Classic Beanie Knitting Pattern

A simple, versatile knit beanie worked in the round with a stretchy 2x2 rib and a smooth crown decrease. Sizes from newborn to large adult; adjustable length for slouch, cuffed brim or folded brim.

Finished Measurements

• Newborn: 12.5" (32 cm) circumference, ~5" (13 cm) depth
• Baby: 14" (36 cm) circumference, ~6.5" (17 cm) depth
• Child: 16" (41 cm) circumference, ~7.5" (19 cm) depth
• Teen/Small Adult: 17.5" (44 cm) circumference, ~8.5" (22 cm) depth
• Adult: 19.5" (50 cm) circumference, ~9" (23 cm) depth
• Large Adult: 21.5" (55 cm) circumference, ~10" (25 cm) depth

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (US 4) / Aran (UK). Suggested fiber: superwash wool, wool blend or acrylic. Approximate amounts (Imperial / Metric): Newborn 60 yd (55 m); Baby 80 yd (73 m); Child 100 yd (91 m); Teen/Small Adult 140 yd (128 m); Adult 170 yd (155 m); Large Adult 200 yd (183 m).
• Needles: In-the-round preferred. Use size for gauge: US 8 / UK (Old) 4 / 5.0 mm circular needle 16" (40 cm) for small sizes or 24" (60 cm) for larger sizes, and set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same sizes for the crown. Optional smaller needle for ribbing if you prefer a firmer brim: US 7 / UK (Old) 5 / 4.5 mm.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker.

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette in the round on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit 2 sts together
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round
• CO: cast on
• pm: place marker
• sl: slip

Sizing & Cast-On

Cast on a multiple of 8 to use the decrease scheme below. Recommended cast-on counts:

• Newborn: 56 sts
• Baby: 64 sts
• Child: 72 sts
• Teen/Small Adult: 80 sts
• Adult: 88 sts
• Large Adult: 96 sts

These counts assume the gauge above. If your gauge differs, cast on number = (Head circumference in inches x sts per inch from your gauge), rounded to nearest multiple of 8.

Pattern Notes

• Work in the round with a join that is not twisted. Place a marker at the beginning of the rnd.
• Ribbing is 2x2 (k2, p2). You can change to k1,p1 for a different look.
• If you want a folded brim, knit ribbing length 2.5"-3.5" (6-9 cm) so it can be folded up.

Instructions

1) Cast On & Rib

1. CO recommended number of sts using long-tail cast on. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beg of rnd.
2. Work 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 1.5" (4 cm) for a standard brim, or 2.5"-3.5" (6-9 cm) for a folded cuff, or 1" (2.5 cm) for a short brim.

2) Body

1. Switch to stockinette in the round: knit every rnd until hat measures the following from cast-on edge: Newborn 5" (13 cm); Baby 6.5" (17 cm); Child 7.5" (19 cm); Teen 8.5" (22 cm); Adult 9" (23 cm); Large 10" (25 cm). Stop when you have about 2" (5 cm) left before desired depth to begin crown shaping.

3) Crown Decreases (works neatly when CO is multiple of 8)

Place marker if desired to mark start. Work the decrease set below, working a plain knit rnd between decrease rounds. Repeat the set until approximately 8-12 sts remain; then proceed to final decrease.

Decrease Set (repeat):
Rnd 1: *k6, k2tog* around
Rnd 2: knit around
Rnd 3: *k5, k2tog* around
Rnd 4: knit around
Rnd 5: *k4, k2tog* around
Rnd 6: knit around
Rnd 7: *k3, k2tog* around
Rnd 8: knit around
Rnd 9: *k2, k2tog* around
Rnd10: knit around
Rnd11: *k1, k2tog* around
Rnd12: knit around
Final: *k2tog* around until 1-6 sts remain

Because the cast-on is a multiple of 8, each decrease round maintains even repeats. If you end a decrease round with extra stitches due to gauge variance, adjust the last repeat by working k to 1 stitch before the marker, then k2tog, or distribute decreases evenly by eye.

4) Finish

1. When 1-6 sts remain, cut yarn leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle, pull through remaining sts, pull tightly to close top. Secure with a knot inside, weave in tail.
2. Weave in all ends, block lightly if desired to even stitches.

Optional Variations

• Slouchy beanie: add 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) to body before starting decreases.
• Folded brim: make ribbing longer (2.5"-3.5") and fold up when finished for a double layer brim.
• Pompom: attach a pompom (small ~2"/5 cm for newborn, medium 3"/8 cm for child, large 4"/10 cm for adult).

Tips

• If you prefer a firmer brim, work ribbing on a needle one size smaller (US 7 / 4.5 mm) then switch to larger needle for the body.
• Check gauge and measure circumference as you go; if too small, go up one needle size or add 8 sts; if too large, go down a size or subtract 8 sts.
• To avoid laddering when using long circulars for small circumference, use DPNs for the final rounds or use magic loop with a shorter cable.

Care

Follow yarn label. For superwash: machine wash gentle, tumble low or dry flat. For non-superwash wool: handwash cold, roll in towel to remove excess water, dry flat.

Support & Credits

Pattern by PurlJam. For questions or support email team@verde.uk. Visit https://purljam.verde.uk and follow #purljam on social media.

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

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