Birsie Beanny by Helen Robertson
Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift colors 620 Lilac, 764 Cloud,
763 Pacific, 293 Port Wine, 710 Gentian, 547 Orchid
Celebrate Shetland Wool Week with the 2026 pattern; the Birsie Beanny by Helen Robertson.
Helen holds a deep passion for the tradition of Shetland knitting, as well as the yarns. She is involved in Shetland Wool Week; a globally known celebration of the sheep of Shetland & the local, close-knit community. Events occur across the entire region & showcase exhibitions, classes & events focused on knitting, spinning, weaving & dyeing!
Helen has drawn inspiration for the hat from a rich tapestry of Shetland heritage:
- the lower motif draws from her distinctive silver knitted tiaras
- the next pattern references one of her favourite Shetland lace traditions; Liss Hols (Lace Holes) – a motif Helen’s Unst granny knit around the six holed lace edge of her christening shawl
- a heart motif, adapted from her Mariner’s Compass Hat, sits above
- the crown pattern takes inspiration from the lace Tree of Life
- adding a playful touch are the optional toosks, inspired by the tassels on the Gunnister Man’s purse – an important historic Shetland find
- the slouchy shape of the hat was inspired by the style worn in Stanley Cursiter’s portrait ‘The Fair Isle Jumper’ (1923).
Birsie Beanny Materials:
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, ranging 18”-23” in circumference
- All sizes: 1 ball each of six colors (lead photo) Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift
- Color A: 293 Port Wine
- Color B: 764 Cloud
- Color C: 763 Pacific
- Color D: 547 Orchid
- Color E: 710 Gentian
- Color F: 620 Lilac
- Size US 1 & 1.5 - 2.5, 16” circular + double point needles (range based on gauge)
- Size E/4-7 crochet hook for optional tassels
Shop Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift at woolandcompany.com. Enjoy free domestic U.S. shipping on all orders!
Download the pattern at https://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/knitting-pattern/. Each pattern purchase supports the Shetland Amenity Trust to safeguard, enhance, and promote the heritage of Shetland.
Happy Knitting!
The Wool & Co. Team
