Beanie – Adult Medium

A simple, top-down knitted beanie in worsted-weight yarn. Worked in the round with a stretchy 1x1 brim and a gradual crown decrease for a smooth finish. Finished circumference: approx 21 in (54 cm). Finished height (to crown): approx 9 in (23 cm). Gauge: 18 sts x 24 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette on US 7 (4.5 mm).

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight (US 4 / Medium). Approx 200 yards (183 m) – 1 skein (approx 100 g).
Needles: Circular 16 in (40 cm) US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm and set of double-pointed needles US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm. Optional smaller needles for brim: US 6 / UK 8 / 4.0 mm.
Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, scrap yarn for lifeline, pom-pom (optional).

Abbreviations

K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
CO = cast on
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd = round
pm = place marker
RS = right side

Notes

Pattern is written for adult medium. For smaller or larger sizes, change cast-on to achieve desired circumference, keeping gauge in mind.
If you prefer a firmer brim, work brim on smaller needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm) for the rib only, then switch to US 7 for the body.

Instructions

Cast on: CO 96 sts loosely using long-tail cast-on. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.
Brim: Work 1x1 rib (K1, P1) for 1.75 in (4.5 cm), or 2 in (5 cm) if you prefer a longer cuff. (If using smaller needles for brim, switch to US 6 for this section then change to US 7 before proceeding.)
Body: Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until hat measures 7.5 in (19 cm) from cast-on edge, or desired length to the start of crown decreases. End after a knit round.
Crown decreases: The following decrease sequence is written for 96 sts. After each decrease round below the stitch total is shown.

Rnd 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat around. (84 sts)
Rnd 2: Knit. (84 sts)
Rnd 3: *K5, K2tog* repeat around. (72 sts)
Rnd 4: Knit. (72 sts)
Rnd 5: *K4, K2tog* repeat around. (60 sts)
Rnd 6: Knit. (60 sts)
Rnd 7: *K3, K2tog* repeat around. (48 sts)
Rnd 8: Knit. (48 sts)
Rnd 9: *K2, K2tog* repeat around. (36 sts)
Rnd 10: Knit. (36 sts)
Rnd 11: *K1, K2tog* repeat around. (24 sts)
Rnd 12: Knit. (24 sts)
Rnd 13: *K2tog* repeat around. (12 sts)

Finish: Cut yarn leaving a 10 in (25 cm) tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle, pull through remaining 12 sts, draw tightly to close the crown, secure, and weave in ends on the inside. Add a pom-pom if desired.
Blocking and care: Lightly steam or wet block to even stitches. Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry to preserve shape.

Optional adjustments

To make the hat shorter or taller, change the length before starting crown decreases by +/- 1 in (2.5 cm) increments.
For a slouchy style, add 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) to the body length before decreasing.

Troubleshooting and tips

If crown decreases look bunched, try evening them out by switching to double-pointed needles when the stitch count gets small.
Place a removable stitch marker at the end of each decrease repeat for easier counting on subsequent rounds.

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