Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates

Knit unique beanies inspired by the spectacular and unique landscapes from each of the 63 US National Parks.

From the brightly colored pebbles of Lake McDonald in Montana’s Glacier National Park to the regal granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome in California’s Yosemite Valley, the US National Parks contain some of the most recognizable and iconic natural landmarks in the world. Including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef and Zion here in Utah.

Beanies range from simple beanie constructions to more challenging stitch patterns such as the two-color crossovers inspired by South Dakota’s Badlands or the multiple cable designs inspired by New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns. Clear charts, easy-to-read keys, and thorough instructions help any knitter, whether beginner or experienced, through these gratifying projects. Show your love and appreciation of our national parks with these beautiful and practical beanie projects you can wear any time or any place.

63 KNITTING PATTERNS: Every US National Park is celebrated with a unique beanie design, including the newly designated park New River Gorge in West Virginia

BEAUTIFULLY PHOTOGRAPHED: Each pattern is accompanied by photos of the finished beanie and gorgeous images of the park’s landscapes that inspired it

INSPIRED BY NATURE: Learn about each national park’s unique fauna, flora, and landscapes that inspired each original beanie, from the Painted Wall in Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the Salt Flats in California Death Valley

EASY-TO-FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the 63 beanies knitting patterns have been tested and verified and offer clear charts so that knitters of every skill level can knit a beanie in no time. 

Follow Nancy's colors, or create your own take on these hats using your memories and the impact the parks have had on you to pick out your own color palettte.