Classic Worsted Beanie

A simple, versatile knitted beanie worked in the round. Fits sizes Newborn through Adult L/XL. Optional folded brim or single-layer brim; instructions include exact cast-ons, measurements, crown shaping and finishing. Gauge and needle options provided so you can easily adjust fit.

Yarn

• Worsted/Aran weight yarn (US 4 / UK 8). Typical skein: 180–200 yd (165–183 m) per 100 g recommended.
• Suggested yardage by size: Newborn 60 yd (55 m); Baby 75 yd (69 m); Child 100 yd (91 m); Teen 125 yd (114 m); Adult S/M 150 yd (137 m); Adult L/XL 175 yd (160 m). One 100 g worsted skein is enough for most adult sizes; small sizes use under one skein.
• Examples: any worsted/aran from tweed to smooth wool, superwash blends for easy care.

Needles

• Work in the round. Suggested needles: US 7 (4.5 mm / UK 7), US 8 (5.0 mm / UK 6). Use size that gives correct gauge and desired fabric density. For a firmer fabric, go down one size (US 7 / 4.5 mm). For a slouchier hat, go up one size (US 9 / 5.5 mm).
• Options: 16–20” (40–50 cm) circular for magic-loop or short circular for small circumference + set of DPNs same size for finishing, or 32” (80 cm) cable for two-circular technique.
• Needle size table: US 6 = 4.0 mm = UK 8; US 7 = 4.5 mm = UK 7; US 8 = 5.0 mm = UK 6; US 9 = 5.5 mm = UK 5.

Notions

• Tapestry needle for weaving ends.
• Stitch marker (marker to mark round start).
• Scissors, optional pompom maker.

Finished circumferences (unstretched)

• Newborn: approx 12.4 in / 31.5 cm
• Baby: approx 14.2 in / 36 cm
• Child: approx 16.0 in / 40.6 cm
• Teen: approx 17.8 in / 45.2 cm
• Adult S/M: approx 19.6 in / 49.8 cm
• Adult L/XL: approx 21.3 in / 54.1 cm

Sizes and Cast-on (multiple of 8)

• Newborn: CO 56 sts
• Baby: CO 64 sts
• Child: CO 72 sts
• Teen: CO 80 sts
• Adult S/M: CO 88 sts
• Adult L/XL: CO 96 sts

These counts assume the gauge below. If you prefer a snugger fit, subtract one repeat (8 sts) and re-check gauge.

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch in the round on larger needle (US 8 / 5.0 mm). Rows/rounds per inch ≈ 6. Stitches per inch ≈ 4.5. Always swatch and adjust needle size to match gauge.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• K2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
• P2tog = purl 2 together
• Rnd = round
• Rep = repeat
• RS = right side

Brim Options

Choose one:

• 1x1 rib (elastic): CO using a stretchy cast-on and join. Work K1, P1 rib for desired brim length.
• 2x2 rib (chunkier look): CO a multiple of 4; work K2, P2 rib for brim length.
• Folded brim: Work provisional CO or CO long enough to fold; pick up cast-on stitches and graft or sew for a folded look.
• Rolled brim: For a simple rolled edge, CO and work stockinette instead of rib; edge will roll naturally.

Measurements and When to Start Crown Shaping

Measure from cast-on edge up to the top of the head. Work until hat measures as follows from the cast-on edge (before decreasing):

• Newborn: work until 5.5 in / 14 cm
• Baby: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm
• Child: 7.0 in / 18 cm
• Teen: 8.0 in / 20.5 cm
• Adult S/M: 8.5 in / 21.5 cm
• Adult L/XL: 9.0 in / 23 cm

Adjust these lengths based on preferred slouch: add 0.5–2.0 in for more slouch.

Pattern (worked in the round)

1. Cast on the number of stitches for your size using your chosen cast-on method. Join to work in the round, placing a marker for the beginning of the round. Take care not to twist stitches.

2. Brim: Work rib of choice for the desired brim length. Suggested brim lengths: Newborn 1.5 in / 4 cm; Baby 1.5 in / 4 cm; Child 1.75 in / 4.5 cm; Teen 2.0 in / 5 cm; Adult S/M 2.5 in / 6.5 cm; L/XL 2.5 in / 6.5 cm.

3. Body: Switch to stockinette in the round (knit every round) on the larger needle. Work until piece measures the specified total hat length minus brim (see "Measurements" section above). That is, Body rounds = (total length - brim length) x 6 rounds/inch (approx). For example Adult S/M: (8.5–2.5) = 6 in x 6 = 36 rounds.

Crown Decreases (works for any starting count that is a multiple of 8)

We use a 7-round decrease sequence. Do these rounds consecutively (no plain rounds between). After the final decrease round you will have N/8 stitches remaining (N = starting cast-on). Draw yarn through remaining stitches to close crown.

1. Rnd 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end.
2. Rnd 2: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end.
3. Rnd 3: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end.
4. Rnd 4: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end.
5. Rnd 5: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end.
6. Rnd 6: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end.
7. Rnd 7: *K2tog* repeat to end.

After Rnd 7 you will have m stitches left where m = starting sts / 8. Cut yarn leaving an 8–10 in / 20–25 cm tail, thread tail through tapestry needle, pull through remaining stitches and pull tight. Weave in ends securely on WS of hat.

Alternative decrease pacing

If you prefer decreases more slowly for a taller crown, work a plain knit round between each decrease round until you reach the next decrease. Example: decrease round (as above), knit 1 round, next decrease round, knit 1 round, etc. Note: this produces slightly different spacing; you may end with a different number of rounds before you reach a small number of stitches; finish by closing remaining stitches as above.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat using a tapestry needle.
• Block gently if using wool: wet block to shape, lay flat to dry. For acrylic or superwash, steam lightly with a damp cloth if desired.
• Optional pompom: attach a pompom to the crown with a strong knot and weave the tails through several stitches on the inside to secure.

Fit adjustments and notes

• To make the hat tighter, go down one needle size; to make slouchier, go up one size or add 0.5–1.5 in extra length before beginning decreases.
• If your gauge differs, recalc cast-on as multiple of 8: Desired circumference (in inches) x your stitches-per-inch, then round to nearest multiple of 8.
• To change brim width, alter rib rounds: each 6 rounds adds about 1 in / 2.5 cm.

Troubleshooting

• If decreases bunch on one side, move the beginning-of-round marker so decreases are centered on top or splice decreases over two needles for more even distribution.
• If hat feels too loose at brim, try a firmer cast-on (e.g., long-tail but tighter) or switch to 1x1 rib for more elasticity.

Abbreviated Pattern Summary

• CO required stitches (multiple of 8). Join to work in the round. Work brim in chosen rib for desired depth.
• Switch to stockinette and work until hat measures specified length before crown shaping.
• Work crown decrease rounds: *K6,K2tog*; *K5,K2tog*; *K4,K2tog*; *K3,K2tog*; *K2,K2tog*; *K1,K2tog*; *K2tog*; break yarn and draw through remaining stitches; weave in ends.

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