Classic Rib Beanie

Designer: PurlJam | Support: team@verde.uk | Website: https://purljam.verde.uk | Socials: #purljam

Overview

A stretchy, unisex fitted beanie worked in the round with a 2x2 rib brim and a smooth stockinette crown. Sized from child to large adult. Suitable for beginner+ knitters; instructions include needle sizes in US, UK (old) and Metric and yarn yardage in imperial and metric.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (US 4 / Aran). Yardage by size: Child: 100 yards (91 m); Adult S/M: 150 yards (137 m); Adult L/XL: 200 yards (183 m). Choose wool, wool-blend or acrylic suiting your preference.
• Needles: Circular 16 inch recommended: US 8 (Metric 5.0 mm, UK old 6). Alternative: US 7 (4.5 mm, UK old 7) for firmer fabric or US 9 (5.5 mm, UK old 5) for looser. Set of double-pointed needles in the same size for finishing decreases (US 8 / 5.0 mm / UK 6).
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker, stitch holders (optional).

Needle size conversions used in this pattern

• US 7 = Metric 4.5 mm = UK old 7
• US 8 = Metric 5.0 mm = UK old 6
• US 9 = Metric 5.5 mm = UK old 5

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking, on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Adjust needle size to achieve correct gauge for best fit.

Finished measurements

• Child (2–6 yrs): circumference 17 in / 43 cm; depth 7 in / 18 cm
• Adult S/M: circumference 20 in / 51 cm; depth 9 in / 23 cm
• Adult L/XL: circumference 22 in / 56 cm; depth 10 in / 25 cm

Abbreviations

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

Notes

Hat is worked in the round from brim to crown. If using magic-loop, use a longer circular needle. Join carefully to avoid twisting. Brim is 2x2 rib (k2, p2). Decreases are worked evenly around the hat; guidance and alternate mappings are provided per size. When stitch count becomes small, move to double-pointed needles.

Pattern

Cast on and brim

Cast on the required number of stitches using the long-tail or preferred method. Join to work in the round, placing a marker for the beginning of the round.

• Child: cast on 76 sts
• Adult S/M: cast on 92 sts
• Adult L/XL: cast on 104 sts

Work 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 1.5–2.5 in / 4–6 cm depending on desired brim depth.

Body

Switch to stockinette in the round (knit every stitch) and work until hat measures:

• Child: 6.5–7 in / 16–18 cm from cast-on
• Adult S/M: 7.5–8.5 in / 19–22 cm
• Adult L/XL: 8.5–9.5 in / 22–24 cm

Or work until desired depth minus approximately 2 in / 5 cm reserved for crown shaping.

Crown decreases (general method)

Place 8 evenly spaced markers to divide the stitches into 8 sections. Work decrease rounds and plain rounds alternately to keep the crown shape smooth. Move to DPNs when necessary.

Example rhythm (adjust counts for your cast-on so decreases are evenly placed):

• Round A (decrease round): *kX, k2tog* repeat to end (X depends on size; see mapping below)
• Round B: Knit all sts
• Round C: *k(X-1), k2tog* repeat to end
• Round D: Knit all sts
• Continue alternating a decrease round and a plain round, reducing the number of knit sts before each k2tog each decrease pair, until 8–12 sts remain total.

When 8–12 stitches remain, cut yarn leaving a 6 in / 15 cm tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle, pull through remaining stitches, draw closed, secure with several stitches on the inside, and weave in ends.

Decrease mapping (starting X for Round A)

• Child (76 sts): Round A = *k8, k2tog* (adjust final repeat so decreases are evenly spaced). Continue decreasing until 8–10 sts remain.
• Adult S/M (92 sts): Round A = *k10, k2tog*; continue until 8–10 sts remain.
• Adult L/XL (104 sts): Round A = *k11, k2tog*; continue until 8–12 sts remain.

Optional variations

• Folded brim: cast on twice the final desired brim depth, work rib, then fold brim up and graft or mattress-stitch the inside fold to the inside of the hat for a firmer brim.
• Pompom: attach a pompom to crown center by sewing through several times and knotting securely on inside. Use yarn or a faux fur pompom.
• Slouchy fit: increase depth by 1–2 in / 2.5–5 cm or use a larger needle size for the body.

Finishing

• Weave in ends with tapestry needle on the wrong side of the work. Trim excess.
• Blocking: for natural fibers, wet-block gently or steam lightly to even stitches. Do not over-stretch—block to target measurements.
• Label your work and care instructions if gifting: recommended washing method depends on fiber.

Troubleshooting & tips

• If brim is baggy, try a smaller needle for the brim rib and switch to larger needles for body to create more elastic brim.
• If gauge is off, swatch again and change needle size; yarn manufacturer and personal tension affect outcome.
• Count decreases carefully and use removable markers to track sections.

Copyright & contact

Pattern written for personal use and small-scale gifting. For commercial enquiries or pattern permissions contact team@verde.uk. Find more patterns and updates at https://purljam.verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam.

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

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