Poppy Smart Beanie

SPECIALTY TECHNIQUES

Crochet Chain Bind-Off & Join

Choose this if you want maximum elasticity and a decorative braided chain visible along the outside of the hat.

Using a crochet hook 1mm larger than your main knitting needles:

1. With the right side facing you, insert the crochet hook into the marked stitch of your lifeline, and then knitwise into the first live stitch on your needle. Slide that stitch off the knitting needle.

2. Yarn over (yo) and pull the yarn through the live stitch and the lifeline stitch, bringing the loop all the way through to the front (right side) of the hat. You now have 1 loop on your hook.

3. Insert your hook into the next lifeline stitch, and then knitwise into the next live stitch on your needle. Slide it off the knitting needle.

4. Yarn over (yo) and pull the yarn through the live stitch, the lifeline stitch, AND the loop currently on your hook, again bringing the final loop all the way through to the front (right side) of the hat.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all stitches are bound off and joined into the lifeline round. Fasten off and pull the scrap-yarn lifeline out.

Disappearing Loop Cast-On

1. Set Up: Use double-pointed needles or a long circular needle for casting on.

2. Create a Loop: Form a 1” loop with the yarn, crossing the ball end over the tail. Pinch the cross point to secure it, keeping the ball end on the right and the tail on the left.

3. Form Stitches (Two Motions):
   Hold the needle in your right hand. Insert the needle tip into the loop from front to back using the ball end, wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the needle tip, and pull it back through the loop.
   Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the needle tip again (as a yarn over), then pass the first loop over the second loop and drop it off the needle with your fingers or another needle. One stitch has now been created.

4. Repeat: Continue these motions until you have the required number of stitches for your project.

5. Distribute Stitches: Divide the stitches evenly onto multiple double-pointed needles or set them up on a long circular needle for the Magic Loop method. Begin working in the round as instructed by your pattern.

6. Tighten the Loop: After completing a few rounds, gently pull the tail to close the initial loop.

I-Cord Belly Button Cast-On

Create the I-Cord:

1. Using your waste yarn, cast on stitches (depending on your pattern’s requirements) to begin knitting an I-cord.

2. Knit all stitches across the row.

3. Do not turn your work like a standard project. Instead, slide the stitches to the other end of your needle.

4. Knit all stitches across the row again.

5. Continue this process until the I-cord reaches a few inches long.

Attach Your Project Yarn:

1. With the I-cord complete, introduce your project yarn. Continue knitting, picking up stitches from the I-cord as directed by your pattern. This allows the waste yarn to act as a secure placeholder (see the video above).

2. Begin Your Project: Work your pattern as usual. The I-cord will stay in place until you’re ready to remove it.

3. Remove the Belly Button: When your project is complete, gently unravel the I-cord waste yarn. This will reveal live stitches or a clean edge, depending on your needs. Use these stitches to bind off, graft, or continue knitting.

Knitted Bind-Off & Join

Use a knitting needle 2 to 3 sizes larger than your main needle in your right hand:

1. Use your left needle to pick up one stitch off the scrap-yarn lifeline.

2. Knit that lifeline stitch together with the first live stitch on your left needle using your larger right needle.

3. Repeat this for the next stitch.

4. Bind off normally by passing the first stitch over the second. Continue this around the entire hat. Once finished, pull the life line out.