Classic Knit Beanie — Seamless Top-Down

Quick, wearable, and endlessly adaptable. This pattern is written for worsted weight yarn and a seamless top-down construction using circular needles (magic loop or 16”/40 cm circular) or DPNs. Sizes included: Small (Adult small), Medium (Adult average), Large (Adult large). Gauge, yarn, needles and clear step-by-step crown decreases included so you can make a fitted brim, a slouchy beanie, or add a pompom.

Finished measurements

• Small: finished circumference 18 in / 46 cm (best for 19” head with -1” negative ease)
• Medium: 20 in / 51 cm (best for 21” head with -1” negative ease)
• Large: 22 in / 56 cm (best for 23” head with -1” to 0” negative ease)

Suggested yarn

Worsted weight / Aran (US 4 / Medium).

• Yarn amount: Small 120 yd / 110 m; Medium 150 yd / 137 m; Large 180 yd / 165 m.
• Typical skein: 100 g / 3.5 oz ≈ 200 yd / 183 m (one skein will cover most sizes; heavier yardage recommended for very long slouch).

Needles (US, UK old, Metric)

• Ribbing: US 7 — UK 7 — 4.5 mm, 16 in / 40 cm circular or DPNs.
• Body: US 8 — UK 6 — 5.0 mm, 16 in / 40 cm circular (magic loop) or DPNs.
• You may prefer to use the same needle size throughout for a firmer brim or a looser crown; check gauge.

Notions

• Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scrap yarn (for provisional or stitch holder if desired), optional pompom maker.

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Knit a 4”/10 cm swatch in the round to check gauge. If you have more stitches per 4”, go up a needle size. If fewer, go down a size.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• pm = place marker
• wyib = with yarn in back

Instructions

Notes: This pattern is written for three sizes: Small (S) / Medium (M) / Large (L). When you see numbers in parentheses, they correspond S (M, L). Work all rounds from the top down. When the pattern tells you to repeat an instruction across the round, repeat until the end of the rnd.

1. Cast on: CO 80 (88, 96) sts using long-tail cast-on on US 7 / 4.5 mm. Join for working in the round being careful not to twist. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.
2. Brim (ribbing): Work in k1, p1 rib for 1.5 in / 4 cm for a modest brim, or 2 in / 5 cm for a chunkier brim. Stay on US 7.
3. Body: Switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm. Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until the hat measures 6.5 (7, 7.5) in / 16.5 (18, 19) cm from cast-on edge, or 1.5” less than the desired finished length if you plan for a pompom. Adjust length for slouch by knitting longer.
4. Crown decreases: The cast-on counts are multiples of 8. You'll perform a series of decrease rounds that reduce one stitch per 8-st block each decrease round. Work the following sequence exactly as written. Repeat the starred section the number of times equal to your cast-on divided by 8 (S:10, M:11, L:12).

Decrease sequence (work across the round):

1. Rnd A: *k6, k2tog*; repeat across the rnd.
2. Rnd B: Knit the rnd (every stitch).
3. Rnd C: *k5, k2tog*; repeat across the rnd.
4. Rnd D: Knit the rnd.
5. Rnd E: *k4, k2tog*; repeat across the rnd.
6. Rnd F: Knit the rnd.
7. Rnd G: *k3, k2tog*; repeat across the rnd.
8. Rnd H: Knit the rnd.
9. Rnd I: *k2, k2tog*; repeat across the rnd.
10. Rnd J: Knit the rnd.
11. Rnd K: *k1, k2tog*; repeat across the rnd.
12. Rnd L: Knit the rnd.
13. Rnd M: *k2tog*; repeat across the rnd. (After this round you will have a small number of sts remaining: S:10, M:11, L:12.)

Finish: Cut yarn leaving a 6” / 15 cm tail. Thread tail through a tapestry needle and draw it through the remaining sts, pull snug to close the top securely. Weave in end on the inside. Thread in all remaining loose ends. If you prefer a neater inside finish, use a duplicate stitch or weave the tail in a circular pattern around the inside to conceal.

Optional pompom

Attach a pompom by sewing through the gathered top before weaving in the tail; secure with several passes and knot tightly. Trim and shape pompom as desired.

Variations and tips

• For a tighter brim, work ribbing on smaller needles or go down one size from body needle just for the brim.
• For slouch, add 1” to 2” to the length before beginning crown decreases.
• Add a slipped-stitch contrast brim by slipping every other stitch on ribbing rounds and carrying a contrast color every two rows for color block effect.
• To use cables or texture, maintain total stitch count and work the pattern repeat across the round; stop texture 1.5” before decreases to keep shaping even.

Blocking & care

Wash by hand or gentle machine cycle per yarn label and dry flat. Light steam blocking will even stockinette and open up the stitch definition slightly; do not over-block a worsted beanie or it will become too loose.

Troubleshooting

• If decreases look lopsided, alternate ssk and k2tog rows on successive decrease rounds to balance left/right lean.
• If hole at crown is too large for your taste, work an extra round of decreases (for example repeat Rnd M earlier) or use smaller needles for the last 2–3 rounds before finishing.

Support & credits

Pattern by PurlJam. For pattern support email team@verde.uk. Visit https://purljam.verde.uk and share finished projects with #purljam on social media.

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

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