Classic Ribbed Beanie

Top-down, 2x2 rib brim, stockinette body and easy crown decreases. Worked in worsted weight yarn — a modern classic that’s fast, squishy and comfy.

Skill

Easy — comfortable if you know knit, purl, knitting in the round and basic decreases (k2tog). Optional magic loop or DPNs for finishing.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted / Aran weight (Category 4). Examples: 1 skein (approx) for small adult — see yardage per size below.
  Yardage (Imperial & Metric): Newborn 100 yds (91 m), Child 150 yds (137 m), Small Adult 175 yds (160 m), Adult 200 yds (183 m), Large/XL 225–250 yds (206–229 m).
• Needles: Use needles to get gauge. Pattern uses two sizes:
  • Brim: US 6 / UK (old) 6 / 4.0 mm circular 16" (40 cm) or DPNs
  • Body & Crown: US 7 / UK (old) 7 / 4.5 mm circular 16" (40 cm) or magic loop; set of DPNs or 5" (12 cm) DPNs for final rounds
  Also include a smaller needle for the brim if you prefer a firmer edge (optional): US 5 / UK 5 / 3.75 mm.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, stitch holder or waste yarn (if you want to try provisional cast-on for a folded brim), scrap yarn for measuring gauge, pompom maker (optional), scissors.

Sizing & Finished Measurements

All circumferences are unstretched. Measure head circumference and subtract 1–2" (2.5–5 cm) ease for a snug beanie.

• Newborn: 13" (33 cm) circumference; height 5" (12.5 cm)
• Child: 16" (41 cm) circumference; height 6.5" (16.5 cm)
• Small Adult (S): 18" (46 cm) circumference; height 8" (20.5 cm)
• Adult (M): 20" (51 cm) circumference; height 9" (23 cm)
• Large (L): 22" (56 cm) circumference; height 9.5" (24 cm)

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette on US 7 / 4.5 mm. Adjust needle size for your gauge and personal tension. If you get more sts per 4" use a larger needle; if fewer, use a smaller one.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• CO = cast on
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) — optional for mirrored look

Notes

• This pattern is written for knitting in the round. You can work flat and seam if preferred; convert rounds to rows and use purl side for stocking stitch.
• The brim is worked in 2x2 rib (k2, p2). If you prefer a firmer brim, work the rib on a smaller needle for 1.5–2.5" and then switch to larger needles for the body.
• For crown shaping we use evenly spaced decreases by placing markers to divide the round into equal sections. This is flexible and works for any stitch count that is a multiple of 4; recommended cast-on counts below are multiples of 8 for an even rib and tidy decreases.

Cast-On & Setup

Cast on using long-tail or preferred stretchy cast-on. Use a multiple of 4 for the 2x2 rib. Suggested CO counts (adjust to fit your gauge and desired ease):

• Newborn: CO 44 sts
• Child: CO 56 sts
• Small Adult (S): CO 72 sts
• Adult (M): CO 80 sts
• Large (L): CO 88 sts

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Brim

Using smaller needle if you prefer a firmer brim (US 6 / 4.0 mm):

1. Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for desired brim depth: Newborn 1" (2.5 cm); Child 1.5" (4 cm); Adults 1.5–2.5" (4–6.5 cm). For a folded brim, make it twice the depth so you can fold up.

Body

2. Switch to larger needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm). Knit every rnd (stockinette in the round) until piece measures from cast-on edge: Newborn 4.5" (11.5 cm) total height; Child 6" (15 cm); S 7.5" (19 cm); M 8.5" (21.5 cm); L 9" (23 cm). Measure to top of ear or desired crown depth — you will decrease after this length.

Crown Shaping (Top Decreases) — Evenly Spaced Method (recommended)

This method is robust and works for all the stitch counts above.

1. Place a removable marker every 8 stitches around the round to create evenly spaced sections. Example: if CO 80 sts, you will place 10 markers (80/8 = 10 markers). If your stitch count is not divisible by 8, place markers approximately evenly; try to have 8–10 sts between markers.
2. Decrease rounds (repeat until approx 8–12 sts remain):
   1. Decrease Round (A): *K to 1 stitch before marker, k2tog, slip marker* — repeat to end of round. This reduces the total stitch count by the number of markers each decrease round.
   2. Even Round (B): Knit all sts (or keep established rib pattern for a short while if you prefer more texture) — work one round between decreases to ease shaping.
3. Repeat A then B until between 8 and 12 stitches remain on your needles. If you have an odd small number (like 9 or 11), do one more decrease round and then trim yarn so 6–8 sts remain for a neat finish.
4. Finish: Cut yarn leaving a 6–8" (15–20 cm) tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and pull through remaining sts, cinching tightly. Weave in the end securely on the inside. If you used duplicate stitch seaming for a folded brim, weave that end in as well.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat.
• Block gently if desired — wet block and lay flat to shape. Avoid overstretching rib.
• Optional Pom-pom: Attach securely to top. For a removable pom-pom, sew a button or loop system into crown before attaching pompom.

Customizing

• Make a slouchy beanie: add 1–2" (2.5–5 cm) to the body before starting decreases.
• Change the rib to 1x1 (k1,p1) for a finer texture; adjust cast-on to a multiple of 2.
• Add color: work a contrasting stripe every few inches or change color at the brim/body join.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Hat too tight or loose: change needle size. If fit is still wrong, adjust cast-on by adding or subtracting 4 sts (1 rib repeat).
• Visible seam at join: check tension on first round after joining; use a looser join technique or try provisional cast-on and graft the seam.
• Uneven decreases: ensure markers are placed precisely and count stitches before starting decreases.

Row-by-row Quick Reference (Adult M — CO 80)

1. CO 80 sts, join in round. Place marker.
2. Work k2,p2 rib on US 6 / 4.0 mm for 1.75" (4.5 cm).
3. Switch to US 7 / 4.5 mm. Knit every round until total height = 8.5" (21.5 cm).
4. Place markers every 8 sts (10 markers). Begin crown decreases: Rnd A: k to 1 st before marker, k2tog, slip marker — repeat. Rnd B: knit all. Repeat A/B until approx 8 sts remain.
5. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, secure and weave in ends. Add pompom if desired.

Notes on Needles & Yarn Listings (US, UK Old, Metric)

Needle sizes included as requested: Brim needle US 6 / UK (old) 6 / 4.0 mm. Body needle US 7 / UK (old) 7 / 4.5 mm. You may prefer US 5 / 3.75 mm for an extra-firm brim. Yarn metric/imperial: yardage and meterage shown in the Materials section; yarn weight: Worsted / Aran (Category 4).

Contact & Support

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

Enjoy knitting — if you want a variant (slouchy, cable, colorwork) tell me the size and yarn and I’ll adapt the pattern.