Classic Worsted Beanie (knit)

Quick, classic, and totally wearable: a seamless top-down beanie in worsted weight yarn. Includes sizes from newborn to adult large, optional slouch, and clear decrease sequence that works for all sizes used here (all stitch counts are multiples of 8).

Pattern summary

Skill: easy / confident beginner
Construction: knit in the round, tubular / stockinette body, crown decreases
Yarn weight: Worsted / Aran (US: Medium / 4)
Finished: fitted beanie with optional slouch length

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn. Typical example: 1 skein 100g (3.5 oz) = ~200 yds (183 m). Required yardage per size (approx): Newborn 75 yds (69 m), Baby 100 yds (91 m), Child 125 yds (114 m), Teen 150 yds (137 m), Adult S 175 yds (160 m), Adult L 200 yds (183 m).
Needles (choose one method): Circular 16" (40 cm) for magic loop or 16" for small heads, or DPNs—US/UK old/Metric given below:

Main: US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm (16"/40 cm circular or DPNs)
Optional slightly smaller for rib (tighter): US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm (same length)
Alternate larger for looser fabric or thicker yarn: US 9 / UK 5 / 5.5 mm

Notions

Tapestry needle
Stitch marker (contrasting color)
Scissors
Pompom (optional)

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rounds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Sizes & Finished Circumference

Newborn: 64 sts — finished ~14.2" / 36 cm
Baby (0-12m): 72 sts — finished 16" / 41 cm
Child (2-8y): 80 sts — finished ~17.8" / 45 cm
Teen: 88 sts — finished ~19.6" / 50 cm
Adult S: 96 sts — finished ~21.3" / 54 cm
Adult L: 104 sts — finished ~23.1" / 59 cm

Abbreviations

k = knit (US)
p = purl (US)
k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd(s) = round(s)
pm = place marker

Notes

This pattern is written for circular knitting; use magic loop or DPNs as preferred.
All stitch counts listed are multiples of 8 so the crown decrease sequence given below works evenly.
If your gauge is different, either change needle size or adjust cast-on to nearest multiple of 8.

Instructions

Cast on and brim

Using smaller needle if you want a firmer brim (US 7 / 4.5 mm) or US 8 for same gauge, cast on the required number of stitches for your size (see Sizes above). Join carefully to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
Rib: Work k2, p2 rib for 1.5" (3.8 cm) for a folded brim or 0.75" (2 cm) for a non-folded brim. For a slouchy hat make the rib shorter and add more body length (see "Length" below).

Body

Switch to main needle size if you used smaller for rib. Work in stockinette (knit all stitches) until you reach the crown start length measured from cast-on edge (not including folded brim). Recommended body lengths measured from cast-on edge to the point you start decreases:

Newborn: 4.5" / 11.5 cm
Baby: 5" / 12.5 cm
Child: 6.5" / 16.5 cm
Teen: 7.5" / 19 cm
Adult S: 8" / 20.5 cm
Adult L: 9" / 23 cm

Tip: For a slouch hat, add 1"–2" (2.5–5 cm) to the body length before beginning decreases.

Crown decrease (works for every size above)

The stitch counts are multiples of 8. Decrease in a stepped sequence where each decrease round reduces one stitch from every 8-st block. The sequence below assumes your current total is one of the pattern counts (64/72/80/88/96/104). Follow these rounds exactly (each "Decrease round" is followed by a plain knit round):

Decrease series (repeat pairs until remaining stitches = 8)
Round A: *k6, k2tog* repeat to end
Round B: knit
Round C: *k5, k2tog* repeat to end
Round D: knit
Round E: *k4, k2tog* repeat to end
Round F: knit
Round G: *k3, k2tog* repeat to end
Round H: knit
Round I: *k2, k2tog* repeat to end
Round J: knit
Round K: *k1, k2tog* repeat to end
Round L: knit
Round M: *k2tog* repeat to end

How it works: each "Decrease round" reduces the total stitch count by (original_total / 8). Repeat the pairs of (Decrease round then Knit round) exactly as shown until you reach the final round M which will leave 8 stitches.

Finish

After Round M you will have 8 stitches left. Cut yarn leaving a 6–8" (15–20 cm) tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle and pull through remaining 8 stitches. Pull tight and secure on wrong side with a few stitches. Weave in ends.
Block lightly if desired and add a pompom or top decoration if you like.

Tip & Troubleshooting

If your decreases look uneven, place a marker between each 8-st block before you start the crown; this helps keep the k2tog positioned correctly. Remove markers as you decrease when they would be on a k2tog.
If brim is too loose, go down one needle size for the rib only. If the body is too tight, go up one size for the body.
To convert to a lined earwarmer (non-seam hat), work a shorter crown and use a contrasting yarn to knit a lining and graft or stitch together at the brim.

Variations

Folded brim: Work 1.5" rib and fold up. Sew cast-on edge to inside for neat finish.
Slouch: Add 1"–2" before starting decreases. For more dramatic slouch add 2.5"–3".
Cables or textures: Keep stitch multiple at multiple of 8 or adjust the crown repeat accordingly; you can work any 8-stitch repeat pattern for body before the crown.

Sizes & Yardage recap

Newborn (64 sts): ~75 yds / 69 m
Baby (72 sts): ~100 yds / 91 m
Child (80 sts): ~125 yds / 114 m
Teen (88 sts): ~150 yds / 137 m
Adult S (96 sts): ~175 yds / 160 m
Adult L (104 sts): ~200 yds / 183 m

Support & more

Pattern created for PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. For help or pattern support email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with the tag #purljam.

Enjoy knitting!

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