Bushwalk Beanie

A cosy hat to keep you warm on your wanderings, inspired by the fronds of New Zealand’s native ferns such as the iconic ponga tree. The fern-frond stitch pattern is formed with simple lace increases and decreases. When knit in a possum-blend yarn, the Bushwalk Beanie is particularly lightweight, soft, and warm! One ball of Zealana Kauri Fingering is enough for a hat that weighs only 40 grams, and folds up easily to stash in your backpack.

Skills & Techniques

  • Simple lace

  • Knitting in the round

  • Tubular cast on (optional)

  • Charts and written instructions are both provided in full

Materials Needed

  • 1 ball of Zealana Kauri Fingering (60% NZ merino, 30% possum, 10% silk; 167yds/153m per 40g ball), or 160yds/146m of fingering-weight yarn. Sample colourway: ‘Waikura’

  • US 3 / 3.25mm circular needles (or needle size that gives you the right gauge), and the same size needles for working a small circumference in the round

  • US 2.5 / 3mm circular needles for the ribbing (or one size down from your ‘main’ needles)

  • A stitch marker, and a needle for weaving in the ends

Finished Measurements

  • 19”/48cm circumference, and 8.25”/21cm length

  • To fit a medium adult woman’s head, with 21-23”/53-58cm circumference.