Classic Knit Beanie

A clean, versatile, unisex beanie worked in the round with a 2x2 rib brim and a simple decrease crown. Fits most heads and is easily adjustable for length and ease. Includes sizes Small (Teen/Small Adult), Medium (Adult), Large (Generous Adult/Slouchy).

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (US 4 / Aran). Suggested: 1 skein approx. Small: 150 yards (137 m). Medium: 200 yards (183 m). Large: 225 yards (206 m). Typical skein size given as 200 yards / 100 g (183 m / 100 g) as a reference.
• Needles (in the round):
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) -- UK (old) size 7 -- Metric 4.5 mm: 16"/40 cm circular (for brim/body)
  • US 8 (5.0 mm) -- UK (old) size 6 -- Metric 5.0 mm: 16"/40 cm circular (optional to get a looser fabric for body)
  • Set of double-pointed needles or use magic loop in the same sizes for finishing the crown.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker.

Finished Measurements

• Small: approx. 18" / 46 cm circumference
• Medium: approx. 20" / 51 cm circumference
• Large: approx. 21.5" / 55 cm circumference
• Typical length from cast-on to crown before decreases: 7" / 18 cm (adjust to taste)

Gauge

18 stitches x 24 rounds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette, measured after blocking, using US 8 (5.0 mm). Always knit a swatch to confirm your gauge; adjust needle size if necessary.

Abbreviations (US)

• K = knit
• P = purl
• SSK = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• St(s) = stitch(es)

Notes

Cast on counts are multiples of 4 to maintain the 2x2 rib. Pattern is worked in the round; do not join to work in rows. If you prefer a firmer brim, use US 7 for ribbing and switch to US 8 for the body.

Sizing & Cast-On

• Small: CO 80 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular
• Medium: CO 88 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular
• Large: CO 96 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular

Pattern Instructions

1. Join in the round being careful not to twist. Place marker at beginning of round.
2. Brim: Work 2x2 rib (K2, P2) around for 2" / 5 cm, or until desired brim height. (If you prefer a cuffed brim, work 2x2 rib for 4" and fold up.)
3. Body: Change to US 8 (5.0 mm) if you want a slightly looser fabric. Work in Stockinette in the round (knit every round) until piece measures 7" / 18 cm from cast-on edge, or 1.5" less than your desired finished length.
4. Crown Decreases: The decrease sequence below is written to work cleanly for the cast-on numbers given. If you changed your stitch count, distribute decreases evenly instead.

Decrease Sequence (work for your size)

Small (CO 80)

1. *Round A: *K7, K2tog* repeat to end (10 decreases; 80 -> 70)
2. Round B: Knit around
3. Round C: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end (10 dec; 70 -> 60)
4. Round D: Knit around
5. Round E: *K5, K2tog* repeat (10 dec; 60 -> 50)
6. Round F: Knit around
7. Round G: *K4, K2tog* repeat (10 dec; 50 -> 40)
8. Round H: Knit around
9. Round I: *K3, K2tog* repeat (10 dec; 40 -> 30)
10. Round J: Knit around
11. Round K: *K2, K2tog* repeat (10 dec; 30 -> 20)
12. Round L: Knit around
13. Round M: *K1, K2tog* repeat (10 dec; 20 -> 10)
14. Round N: K2tog around as able until 5 stitches remain (10 -> 5). Break yarn, leaving an 8" / 20 cm tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight to close the top. Weave in ends.

Medium (CO 88)

1. Round A: *K7, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 88 -> 77)
2. Round B: Knit
3. Round C: *K6, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 77 -> 66)
4. Round D: Knit
5. Round E: *K5, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 66 -> 55)
6. Round F: Knit
7. Round G: *K4, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 55 -> 44)
8. Round H: Knit
9. Round I: *K3, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 44 -> 33)
10. Round J: Knit
11. Round K: *K2, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 33 -> 22)
12. Round L: Knit
13. Round M: *K1, K2tog* repeat (11 dec; 22 -> 11)
14. Round N: K2tog around as able until 5 stitches remain (11 -> 5). Break yarn, thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, weave in end.

Large (CO 96)

1. Round A: *K7, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 96 -> 84)
2. Round B: Knit
3. Round C: *K6, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 84 -> 72)
4. Round D: Knit
5. Round E: *K5, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 72 -> 60)
6. Round F: Knit
7. Round G: *K4, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 60 -> 48)
8. Round H: Knit
9. Round I: *K3, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 48 -> 36)
10. Round J: Knit
11. Round K: *K2, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 36 -> 24)
12. Round L: Knit
13. Round M: *K1, K2tog* repeat (12 dec; 24 -> 12)
14. Round N: K2tog around (12 -> 6). Break yarn, thread tail through remaining 6 stitches, pull tight, weave in end for a neat top.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block gently if desired to even stitches and relax the fabric.
• Optional: Attach a pompom to the crown. For a classic look use a 2.5-3" / 6-8 cm pompom.

Variations & Adjustments

• Slouchy version: Add 1-2" / 2.5-5 cm to body length before starting decreases.
• Brim alternatives: Use 1x1 rib (K1, P1) for a sleeker brim or seed stitch for texture (ensure cast-on is compatible).
• Colorwork: Add stripes or a simple fair isle band in the body, but keep gauge in mind.

Care

Follow yarn manufacturer's recommendations. Generally: hand wash cold, lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or tumble dry unless yarn label permits.

Troubleshooting

• If brim is too tight: go up a needle size for the ribbing or increase cast-on by 4 sts to add 0.5"/1 cm.
• If hat is too loose: go down a needle size for the body or subtract 4 sts from cast-on for a firmer fit.

Notes on Conversions

Needle size conversions shown above give US size, UK old size (traditional numbering), and metric millimeter size. Yarn yardage provided in Imperial yards and Metric meters for clarity.

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