insert your hook into one of the bars of your chain stitch.
To start insert your hook into the 3rd chain. Skipping the first 2 chains gives you the height you need to complete the first row. Then do a half double crochet into the 3rd chain. Repeat into every chain until the end. You'll end up with 25 stitches.
Chain 2 to make your turning chain and then turn your work.
STEP 3 to 4:
For row 2 and all future rows, you'll need to make sure that you're putting your hook into the back loop of your stitches. Insert your hook under the back bar of your first stitch and do a half double crochet. Continue for all stitches in this row.
💭 One of the things we found the hardest when we were learning to knit was keeping track of our rows. Before we were able to easily identify a row of stitches we used a pen and paper to keep track. That's why we've included handy circles in our patterns - you can tick them off as you go.
SEAMING & CINCHING
Okay, let's seam our beanie together. You'll use your crochet hook and slip stitch seam for first and last rows together.
🎥 How to slip stitch seam together
Next, we'll cinch the top of our beanie closed. We'll use the darning needle for this step. Thread your darning needle with a length of yarn, then thread the needle through the loops at the top of the beanie, collecting one loop for every row. Then slowly and gently pull to close the top. Kind of like closing a drawstring bag.
🎥 How to cinch your beanie closed
Secure with a knot on the inside of the beanie and voila! Your beanie is done.
Pom Pom
Step 1: Open the Pom Pom maker by pulling open all 4 'arms' - you'll have a set of two on one side and a set of two on the other.
Step 2: Wind your yarn around one of the sets of arms. Wind evenly, back and forth, until the arms are full. The more yarn you use, the denser your pom pom will be.
Step 3: Close the first set of arms and move your yarn to the other set of arms. Repeat the winding until that side is full too.
Step 4: Close the second set of arms and you're ready to cut! Grab your scissors and insert them between the two arms of the pom pom maker. Begin cutting the yarn along the outer edge of the pom pom maker, following the curve of the arms. Keep cutting until you've gone all the way around.
Step 5: Once you've cut along the entire edge, take another piece of yarn and slide it between the two arms of the pom pom maker. Tie it tightly around the centre of the pom pom, making sure to secure all the cut yarn strands.
Step 6: Pull the arms open and remove your pom pom! Give it a little trim if there are any long bits. Grab the ends of the yarn you used to tie your Pom Pom together and use your darning needle to secure the pom pom to its new home.
In a bind and need a little more help?
Email us at stitchup@cardigang.com.au and we'll be able to help! Whether you're just starting out, or you've got a specific question or problem (dropped a stitch, no stress!), we're here to get you out of a bind.
WEAR, SHARE AND FLAUNT YOUR MASTERPIECE
You stitched it. You slayed it. Now it’s time to share it! 💖 Tag us @cardigang_knits so we can lose our minds over your masterpiece. Compliments guaranteed. 💅🧶
