Classic Worsted Beanie (Knitting)

Upbeat, calm, and simple beanie in worsted weight yarn. Three adult sizes with a stretchy ribbed brim and a smooth stockinette crown; worked in the round with circulars or DPNs. Website: purljam.verde.uk. Support: team@verde.uk. Socials: #purljam

Materials

Yarn: Worsted/Aran (Medium 4). Approximate yardage and weight: Small 150 yds (137 m) — 75 g (2.65 oz); Medium 180 yds (165 m) — 90 g (3.17 oz); Large 210 yds (192 m) — 105 g (3.70 oz). Typical skein: 200 yds / 183 m per 100 g.
Needles: Brim: US 7 (4.5 mm, UK 7) circular 16" (40 cm) or DPNs; Body: US 8 (5.0 mm, UK 6) circular 16" (40 cm) or DPNs. Magic loop: 32" (80 cm) cable also fine. Tapestry needle, stitch marker.

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 8 (5.0 mm). Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Finished Sizes

Small (S): 88 sts cast-on — finished circumference ≈ 19.5" / 50 cm; recommended for head circumference 20–21" with slight negative ease.
Medium (M): 96 sts cast-on — finished circumference ≈ 21.3" / 54 cm.
Large (L): 104 sts cast-on — finished circumference ≈ 23.1" / 59 cm.

Finished length (from cast-on to top): adjust to taste. Suggested: S 7" (18 cm), M 7.5" (19 cm), L 8" (20.5 cm).

Abbreviations

k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
CO = cast on
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd = round

Notes

This hat is worked in the round. Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches (pattern uses 88/96/104). Rib uses k2, p2. For a firmer brim, use the smaller needle for the rib and switch to the larger needle for the body. To change fit, alter cast-on by adding or subtracting multiples of 8 and adjust length before starting crown decreases.

Pattern

CO 88 (96, 104) sts using a stretchy cast-on. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
Brim: Work k2, p2 ribbing for 1.75" (4.5 cm) or desired brim depth. (Use US 7 / 4.5 mm.)
Switch to US 8 (5.0 mm). Body: Knit every rnd (stockinette in the round) until piece measures 7" (18 cm) for S, 7.5" (19 cm) for M, 8" (20.5 cm) for L from cast-on edge, ending after a full rnd.
Crown decreases: Decrease following the sequence below. Each line is worked once, in order, with the repeat count equal to the original cast-on divided by 8 (S:11, M:12, L:13). Work each decrease rnd and knit any plain rnds between as indicated if you'd like to slow shaping (optional). Recommended: work decreases every rnd as written for a smooth tapered top.
R1: *K6, k2tog* to end.
R2: *K5, k2tog* to end.
R3: *K4, k2tog* to end.
R4: *K3, k2tog* to end.
R5: *K2, k2tog* to end.
R6: *K1, k2tog* to end.
R7: *K2tog* to end.
Cut yarn leaving an 8–10" (20–25 cm) tail. Thread tail through a tapestry needle and draw through remaining 11 (12, 13) sts. Pull tightly to close top. Secure and weave in ends thoroughly on the inside. Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in ends with tapestry needle; bury tails along interior brim for neat finish.
Lightly block the hat if desired: steam or soak briefly and shape on a flat surface. Air dry flat.
Optional pompom: 2.5–3" (6–8 cm) pompom uses 10–20 yds (9–18 m) extra yarn; secure with long tail and sew to top before weaving in.

Alterations & Fit Tips

If your gauge is tighter (more sts per 4"), decrease cast-on accordingly; if looser, increase cast-on. Always work in multiples of 8 for this decrease scheme.
For a slouchy beanie, add 0.5–1.5" (1.3–3.8 cm) to the body length before beginning decreases.

Stitch Glossary

k2tog: Insert right needle knitwise into next 2 sts and knit together as one — one st decreased. Long-tail cast-on: provisional stretchy cast-on method; many good tutorials are available if unfamiliar.

Support

Questions or pattern issues? Visit purljam.verde.uk or email team@verde.uk. Social tag: #purljam

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