Classic Ribbed Knit Beanie

Fast, wearable, and endlessly adaptable — this classic ribbed beanie is written for three adult sizes and worked in the round using worsted/aran weight yarn. Use the smaller needle for a snuggly brim and the larger needle for the body, or keep the same throughout for simplicity. Includes magic-loop and DPN options.

Finished measurements

• Small (S): approx 18 in / 46 cm circumference
• Medium (M): approx 20 in / 51 cm circumference
• Large (L): approx 22 in / 56 cm circumference
• Depth (from cast-on to top, before finishing): S 8.5 in / 21.5 cm, M 9 in / 23 cm, L 9.5 in / 24 cm

Yarn

• Worsted/Aran weight (US 4) yarn — Imperial and Metric sizing: approx 100 yds (91 m) for Small, 120 yds (110 m) for Medium, 140 yds (128 m) for Large. Typical skein example: 200 yds (183 m) per 100 g (Imperial/Metric).

Needles

• Main: 16 in / 40 cm circular needle US 8 (5.0 mm) — UK (old) 6
• Optional for a firmer brim: 16 in / 40 cm circular needle US 7 (4.5 mm) — UK (old) 7
• Alternative: set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) US 8 (5.0 mm) or long circular for magic-loop method

Notions

• Stitch marker (marker for beginning of round)
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends
• Scissors, measuring tape

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch, worked on US 8 (5.0 mm).

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• Pm = place marker
• St(s) = stitch(es)

Sizes & cast-on

Pattern is written S (M, L). Cast on the number of stitches shown and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

• S: CO 80 sts
• M: CO 90 sts
• L: CO 100 sts

Pattern

1. Brim (worked in the round)

If you want a firmer brim, use the smaller needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm). Otherwise work the brim on the US 8 (5.0 mm).

1. Round 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of round. (1x1 rib)
2. Work in 1x1 rib until brim measures 1.5 in / 4 cm from cast-on edge.

2. Body (stockinette in the round)

1. Switch to US 8 (5.0 mm) if you used a smaller needle for the brim. Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until the hat measures: S 7 in / 18 cm, M 7.5 in / 19 cm, L 8 in / 20 cm measured from cast-on edge (measuring just above the rib brim). You can try the hat on and adjust length for a slouchier or snug fit.

3. Crown shaping (all sizes)

This decrease sequence reliably reduces by repeating blocks that divide evenly into the cast-on counts above. Work the rounds in sequence, working the plain knit round after each decrease round, until you have 16 sts left, then decrease to finish.

1. Round A: *K8, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
2. Round B: Knit all sts.
3. Round C: *K7, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
4. Round D: Knit all sts.
5. Round E: *K6, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
6. Round F: Knit all sts.
7. Round G: *K5, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
8. Round H: Knit all sts.
9. Round I: *K4, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
10. Round J: Knit all sts.
11. Round K: *K3, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
12. Round L: Knit all sts.
13. Round M: *K2, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
14. Round N: Knit all sts.
15. Round O: *K1, K2tog; repeat to end of round.
16. Round P: Knit all sts.
17. Round Q: *K2tog; repeat to end of round. (You should have 8 sts left.)

4. Finish

1. Cut yarn leaving a 6 in / 15 cm tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle, pull tail through remaining sts and draw gather tightly to close top.
2. Weave tail into the inside of the hat securely. Weave in any other loose ends and trim.

Alternate: Magic loop or DPN transition

Work rounds on magic loop or circular until you reach a point where the remaining stitches are small enough to comfortably switch to DPNs. When you reach 24-32 stitches total, divide stitches evenly across 3 or 4 DPNs and continue the decrease sequence in the round as written.

Customization and fit notes

• For a deeper hat, add 1 in / 2.5 cm to the body before starting crown shaping.
• For a slouchier style, add 1.5-2 in / 4-5 cm.
• If your gauge is different, adjust cast-on proportionally: desired circumference (in inches) x (sts per inch from your gauge) = cast-on sts. Make sure cast-on is a multiple of 10 to follow the decrease sequence exactly; if not, adjust by +/- 2 sts and adapt ribbing accordingly.

Blocking

Lightly steam or wet block to even stitches if desired. Avoid overstretching the rib.

Troubleshooting

• If your decreases look tight, try K2tog through the back loop (if you want a twisted decrease) or use centered double decreases for a different visual effect.
• If the crown puckers unevenly, check that your decrease repeats are aligned with your stitch markers; move the marker if necessary so decreases fall evenly.

Stitch glossary (short)

• K2tog — Knit two together: insert right needle into next two stitches as if to knit, knit them together — decreases one stitch.

Designer notes

Thanks for knitting this beanie! It’s meant to be an easy-to-memorize make with classic shaping that scales across adult sizes. If you prefer cables, colorwork, or a folded brim, treat this as your base and play with details.

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

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

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