Classic Worsted Beanie Knitting Pattern

Designer: PurlJam | Support: team@verde.uk | Website: purljam.verde.uk | Social: #purljam

Overview

Simple, customizable knit-in-the-round beanie in worsted/aran weight yarn. Worked in 2x2 rib and stockinette. Fits newborn to adult L/XL. This pattern uses crown decreases designed for cast-ons that are multiples of 8.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted / Aran (Weight 4). Suggested fibers: medium-weight wool or wool blend. Approximate yardage (see Yarn Amounts below).
• Needles: 16" (40 cm) circular needle US 7 / UK (old) 7 / Metric 4.5 mm and a set of DPNs or magic loop for small circumferences. Alternate for slouchier fabric: US 8 / UK (old) 6 / Metric 5.0 mm.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker.

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette on US 7 (4.5 mm). Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Sizes & Cast-On

All cast-on counts are multiples of 8 to work with the crown decrease sequence below.

• Newborn: circumference ~12.5" / 32 cm — CO 56 sts
• Baby (0–6 mo): ~14.25" / 36 cm — CO 64 sts
• Toddler: ~16" / 41 cm — CO 72 sts
• Child: ~17.8" / 45 cm — CO 80 sts
• Teen / Small Adult: ~19.5" / 50 cm — CO 88 sts
• Adult S/M: ~21.25" / 54 cm — CO 96 sts
• Adult L/XL: ~23.1" / 59 cm — CO 104 sts

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• * ... * = repeat section

Notes

This pattern is worked in the round. Use a stretchy cast-on (long-tail recommended) and be careful not to twist when joining. When you need to size between values, use the stitch-per-inch gauge: 18 sts per 4" = 4.5 sts per inch. Multiply desired circumference by 4.5, then round to the nearest multiple of 8.

Instructions

1. Choose your size and CO the number of stitches listed using a stretchy cast-on. Place a removable marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Brim: Work in 2x2 rib (K2, P2) for the following lengths: Newborn 1"; Baby 1.25"; Toddler 1.5"; Child 1.75"; Teen 2"; Adult S/M 2.5"; Adult L/XL 3". For a fold-up brim, work twice these lengths and fold up.
3. Body: Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until the hat measures from the cast-on edge to the base of the crown: Newborn 4"; Baby 5"; Toddler 5.25"; Child 5.75"; Teen 6.5"; Adult S/M 7.5"; Adult L/XL 8.5". Adjust length for deeper or shallower fit.
4. Crown decreases (works for any cast-on that is a multiple of 8). Begin decrease rounds when the hat has reached the specified body length. Work the following sequence; knit the even-numbered rounds between decreases to preserve the fabric:*Round 1: *K6, K2tog* to end.
   Round 2: Knit.
   Round 3: *K5, K2tog* to end.
   Round 4: Knit.
   Round 5: *K4, K2tog* to end.
   Round 6: Knit.
   Round 7: *K3, K2tog* to end.
   Round 8: Knit.
   Round 9: *K2, K2tog* to end.
   Round 10: Knit.
   Round 11: *K1, K2tog* to end.
   Round 12: Knit.
   Round 13: *K2tog* to end.
5. After Round 13 you should have 8 stitches remaining (for multiples of 8). Cut yarn, leaving a 6"/15 cm tail. Thread tail through a tapestry needle, pass through the remaining stitches, pull closed, and secure with a few tidy stitches on the inside. Weave in all ends. Attach pompom if desired.

Finishing

Weave in ends with tapestry needle. Gently block if desired to even stitches. For a cleaner inside finish, add a lightweight lining or felt circle.

Customization

• To make the hat slouchier: use US 8 / 5.0 mm needles and add 1–2" to the body length before decreases.
• Stripes: change color every 4–8 rounds. For stranded colorwork, maintain color dominance consistently and choose compatible yarns.
• Texture: substitute the body stockinette section with a simple stitch pattern (seed stitch, moss, or broken rib) but adjust gauge and yardage accordingly.

Yarn Amounts (approximate)

• Newborn: 50 yards / 46 meters
• Baby: 75 yards / 69 meters
• Toddler: 100 yards / 91 meters
• Child: 150 yards / 137 meters
• Adult S/M: 200 yards / 183 meters
• Adult L/XL: 225–250 yards / 206–229 meters

Needle Sizes (clear listing)

• Recommended main: US 7 / UK (old) 7 / Metric 4.5 mm — 16"/40 cm circular + DPNs or magic loop
• Alternate (slouchier fabric): US 8 / UK (old) 6 / Metric 5.0 mm

Troubleshooting & Tips

• If your hat is too big or small: re-calculate using 4.5 sts per inch and choose the nearest multiple of 8 for CO.
• Stitch marker placement: place marker at beginning of round; if using stripes, place a contrast stitch as a guide.
• For a neater crown you can graft the last 8 stitches using Kitchener or create a small felt circle and sew it to the inside to disguise the decreases.

Support & License

For assistance email team@verde.uk. Pattern by PurlJam. Website: purljam.verde.uk. Share finished work with #purljam. This pattern is provided for personal use; contact for commercial licensing.

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