Beanie (Knitting Pattern)

Classic, unisex knitted beanie worked in the round. Easy-to-follow instructions for five sizes with optional folded brim or slouchy finish. Fits a wide range of yarns and needles; adjustments and tips included.

Materials

• Yarn: Aran/Worsted weight (Category 4). Recommended: 100% wool or wool-blend for warmth and memory.
  • Yardage by size (approx): Newborn: 50 yds (46 m); Child: 100 yds (91 m); Teen/Small Adult: 150 yds (137 m); Adult: 175 yds (160 m); Large: 200 yds (183 m).
  • Typical ball size example: 200 yds / 183 m per 100 g (Imperial/Metric shown).
• Needles (in the round and DPNs or circular magic loop):
  • Brim: US 6 / UK (old) 8 / 4.0 mm
  • Body: US 8 / UK (old) 6 / 5.0 mm
  • (Optional one-size-faster alternative: US 7 / UK (old) 7 / 4.5 mm if you prefer between gauges)

  Note: Use circular needles (16"/40 cm) for small sizes or 32"/80 cm for adult sizes with magic loop, or switch to DPNs when decreasing.

• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scrap yarn or stitch holder, optional pom-pom maker, scissors.

Finished Measurements

• Newborn: 13" / 33 cm circumference
• Child: 17" / 43 cm
• Teen/Small Adult: 20" / 51 cm
• Adult: 22" / 56 cm
• Large: 24" / 61 cm

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rnds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette (in the round) on US 8 / 5.0 mm needles. Adjust needle size to obtain gauge.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• CO = cast on
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• p2tog = purl two together

Sizes & Starting Stitches (multiple of 4 for 2x2 rib)

• Newborn: CO 56 sts (13" / 33 cm)
• Child: CO 76 sts (17" / 43 cm)
• Teen/Small Adult: CO 92 sts (20" / 51 cm)
• Adult: CO 100 sts (22" / 56 cm)
• Large: CO 108 sts (24" / 61 cm)

Pattern Notes

This hat is worked in the round from brim to crown. All rounds are worked as written; use stitch marker to mark beginning of round. Rib is 2x2 (k2, p2). The body is worked in stockinette (knit every round). Crown decreases are written as a general decrease sequence that decreases the number between decreases each decrease round; this creates an even crown shape for all sizes.

Instructions

1. Cast On
   • Using your brim needle (US 6 / 4.0 mm), CO the number of stitches for your size using a stretchy cast-on (long-tail or German twisted). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
2. Brim (Folded or Non-folded)
   • Option A – Folded Brim (extra warmth): Work 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 1.5" / 4 cm to 2.5" / 6.5 cm depending on how much turn-up you want. On last rib round, switch to body needle (US 8 / 5.0 mm) and continue in pattern onto stockinette.
   • Option B – Non-folded Brim: Work 2x2 rib for 1" / 2.5 cm to 1.5" / 4 cm. Then switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm and proceed to body.
3. Body
   • With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, knit every round until hat measures (from cast on edge, before any fold) approximately:
     • Newborn: 4.5" / 11.5 cm
     • Child: 5.5" / 14 cm
     • Teen/Small Adult: 7" / 18 cm
     • Adult: 8" / 20.5 cm
     • Large: 8.5" / 21.5 cm
   • Stop when you have 1.5"–2" / 4–5 cm left to shape the crown (the exact measurement depends on how deep you want the crown).
4. Crown Shaping (all sizes)

   Begin the decrease sequence when you reach the length above. The decreases are worked over a series of paired rounds: one decrease round followed by one plain knit round. On each successive decrease round reduce the number of knit stitches between k2tog by 1. Continue this cycle until approximately 8–12 sts remain; cut yarn leaving a 8" / 20 cm tail and thread through remaining sts, pull tight and secure.

   Example sequence (demonstration of the method):

   Round A: *k8, k2tog* repeat to end.
   Round B: knit all sts.
   Round C: *k7, k2tog* repeat to end.
   Round D: knit.
   Round E: *k6, k2tog*; knit round.
   ... continue reducing the number between decreases by 1 each decrease round ...
   When you reach *k1, k2tog* round, follow with a knit round, then repeat *k2tog* across next decrease round if needed until 8–12 sts remain.
   

   Notes: For smaller starting stitch counts you will begin with a smaller number between decreases (for example Newborn starting with *k5, k2tog*). The exact starting number between decreases is flexible — the method above evenly spaces decreases each cycle and works for all given starting counts. If you prefer, calculate spacing by dividing stitches by the number of decreases you wish to have; otherwise follow the gradual sequence above until the hat closes neatly.

5. Finishing
   • Cut yarn leaving an 8" / 20 cm tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and pull through remaining sts. Pull tight to close crown; weave tail into inside of hat and secure. Weave in all ends.
   • For a firmer folded brim: use mattress stitch to sew cast-on edge to inside of hat along the fold (pick up and sew through both layers), or simply fold and wear.
   • Optional pom-pom: attach a pom-pom (small for newborn, medium for child, large for adult) by threading through crown and securing with a strong knot; weave ends into inside of hat.
   • Blocking: Lightly steam or wet-block hat to shape if desired; wool will bloom and relax stitches slightly.

Variations & Tips

• Slouch: Add 0.75"–1.5" / 2–4 cm to the body length before beginning the crown decreases.
• Chocolate brim: Switch color for the brim for a contrast look; maintain floats tidy if working color changes.
• Slippery yarns: If using acrylic or slippery yarn, check tension and consider going down one needle size for better stitch definition.
• Earflaps: To add earflaps, work flat after the rib for a rectangular panel, graft the ends to form a seam and shape flaps with short-row shaping or decreases; this is an intermediate modification.

Troubleshooting

• If your hat is too loose: drop down a needle size or use heavier yarn.
• If your hat is too tight: go up a needle size or add 4 sts (one extra repeat of k2,p2) and lengthen the body slightly.
• Uneven crown: ensure decreases are spaced evenly each decrease round; move marker or use multiple markers to check spacing.

Notes on Needle Conversions

Needles listed with three systems: US / UK (old) / Metric. Example sizes used in this pattern:

• US 6 / UK (old) 8 / 4.0 mm
• US 7 / UK (old) 7 / 4.5 mm
• US 8 / UK (old) 6 / 5.0 mm

Copyright & Support

Pattern by PurlJam. For support, questions or pattern use, visit https://purljam.verde.uk or email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on social media.

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