The slouchy “Birsie Beanny” is Shetland Wool Week’s featured pattern for 2026! This four- or six-color fair isle hat pattern was designed by Helen Robertson, and is available to purchase from the Shetland Wool Week website.
The patterns in the hat reflect different strands of Robertson's design work, and of Shetland history. Optional toosks give the hat texture and personality, a playful touch referencing both an important artifact of Shetland history and the tassels on heritage rugs of the region.
We’ve made yarn bundles with Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift in the Sea Anemone colorway. Each kit includes 6 balls of Spindrift in an organza bag; pattern sold separately. This includes enough yarn to knit the “Birsie Beanny" in the small, medium, or large size.