A slouchy, stranded colourwork beanie with a pompom and two options for length: a deepish ribbing for a bit of slouch or a bit deeper again for a hat that can be worn loose and low or folded back. Worked in the round using two or five shades of light worsted-weight yarn (or a double strand of fingering-weight) and charted for both, Frankie is an ideal introduction to stranded colourwork.

52cm wide at ribbing (gently stretched), 48cm wide at colourwork body and 21(24)cm deep. The deep ribbing in stretchy 1x1 rib allows for an easy fit on most women’s heads, leaving first timers to concentrate on getting the technique right, rather than worrying too much about fit.

Two charts are given, one for the five-colour version and one for the two-colour version, as well as tips for working stranded colourwork. This pattern has been tested by knitters both new to and experienced in this technique.

Shown in:

Version 1: 5 colours and 10cm ribbing
Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed (85% wool/ 15% angora, 85m/ 50gm)
BC1 (Background Colour 1): Silver (120m)
PC1 (Pattern Colour 1): Denim (20m)
PC2: Maroon (10m)
BC2: Lilac (10m)
PC3: Purple (5m)

Version 2: 5 colours and 7cm ribbing
Holst Garn Supersoft, held double (100% wool, 287m/ 50gm)
BC1: Flannel Grey (240m)
PC1: Vintage Heather (40m)
PC2: Marlin (20m)
BC2: Silver (14m)
PC4: Topaz (10m)

Version 3: 2 colours and 10cm ribbing
Rowan Kid Classic (70% wool/ 22% mohair/ 8% nylon, 140m/ 50gm)
BC: Smoke (135m)
PC: Earth (30m)

Many thanks to Jeni Reid for her lovely seaside photos!