Living in Canada means facing some seriously cold winters. I've always loved knitting, and I decided a few years ago to try knitting my own winter hats. I wanted something that was both stylish and, more importantly, warm enough to withstand those brutal -30°C days. Let me share my journey of knitting the perfect warm beanie, including what I learned and some of my favorite tips and tricks.
At first, I wasn’t sure where to start. I knew I wanted a warm winter hat, but there are so many patterns and yarn types out there! I considered a double-thick hat for extra warmth. I came across the Musselburgh and Oslo patterns, which seemed really popular. After some research, I realized that a hand-knitted beanie is often warm enough on its own, without extra lining, which was encouraging. I also discovered some free patterns online, like this one and this other free pattern, which gave me a starting point.
To make sure the hat was extra warm, I decided to add ribbing to the bottom edge and a fold-up edge. This really helped to trap heat around my ears and forehead. I also considered adding a fleece band to the inside of the hat for extra insulation. I haven't tried this yet, but I've heard it's a great way to boost the warmth factor.
I also learned about different knitting techniques for creating super warm hats. Stranded knitting and double knitting were mentioned, and I'm eager to try them out in my next project. I also found the 1898 Hat pattern, which seemed doable even for a beginner like me. I might give that one a go next!
One thing I quickly realized is that the wind makes a HUGE difference. It could be -10°C, but with the wind chill, it feels like -30°C! I also had to consider whether it was a wet cold or a dry cold. And, of course, how active I would be outside. I often wear my hand-knitted toques when walking the dog in -10°C weather with a wind chill, and they're usually fine. I've found that a cable hat is denser and offers better protection against the wind.
After some trial and error, I finally found a beanie that works perfectly for me. I prefer a tuque or beanie that's smooth where it pulls down over my forehead, so I don't get ridges from having the ribbing right against my skin. The ribbing is fine when doubled over the smoother part of the hat. This made a big difference in comfort. This made me look into other options and I found some great options at go to website. They have a wide range of styles and materials.
I recently purchased a Winter Hats for Women Thick Beanies from Wholecustomdesign, and I'm really happy with it. It's a solid cap with a cuffed, pleated design and made from cotton. I chose the wine red color, and it looks great! The size fits perfectly (58-60cm). I was looking for a stylish yet functional winter hat, and this one ticks all the boxes.
The beanie is thick enough to keep me warm on moderately cold days, and the cuffed design provides extra insulation around my ears. It's also very comfortable to wear, thanks to the soft cotton material. I've worn it on several occasions already, and it's become my go-to hat for running errands or going for walks in the park. For extremely cold days, I still rely on my hand-knitted hats, but this one is perfect for everyday wear. Wholecustomdesign offers excellent quality products.
Here are some practical tips I've learned for knitting a warm winter beanie: