This marks the 12th anniversay of Crochet Cancer Challenge! And I’m honored to particpated for my fourth year.
My design this year honors those fighting breast cancer. Unfortunately this year, two people close to me have been battling breast cancer.
I’m inspired by their tenacity and good humor. And I’m hoping my design will help us support all those dealing with cancer.
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The Penelope Beanie is worked top down. The main part of the hat features a pretty shell stitch section.
2024 Crochet Cancer Challenge
During the 2024 Crochet Cancer Challenge, you can download a new hat pattern every weekday and two patterns each weekend in October.
With each download, you make a pledge to crochet a hat for someone who has been affected by cancer.
Make as few or as many hats as your like. Crocheting to give things away is one of my favorites, and I know many of you share this passion.
This pattern is featured on October 9, 2024 as part of the 2024 Crochet Cancer Challenge hosted by Sweet Potato 3 in October 2024.
On October 9, 2024, use the first button below to go to the round up post. Visit the post to learn more about the challenge and to grab the coupon code.
Then return here and use the second button below to go to Ravelry where you can use the coupon code to download the ad-free PDF pattern for free.
The pattern will be available as a free download through October 31, 2024.
Pattern Options for the Penelope Beanie Pattern
The Penelope Beanie is a free crochet pattern for a worsted weight yarn in US crochet terminology. The complete pattern is included for free on the blog below.
PDF Pattern Downloads: You can also purchase a printable PDF of this pattern in my Etsy Shop and Ravelry Shop.
- Purchase the PDF Pattern in My Etsy Shop
- Purchase the PDF Pattern in My Ravelry Shop
- Pin the Pattern for Later
About the Inspiration for the Penelope Beanie Pattern
I began thinking about this design in March when I participated in the first Bay Area Yarn Crawl. I picked up both yarns that I used during the yarn crawl.
I knew I wanted to honor breast cancer this year. So I picked up two yarns that I just loved that included pink in them.
Then, I let the yarn inspire the design. Both yarns had gradual color changes that I thought worked well with a shell stitch.
I also wanted something a little feminine while also being warm. So, shell stitch also seemed perfect for this year’s design.
Finally, I wanted to go for top-down construction again. I think it’s an easy way to work the hat while providing a nice fit.
About the Yarn
Gosh I loved both yarns I used for the Penelope Beanie. The Uptown Worsted by Universal Yarns was a new yarn for me. I was delighted to discover it during the yarn crawl.
It’s just a great worsted-weight acrylic. I found the yarn to be super-soft, easy to crochet, and with a nice sheen. I’m definitely looking forward to using it in other designs.
The Sirdar Jewelspun has become one of my favorites. It’s got more of a hand-dyed look while still being an easy to care yarn.
I’m so enarmored of all the Jewelspun colorways. I picked my skein up at ImagiKnit during the yarn crawl. If you’re every in San Francisco, this is such a beautiful yarn shop to visit!
Any other worsted weight (or aran weight) yarn will work as well.
Penelope Beanie Pattern
Crochet Supplies
Yarn: Worsted Weight (#4 Medium) approximately 135 yards.
Shown: Adult M in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted Hues (100% acrylic), 180yd[165m]/3.5oz[100g]: #3306 Painted Desert, approximately 3/4 skein.
Adult M in in Sirdar Jewelspun (100% acrylic), 546yd[500m]/7oz[200g]: #0848 Glowing Garniet, approximately 1/4 skein.
Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge. (these are my favorite crochet hooks).
Notions: Tapestry needle, 1 stitch marker, tape measure,.
Sizing and Gauge
Sizes: Adult M – one size fits most.
Finished Measurements: 21” in circumference at brim, 7.5” from top of hat to edge of brim.
Gauge: Rounds 1-3 = 3.5″ diameter.
Pattern Notes
- Hat is worked from the top down.
- It is recommended to use the stitch marker to mark the first st of each rnd, and move the marker up as you go along.
- Adjust the hat’s height by subtracting or adding to the number of rounds in the repeat section, or by adding additional rounds of ribbing at the end.
- Learn more about back loop only crochet stitches at https://craftingeachday.com/what-is-blo-in-crochet/.
- Ch 1 or Ch 2 at beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations (U.S. Crochet Terminology):
bpdc: back post double crochet
ch(s): chain(s)
dc: double crochet
dcblo: double crochet back loop only
fpdc: front post double crochet
rep: repeat
rnd: round
st(s): stitch(es)
Special Stitch Abbreviations, Instructions, and Tutorial:
5-dc Shell: work 5 dc in one st; tutorial here
Penelope Beanie Crochet Pattern
Begin with magic loop. Tutorial at https://craftingeachday.com/magic-loop-tutorial/
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (does not count as st), work 12 dc in magic loop, sl st to first st to join. Tighten magic loop. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in each stitch of previous rnd, sl st to first st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc next st, dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (36 dc)
Check gauge. Circle should now be 3.5” in diameter.
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dcblo in each st around, sl st to first st to join. (36 dcblo)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in each of the next 2 sts; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (48 dc)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (60 dc)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 4 sts; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (72 dc)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, dcblo in each st around, sl st to first st to join. (72 dcblo)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, 5-dc Shell in next st (pm in first dc of shell to mark first st in rnd), sk 2 st, sc in next st, sk 2 st, *5-dc Shell in next st, sk 2 st, sc in next st, sk 2 st; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (12 Shells, 12 sc)
Rnd 10: Sl st in next st, sc in next st (pm in sc to mark first st in rnd), sk 2 st, 5-dc Shell in next st, *sk 2 st, sc in next st, sk 2 st, 5-dc shell in next st; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (12 Shells, 12 sc)
Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc blo in each st around, sl st to first st to join. (72 dcblo)
Rnds 12 – 14: Rep rnds 9 – 11 once.
Rnd 15: Ch 2, *fpdc, bpdc; rep from * around, sl st to first st to join. (36 fpdc, 36 bpdc)
Rnd 16: Ch 2, *fpdc, bpdc; rep from * around, continue to finishing. (36 fpdc, 36 bpdc)
Finishing: Fasten off using invisible join method. Tutorial for invisible join at https://craftingeachday.com/crochet-invisible-join-tutorial-crochet-in-the-round/. Weave in ends.
Other Crochet Patterns You Might Enjoy
For my other Crochet Cancer Challenge patterns, check out the Marin Beanie, Primrose Hat, and Breann Hat patterns.
For more patterns using Sirdar Jewelspun, check out the Ripple Crochet Prayer Shawl and Sunset Table Runner Patterns
For another easy worsted weight hat pattern, try the Pacifica Beanie which is great for men!