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The free crochet pattern is lovely and easy to make and even a bit addictive – you’ll be whipping up lots of chunky beanies before you know it.
Don’t worry if you’ve never crocheted before – I’ve included simple step-by-step instructions and video tutorials to help you out.
We’re making a chunky Toasty Heart Beanie. It’s crocheted using gorgeously soft merino wool and it won’t take you long to make it. It’s made in 2 parts – the beanie body and the optional giant pompom.
The beanie body is made by crocheting a rectangle. The first and last rows are joined and gathered together to make the top of the beanie, and the giant pompom is tied on the top.
The Toasty Heart Beanie comes in 3 sizes:
Each size has lots of stretch and can be worn with the brim folded up or unfolded. Folding the brim makes for a snugger fit for a smaller head.
The tension/gauge (stitch size guide) for this design is 7 rows and 5 stitches in a 10cm by 10cm square.
Changing the size of your Toasty Heart Beanie is super easy. Here are a few different ways to do it:
To make your Toasty Heart Beanie you will need:
Before you pick up your chunky crochet hook, I’d love to share with you the basics of reading crochet patterns, and what you’ll come across in this pattern.
I’ve written this crochet pattern so it is easy for you to follow. You’ll find a lot of the elements here (like the terminology and abbreviations) in every good crochet pattern you come across. Reading crochet patterns is just like eating an elephant – when you take it one bite (or step) at a time, it’s easy to do. The basic elements of crochet patterns are the stitches, and the easiest way to work through a crochet pattern is to go one stitch at a time.
Each type of stitch has a name, and crochet patterns are written in one of two stitch terminologies – UK or US. This pattern is written in both UK and US terminology. The abbreviations that are used throughout this pattern for the stitch names are summarised in the table below.
abbreviation | UK terminology | US terminology |
ch | chain | chain |
slst | slip stitch | slip stitch |
st(s) | stitch(es) | stitch(es) |
Throughout this crochet pattern, you’ll notice curvy brackets at the end of the row – this indicates the number of stitches in the row. For example, {5 sts} means that there are 5 stitches in the row. Counting the number of stitches at the end of each row is a good way to check that you haven’t gained or lost any stitches during the row.
The number of stitches in each row varies due to the size of your beanie. This is written as small (medium, large). For example, 9 (11, 13) means 9 stitches for a small size, 11 stitches for a medium size and 13 stitches for a large size.
The first thing you’ll need to do is turn your chunky skeins of Homelea Bliss wool yarn into balls – this makes crocheting heaps easier!
The easiest way to do this is to:
Note – if you have a yarn swift you can put the opened skein on your swift and unwind it from here.
Let’s start out using your 300g skein of Homelea Bliss.
Most crochet and knitting patterns start with a slip knot – this is an adjustable loop that becomes the first stitch. There are lots of different ways to do these and each one works fine.
The important thing to remember is that the end attached to the ball needs to make the loop bigger and smaller and that the other end needs to be at least 30cm (11.8in) long.
The slip knot goes onto the crochet hook, and this makes the first stitch.
The size of the slip knot is important for determining the size and consistency of the stitches in your crocheting. With practice, you will discover the right size for your crocheting – don’t be afraid to try different sizes.
There are different ways to hold the crochet hook and yarn, and the best way to do it is to do what feels best for you – the important thing is that you can control the hook. Experiment with different ways until you find something that works for you.
I’m right-handed, and I hold the hook in my right hand and the yarn in my left hand. If you’re left-handed, it’s the other way around.
The foundation chain provides the “foundation” for the first row of stitches to be worked into.
To make your foundation chain:
Each chain stitch has a “V” and to count the number of chain stitches simply count the number of “V”s. You should have 9 (small), 11 (medium) or 13 (large) stitches or “V”s.
There is a total of 18 (22, 26) rows in your Toasty Heart Beanie, and we’re about to start the very first one!
To make row 1 do the following:
If you’re finding it difficult to do the slip stitches I’ve got a handy hint for you – hold the hook and yarn nice and loose. You may find it easier to do larger loops, and don’t forget to think happy thoughts.
Normally at the end of the row, you’ll see the stitch count – for example {9 (11, 13) sts}. Since this is the first row, I’ve decided to separate it out and explain a bit about it.
It’s a good idea to count the number of stitches in the row so that you can tell if you’ve added extras or lost some during the row.
Each stitch has a “V” on the top. It’s easy to count the number of stitches,– simply count the “V”s on the top of the row. The number of stitches should be the same as the pattern, in this case, 9 for a small size, 11 for a medium size and 13 for a large size.
If you don’t have the correct number of stitches it’s easy to fix – simply work out where the problem happened, pull out your crocheting to this point and redo your stitches.
Row 2 is a little different to row 1 because the stitches we’re working into will have the 2 legs (or loops) of the “V” facing up.
To make row 2 do the following:
Now that you’ve done a couple of rows it’s a good time to check the width of your crocheting. To do this lie your crocheting out flat and measure the length of row 2.
The design has the width of 22cm (8.7in) for the small size, 26cm (10.2in) for the medium size and 30cm (11.8in) for the large size. If the length of row 2 is close to this, it means that your tension is good.
Keep repeating the steps below until you reach the last row for your beanie size:
The total number of rows for the beanie sizes are:
We’re going to join the first and last edges of your crocheting using slip stitch.
Before we do this it’s important to prepare for this step properly – otherwise, your join won’t be neat and even:
Okay, now we’re ready to join!
To join your beanie:
This is how to fasten off your beanie:
We’re going to gather together the top of your beanie using the cut end you just fastened off with:
We’re going to weave in the 2 ends, so they are secure within your crocheting.
This is what to do:
Now the ends are woven in you can turn your beanie inside out so the slst seam is on the inside – how good does it look!
Now it’s time to use your 100g mini skein of Homelea Bliss.
Making giant pompoms is so much fun! This is how to make them:
Attach your giant pompom to your beanie by doing the following:
Yay! You’ve finished your Toasty Heart Beanie!
I hope you’ve loved making your Toasty Heart Beanie! Who will you make one for next?
With love, Lynda.
The online course with pdf crochet patterns is available here, and the chunky crochet bundle is available here.
Hi! I’m Lynda (she/her) and I’m the lady behind Homelea Lass.
I’m here to help you improve your crochet skills and to help you find peace and happiness in your creative time.
In 2012 I was knocked down by debilitating chronic fatigue that put an end to my blossoming career as a Civil Engineer and Project Manager.
Early on in my illness, I discovered that I could crochet without draining my energy, so I spent my days crocheting, researching yarns and designing – this is how Homelea Lass was born.
My experience with chronic illness has guided me to combine my passion for exceptional design and crochet. I’ve developed a way of crocheting that’s enjoyable, easy to understand, and maximises it’s relaxing and wellbeing properties.
As my healing journey has progressed, Homelea Lass has grown, and I feel blessed that I can share my love of Australian merino wool, chunky crochet and creativity with you.