XLB Test Knitting Specs
XLB stands for Xiǎo Lóng Bāo ((小籠包), a traditional Chinese soup dumpling shaped like a little basket. This beanie for all ages features a dumpling cable motif that can be embellished with an embroidered face!
Option to use intarsia to create one dumpling (or more!) of a different color :)
The crown decreases use a knitted pleating technique to mimic the folds of a soup dumpling, complete with the little “pinch” closed at the top.
Not pictured, but directions will be included for a plain stockinette beanie with a single dumpling.
TEST DATES:
July 7 - August 18, 2025
This test knit will be hosted on Slack.
Testers will be selected from the KC Knitting Co private testing pool, which means you are pre-approved and do not need to submit a formal application. If you indicate interest in testing, then you’re in!
You are NOT required to use De Rerum Natura yarn to test. If you choose to, a 15% discount code will be provided to selected testers.
The test is slated to begin on Monday, July 7th, 2025 when a formatted, fully tech-edited pattern will be sent to testers who have completed a gauge swatch.
XLB Pattern Specs
SIZING
1, 2, 3, (4, 5, 6, 7)
Finished Measurements (unstretched):
Circumference: 12.5, 14, 15.5, (17, 18.5, 20, 21.5)” / 31.5, 35, 39, (42.5, 46.5, 50, 54) cm
Height from brim to crown: 6.5, 6.75, 7.25, (8, 8.5, 8.75, 9)”/ 16.5, 17, 18, (20, 21.5, 22, 22.5) cm
Suggested fit is 2-4” / 5-10cm negative ease.
Samples are size 2 (blue) and 3 (lavender).
MATERIALS
Yarn: DK weight yarn, worsted spun, with tight ply for structured cable stitches
Samples use De Rerum Natura Pénélope, 90% organic Merinos d'Arles (France) / 10% mulberry silk (China), 145 yds/ 133m per 50g in Brume (blue), Oursin (lavender), and Crème (cream)
Yardage: 105, 121, 145, (168, 188, 209, 230) yds/ 96, 111, 133, (154, 172, 192, 211) m
If creating different-colored dumplings, each dumpling will require 3-6 yds/ 2.5-5.5m.
Yardage estimates include yarn amount needed to knit a 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm) swatch.
Needle sizes:
US 5/3.75mm, or size needed to obtain gauge, 16-20”/ 40-50cm circular and DPNs
US 4/3.5mm, or one size smaller than main, 12-16”/ 30-40cm circular, for ribbing
Tools: Stitch markers, cable needle (optional), tapestry needle
Gauge:
22.5 sts x 38.5 rows in dumpling cable motif, washed and blocked
26 sts x 40 rows in stockinette in the round, washed and blocked
SKILLS
Cable knitting, intarsia cabling (optional), increases/decreases, knitted pleats