Wool Beanie | Warm & Winter Ready | The Westcoaster AC

Made for the coldest winds of Norwegian West Coast winter.

The Westcoaster Arctic Circle

Thick Hand Knit Wool Beanie for the Coldest Days

 
 
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130.00

  • Hand knit over the course of 3.5 hours.
  • 100% sheep wool.
  • Knit in Norway.
Wine Red
Charcoal
Northern Forest Green
Dark Blue
Straw
This color is not in storage, and you should expect 2–3 weeks of extra knitting time, depending on current demand.
This variant is sold out. Contact us below with a heart warming letter, and we might produce a new batch.
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Story

Knit in the Peace and Quiet of Norwegian Living Rooms

Beanies being knit by hand

Making You Part of a 400 Year Old Heritage

Keeping with the four centuries old tradition of Norwegian hand knitting, we knit every piece with patience and attention to detail. Our family have done so since grandma began knitting in 1932.

We are here to share with you the experience of growing up with hand knit wool, right off the needles. No gimmicks, just the wool, the honed skill, and the patience.

Hand knit chunky wool beanie, charcoal, woman

Inspired by the Coldest Winds of Norwegian West Coast Winter

If there is no snow on the ground, you might go looking for our other models instead. Double thread. 100% wool. And more length than any other of our beanies. The Arctic Circle is created for its namesake.

Naturally sustainable, hand knit wool beanies

Old Fashioned Sustainability

Norwegians already knit for pleasure, in their own houses, and we used this existing culture, to offer a secondary income for passionate knitters. We don’t employ anyone, but pay per beanie.

The Norwegian yarn mill that supplies us has been around since 1888, and are outspoken and detailed about their care for animals and humans along the entire line of production, whether its imported raw wool, or from Norway.

Leftover yarn from knits is gathered, and used first for Mom’s Market custom knits, then the final leftover stubs are used for pillow stuffing.

Free Worldwide Shipping

Free Worldwide Shipping

No minimum order value

60 Days Money Back Guarantee

60 Days Money Back Guarantee

You only pay for return shipping

10 Years Guarantee

10 Years Guarantee

Patch it rather than discarding it

Details

About The Westcoaster Arctic Circle

The Westcoaster Arctic Circle is a thick hand knit wool beanie, knit the old fashioned way, with two knitting needles and a whole lot of patience. Particular to this model is that it’s knit with two threads simultaneously, making it twice as thick and twice as gritty looking.

The Arctic Circle is a longer version of our regular Westcoaster, leaving more wool available to double-wrap your ears.

It is knit in Norway, on the South Coast, by a variety of knitters. No matter which knitter, each beanie goes trough the same quality control, and each knitter is selected through a few (paid) test knits. Each Westcoaster comes with signed Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the knitter of your particular beanie.

We knit with wool, the Westcoaster being 100% sheep wool. Sheep wool is by far the most common knitting material in Norway, historically and in modern times alike. 100% wool makes it warmer than wool-blends, and the double thread makes this a beanie for the outdoors in low temperatures. The length of the Arctic Circle version of the Westcoaster, also makes it one step warmer.

About Wool

Hailed by Norwegians for centuries, sheep wool is the number one choice among knitters. Along with choosing wool because of its historical significance in Norwegian knitting history, there are timeless features associated with wool.

  • Wool is great at insulating in moist conditions.
  • Wool has a rough and natural look, aside from the fact that it is natural.
  • Wool is naturally flame resistant, adding an extra layer of security around the campfire.

About Red Hat Factory

Red Hat Factory is a company started by mother and son on the Norwegian South Coast. Emerging out of childhood memories of wearing hand knit goods and a love for red beanies, found in adulthood, we've built a network of knitters that can deliver the genuine hand knit experience to all beanie lovers across the world.

  • Wool Percentage 100% Sheep Wool
  • Optimal Temperature
    -10–0°C 14–32°F
    Optimal Wear Temperature
  • Size One-size Size
  • Required Knitting Hours 3.5 Hours of Knitting
  • Guarantee 10 Years Guarantee Read More

FAQ

Do you ship with tracking

Yes we do. We ship for free worldwide with tracking.

How does your patching guarantee work?

If your beanie unravels under reasonable circumstances, within the first 10 years of its life, we will patch it for you for free. But you have to pay for shipping both ways. This is a fun way to maintain the beanie as long as possible, making it a keepsake.

Why hand knit beanies? Why not just use machines?

Hand knitting is the genesis and the core of our company. We hand knit because we are here to honor and tell the story of our Norwegian heritage. Generations after generations hand knitting wool apparel to keep their families warm. And the tradition is still alive and well. Also hand knit beanies comes with a personal touch and history that machine-knit goods just can't match.

The beanies seem so small when I open them

Many of our beanie models look very small when you unpack them. That is because of wool's nature — it's not "pre-stretched", and has to start out tight. It shapes itself around you head after little time. If you lend it to someone, and it get's stretched out too much, you can dip it in warm water, and after drying, it's back to where it started.

Why are all the beanies knit with wool?

We did not choose wool — hundreds of years of Norwegian tradition chose that for us. It is an amazing insulator, with the special feature that it pulls moisture away from your skin. Norwegians have sworn to wool both historically, and in modern day outdoors apparel. You just can't beat the natural fiber that is wool.

Why are there loose threads in my beanie?

When a beanie is finished, the thread is attached by sowing it into the finished product several rounds. Sometimes that end thread comes poking out — most often on the inside, as we try attaching it that way. It doesn't mean it is coming loose. If it comes out on the outside, try pushing it back in — use a needle if needed. The beanie will not unravel — and if it does, please refer to our guarantee.

Does your mom and grandma really knit all the beanies?

It all started with my mom, then my grandma joined the team. My mother designs all the beanies (sometimes with input from me), and we recruit as many knitters as we need from around Norway. But it is always hand knit, the traditional way, and quality controlled by my mom.

How much of a pay cut does the knitter get?

We are not sharing numbers, because that would require giving you an understanding of our entire production cycle, including admin time, marketing, recruiting, packaging, shipping and so on.

But every knitter is happy with the pay (otherwise they wouldn't have worked with us), and they know the brand, the website, and the final price.

Why are the beanies rolled up above the ears

Our beanies are knit without a tag, so you may fold it once, twice, or even roll it up. We personally like the twice-folded style the best, and push that look most often in our marketing.

The history of the fold is, in short, that the laboring man would need some flexibility in headwear. When you need to hear, or if the sun pokes out, you fold it up. When the weather roughens, you fold it back up. It's sort of like zipping down your jacket when the sun peaks out.

Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 7 reviews)

Really, really warm. Keeps your ears toasty.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 4, 2024

Okay, this was an impulse buy. I always like to support unique, local products. Usually I seek out Canadian and USA companies but in this case I went European. Bought one for myself and my wife. Picked this hat because it covers one’s ears which is a must during these frequent below Zero Midwestern winters. Not a lot of trees about and the wind burns during cold weather snaps. Love the hand woven quality. These are forever hats. Pricy but worth it. I would be most perturbed if I went out and then left this hat on a restaurant’s table. No lost and found for this item if I can help it. Take care of it. Your head will thank you.

Stephen H

Fantastic, Warm, and Comfy

Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 8, 2024

This hat is beautifully knit and has a nice snug fit. It is comfy and warm, and works great for those cold winter days. This is my new favorite beanie.

David K

Very cozy !!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 6, 2024

This hat is super cute! It fits perfectly and is super warm.

Tammy Evans

Warm, comfy and beautifully made.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
January 31, 2024

I love my Arctic Circle Westcoaster! The knitting and color (blue) are absolutely beautiful. And it fits well — super warm and comfy.

Jamie

Fantastic, stunning, and warm hat!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
December 22, 2023

My Red Hat (the arctic) is amazing—it is BEAUTIFULLY knit—fits like a dream with great coverage—and looks dreamy. Plus it’s super warm. I own a lot of hats (I wear my hair super short and need hats for warmth) and this one is by far my favorite. I HIGHLY recommend it!

Pamela Sampel
Verified

Feels fantastic

Rated 5.0 out of 5
December 16, 2023

My order for a blue Arctic Circle Westcoaster arrived today, and it feels fantastic. The knit pattern looks rugged and durable.

The speed from order placed to delivery (in Kansas City) was excellent.

Thank you for establishing a wonderful little company.

Erik LaPrade
Verified

The Westcoaster

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 13, 2022

Although winter hasn’t beguines yet here in South Dakota we’ve had some cooler days. The day I received my Westcoaster was one of those days soon after it arrived I had do be outside so I put on my cap WOW! I was surprised as how warm and comfortable it was I’m not normally a wool person this is definitely my new favorite hat.

Arden Ballard
Verified