This is a crochet pattern review of the Chunky Cat Ear Beanie by Sarah of MidMichiganMade. Reviewed by Carrie of Mountain Momma Crochet for Cre8tion Crochet.
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Carrie from Mountain Momma Crochet here! I appreciate you coming to check out my assessment of this super easy beanie made with bulky yarn.
Sometimes you just want to make a beanie without the time-consuming brim.
This crochet beanie by Sarah at Mid Michigan Made fits the bill when looking for a quick make. Add in the use of bulky yarn and there’s instant gratification in seeing it work up in no time. I dabble in testing patterns and met Sarah a couple of years ago through social media. The Chunky Cat Ear Beanie was the latest item I’ve tested for her and I was not disappointed. Reading the name might suggest you’d have to make or attach ears of some sort in order to complete the beanie. Wrong. This beanie is constructed in one piece and sewn together once you meet the length for the size.
The brim of the beanie is made at the end. In order to check the gauge, there are details for both the width and length to keep you on point for the sizes in the pattern. The instructions include directions for baby, toddler, child/tween, and teen/adult. Any good hooker knows that a measuring tape is a vital part of our arsenal and a definite trick of the trade. You’ll want to use this when making this beanie.
What Supplies Do I Need to Make the Chunky Cat Ear Beanie?
- Bulky #5 Yarn – I Love This Chunky (Sandstone #123 used for completed project), Charisma Tweed Yarn by Loops & Threads (Black, Taupe, and Burgundy pictured)
- Size K10.5/6.5mm Crochet Hook
- Needle for weaving in ends – large eye needed for bulky yarn
- Scissors
- Measuring tape for gauge
- Chunky Cat Ear Beanie, Paid Crochet Pattern by MidMichiganMade via Etsy
Material Notes:
I Love This Chunky contains 109 yards and is around 3.5 oz./100 g. Charisma Tweed has 93 yards and is around 3 oz./85 g. This would be enough yarn to make the baby beanie. For any other size, you will need to purchase two in order to have enough yarn to complete your project.
Either of these yarn options is soft and plush. The ILT Chunky is more of a variegated yarn and the Charisma is true to the tweed line with flecks of color throughout. Other lines of yarn in the bulky or super bulky weight could be used. Referring to the gauge and using the tape measure will help use any yarn in your existing stash.
How Long Does it Take to Make the Chunky Cat Ear Beanie?
The amount of time to make the beanie depends on your familiarity with the stitches in the pattern. You may need to refer to YouTube in order to understand how to complete the Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC). This stitch is far less complicated than it sounds. Once you learn how to complete this stitch, you may want to check out other options like Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) and Foundation Double Crochet (FDC). If familiar with the stitches, this make should not take any longer than two hours for an adult-size beanie. Remember, it’s bulky yarn so you are going to see results fast. I think the two-hour assessment is more than generous. Feel free to time yourself and add a comment on the article – I’d love to hear all about your ‘fingers of fury’!
Gauge/Measurement:
The gauge itself is mentioned in inches for both the width and length. Bonus points on this pattern as it mentions the appropriate measurements with AND without the band! My measurements were a little off but that is not uncommon for me. My starting stitches were a couple less than the pattern quoted. This is another perk about this pattern, it is very forgiving and takes into account that we do not all crochet the same, and nor do we have the same tensions.
The yarn pictured to show texture is Lion Brand Yarns Wool Ease – Thick & Quick in Hudson Bay – this yarn could also be used as it is Super Bulky weight (6), just use your tape measure!
Pattern Notes:
Special stitches or instructions to understand:
- Half Double Crochet (HDC)
- Back Loop – stitch is completed in the back loop only
- Slip Stitch (SS or SL ST)
- Foundation Half Double Crochet (FDHC)
- Whip Stitch
The pattern starts out with the FHDC. This will curve at first but flattens out as you complete additional rows. Starting with this method is great for when you need added flexibility. Working in the back loop gives the make a super nice texture and ribbing, which is complemented by the use of the bulky yarn. The instructions for making the brim are easy to follow and includes a completed stitch count as you will be working on the ‘rough’ side of the stitches which are around the sides and edges of the rectangle created to obtain the appropriate width and length.
We all know, at times, there are small things about a pattern that we might change. My personal preference has always been to HDC in the first and last stitch, versus HDC in the back loop all the way across the row. That is just me. I feel like this make would still appear neat no matter the approach used on the first and last stitch of the row.
The beanie is formed by the rectangle and when placed on the head will make natural points to form the ears. The pattern also gives instructions on how to add stitching in a specific placement to force the shape of the ear. I have not tried this option, but again, another bonus point for this pattern! If you are looking for a quick gift or market make, definitely give this one a try. If you want to get really playful, add whiskers, eyes, and a nose.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my thoughts about this pattern. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (mountainmommacrochet). Feel free to check me out and give me a follow.
I’d like to thank Cre8tion Crochet for the opportunity to reach out to a larger audience and for the experience of getting to place some thoughts onto digital paper.
Happy hooking!
Carrie of Mountain Momma Crochet
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