Quick, versatile top-down beanie worked in the round. Fits newborn through adult large. Knit flat with magic loop or small circulars/DPNs; written for circulars but includes DPN notes. Gauge, yarn and needle options given in US, UK (old) and Metric.
Sizes (finished circumference unstretched)
Newborn: 14 in / 35.5 cm — Cast on 64 sts
Infant: 16 in / 40.5 cm — Cast on 72 sts
Child: 18 in / 45.5 cm — Cast on 80 sts
Adult S: 20 in / 51 cm — Cast on 92 sts
Adult L: 22 in / 56 cm — Cast on 100 sts
Materials
Yarn: Worsted weight (US #4). Example yardage: approx 200 yd / 183 m per 100 g skein. Required yarn by size (approx): Newborn 50 yd / 46 m (25 g); Infant 80 yd / 73 m (35 g); Child 120 yd / 110 m (60 g); Adult S 180 yd / 165 m (100 g); Adult L 220 yd / 201 m (115 g). (Imperial and Metric listed.)
Needles (in 16"/40 cm circular + DPNs or magic loop): Brim: US 7 / UK (old) 7 / 4.5 mm (to make a firm rib). Body: US 8 / UK (old) 6 / 5.0 mm (stockinette). Optional larger for looser fabric: US 9 / UK (old) 5 / 5.5 mm.
18 sts x 24 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Always swatch in the round and adjust needle size if needed to match gauge.
Abbreviations
K = knit
P = purl
P2tog = purl 2 together
SSK = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
CO = cast on
St(s) = stitch(es)
PM = place marker
SM = slip marker
Rnd = round
Notes
This hat is worked top-down. You cast on for the crown and work outward to the brim; the brim is worked in rib on slightly smaller needles for a snug fit. If you prefer a fold-up brim, make the rib twice as deep and fold.
When dividing for crown decreases, place 8 equally spaced markers (divide sts by 8). If your stitch count does not divide evenly by 8, distribute extras starting at the marker 1 and moving clockwise.
Length measurements are from the top (center) down to the cast-on edge after knitting the body and before any folding of the brim.
Cast-On & Crown (top-down)
Use long-tail cast-on (or your preferred stretchy cast-on). Cast on the number of stitches for your size listed above. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist. PM to mark beginning of round.
Crown shaping method: start with a short round of plain knitting to establish the crown, then decrease rounds every other round until the head is roughly 1.5–2 inches shorter than your desired final length, then decrease every round until 8–12 sts remain.
Starter rounds (all sizes)
Rnd 1: Knit 1 round.
Rnd 2: *K1, Kfb (knit front and back) repeat around* — this is optional if you need a little extra crown depth; if you prefer a flatter crown omit the Kfb round.
Crown decrease (recommended, adjustable)
Place 8 markers to divide your total cast-on sts into 8 nearly equal sections. You will perform a decrease at the end of each section on decrease rounds.
Decrease pattern (repeat rounds until you have approx 16–20 sts left, then speed up as written):
Rnd A (Decrease round): *K to 3 sts before next marker, K2tog, K1, SM* — repeat across all sections. (This decreases 8 sts per Decrease round.)
Rnd B: Knit all sts around.
Repeat Rnd A then Rnd B until you reach approximately twice the number of sections in sts (for example, for 8 sections aim for 16–24 sts remaining), then proceed to more aggressive decreases described next.
When about 16–24 sts remain (this depends on size), change to decreasing every round as follows:
Rnd C: *K to 2 sts before next marker, K2tog, SM* — repeat around. (Decreases 8 sts.)
Next rnd: *K1, SSK, K to next marker minus 1* — alternate left-leaning decreases if you want a neater closed top. Continue until 8-12 sts remain.
Final close: cut yarn leaving a 6" / 15 cm tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining sts. Pull tight to close the top. Weave in end securely and tidy inside.
Body & Brim
After initial crown shaping rounds, work stockinette (knit every round) until hat measures from top to cast-on edge approximately:
Newborn: 4.5 in / 11.5 cm
Infant: 5 in / 12.5 cm
Child: 6 in / 15 cm
Adult S: 7.5 in / 19 cm
Adult L: 8 in / 20.5 cm
Switch to smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm) and work rib for brim:
Rib pattern: *K2, P2* around. Work rib for 12 rounds (approx 2 in / 5 cm) for a standard brim. For a deeper fold-up brim, work 24 rounds (approx 4 in / 10 cm) and fold up.
Finishing
Bind off rib loosely in pattern (k2, p2 bind off leaving first stitch unworked if necessary). Alternatively, bind off with a stretchy bind-off or use a tubular cast-off for a finished look.
Weave in all ends with tapestry needle. Block lightly if desired to even stitches (use steam or wet block per yarn instructions).
Add a pompom if desired – attach securely.
Customization & fit tips
For slouchier fit, add 1–2 in / 2.5–5 cm to body length before starting brim.
To make earflaps, stop body 1.5 in / 4 cm above brim and pick up stitches to shape flaps; pattern for earflaps not included but can be worked by picking up 12–16 sts per flap and decreasing to shape.
Adjust needle sizes if you prefer a firmer or looser fabric; always re-check gauge.
Troubleshooting & Notes
If your hat is too large: go down one needle size or reduce cast-on by 4 or 8 sts.
If your hat is too small: go up one needle size or increase cast-on by 4 or 8 sts.
Evenly spaced markers and counting after each decrease round help keep the crown symmetric.
Support
If you have questions about this pattern, please email team@verde.uk or visit https://purljam.verde.uk. Share makes and questions on socials with #purljam.