Whenever I need to make a quick gift on a deadline, I always go for this particular pattern. If you’re looking for a fun, fast, and cute knit project that doesn’t demand hours of tedious stitching or ultra-fine work, The Dawson Beanie (designed by Geneva Vasquez of Knot and Stitch Design) is the perfect pattern for you! This pattern checks all the boxes: super-bulky yarn, beginner-friendly, and a super wearable result.
Why I love this pattern:
This pattern works up so fast, I’ve knit about 10 or more of these beanies in so many different colors. It’s so fast because the Dawson Beanie is made using a super-bulky weight yarn (suggested: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick, Malabrigo Rasta, The Wool by We Are Knitters, Sugar Bush Chill) and uses US 15 (10 mm) needles. I’ve personally used Malabrigo Rasta, The Wool by We Are Knitters, and Crazy Sexy Wool by Wool and the Gang.
The big needles and chunky yarn mean you’ll see progress fast, which is perfect if you’re craving a quick and easy win of a project. This pattern offers multiple sizes (baby through adult-sized) as well.
The design uses a bottom-up construction, which is pretty common for beanie knitting, so you cast on for the brim and work up toward the crown. It’s a familiar path for many beanie knitters, but easy enough to understand if you’re brand new.
This was actually one of the very first projects I knit and, since starting, it continues to be in my project rotation whenever I have some leftover chunky yarn to use. Since they do work up so fast, they make great gifts for the holidays.
This beanie is a bit toasty, you can thank the bulky yarn for that (and I usually use 100% wool), so it’s great for very chilly winter weather. I wore these almost daily when I was commuting in Chicago during the winter. I recommend picking a soft wool (Malabrigo Rasta is my favorite) and matching it to a fun pom pom for a finishing touch!
Yarn suggestions & cost estimates
The pattern calls for a super-bulky (weight ~6 / US needle ~10 mm/US 15) yarn with approx 78 yards (71 m) for adult size. Super bulky weight yarn is often sold in skeins with approximately 80+ yards, so this is safely a one-skein project.
Here are some yarn options you might consider (with rough U.S. pricing estimates):
- Lion Brand Wool‑Ease Thick & Quick Prints: A familiar, widely available super-bulky that shows up in the pattern’s suggestions. Good color variety, around ~$6-8 per skein.
- Lion Brand Re‑Spun Thick & Quick: A recycled‐fiber version of super-bulky; around ~$6.68 for one at some retailers.
- Premier Basix Super Bulky Yarn: Budget-friendly (~$5) for a super bulky; good when you’re making more than one or gift-knitting.
- Paintbox Yarns Simply Super Chunky: Very affordable (~$3.25) and decent for quick knits where cost is a concern.
- Plymouth Encore Mega: Premium value (~$7.50) – good blend that wears nicely.
- Malabrigo Rasta: approx US $24–26 per skein (150 g / ~90 yds) for this super-bulky 100% merino yarn. This is my personal favorite; you can’t beat the softness!
- The Wool by We Are Knitters: ranges from around US $17.49 to $20.99 (200 g / ~87 yds) for this super-bulky 100% wool option.
- Crazy Sexy Wool by Wool and the Gang: around US $20.63 per ball for this 100% wool, super-bulky, eco-conscious yarn.
- Bernat Blanket Yarn Super Bulky: Though marketed for blankets, decent yardage (~220 yd) and price (~$9.74) for a large hat version.
- Mighty Stitch Super Bulky Yarn: Mid-tier (~$7.99) with quality that sits between budget and luxury.
Estimated cost summary:
For the pattern adult size, you’ll likely use less than one skein of many of these yarns. So you’re looking at ~$5–10 for basic yarn, maybe $7–8 for the pattern (if you buy it), and a few more dollars for optional embellishments like a faux fur pom pom (which I like to add to mine). If you go with hand-dyed or luxury yarn, the cost might go up to $20-30+. Even then, the low yardage requirement keeps the cost fairly reasonable.
Why the Dawson Beanie makes a great gift
I keep talking about how fast this knits up, because I really can finish this during the length of a movie. When I need a quick gift in a pinch, this is my go-to pattern.
The style is clean and wearable (folded brim, classic shape), so it’s really good for everyone, and it’s easy to customize the color to anyone’s preferences.
Final thoughts
The Dawson Beanie offers a sweet balance: satisfying speed, easy structure, and stylish result. Whether you’re making one for yourself or as a gift, it hits the “quick project win” sweet spot.
So gather your super-bulky yarn, grab your US 15 (10 mm) needles, order a few pom poms if you like, and let’s cast on. Your new go-to winter beanie is just a knit-and-purl-repeat away.
Happy knitting!
