Classic Worsted Beanie - Top-Down Knitted Hat

A simple, versatile adult beanie worked in the round from the brim up. Includes three adult sizes and clear crown decrease instructions so you can adjust length and slouch. Perfect for worsted/aran weight yarn.

Finished measurements

• Small (S): Approx 19.5" / 49.5 cm circumference, 8" / 20.5 cm height
• Medium (M): Approx 21.3" / 54 cm circumference, 9" / 23 cm height
• Large (L): Approx 23.1" / 58.7 cm circumference, 9.5" / 24 cm height

Yarn

• Worsted / Aran weight yarn (medium/10)
• Suggested yarn: smooth, 100% wool or wool blend for best stitch definition
• Yardage required (approx): S 120 yd / 110 m; M 150 yd / 137 m; L 175 yd / 160 m
• Sample skein size reference: 100 g (3.5 oz) = approx 200 yd / 183 m (typical worsted skein)

Needles & notion sizes

• Brim (ribbing): 16" / 40 cm circular needle OR set of DPNs: US 7 (UK old 7, 4.5 mm)
• Body (stockinette): 16" / 40 cm circular needle OR set of DPNs: US 8 (UK old 6, 5.0 mm)
• Shorter 16" vs 20" circular: choose 16" for snug beanie, 20" if you prefer a little more fabric before switching to DPNs; switch to DPNs when stitches no longer fit comfortably on circular
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors

Gauge / Tension

18 sts and 24 rounds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette using body needle (US 8 / 5.0 mm). Check your gauge and adjust needle size to match; gauge affects final fit.

Sizes & Cast-on

Cast on using long-tail or preferred elastic cast-on. Join for working in the round being careful not to twist.

• S: cast on 88 sts. (Fits head ~19.5")
• M: cast on 96 sts. (Fits head ~21.3")
• L: cast on 104 sts. (Fits head ~23.1")

Ribbed Brim

With smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm) work K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5" / 4 cm for a low brim or 2.5" / 6.5 cm for a folded brim. If folding to make a double-thick brim, work longer and fold.

Body

Switch to larger needles (US 8 / 5.0 mm). Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until piece measures from cast-on edge approximately: S 6" / 15 cm; M 6.5" / 16.5 cm; L 7" / 18 cm. Measure length to where you want the crown shaping to begin (usual total hat height ~8-9.5").

Crown decrease - worked in rounds

Move to DPNs when stitches become too few to fit comfortably on circular (around 24-32 sts). The decrease sequence below reduces evenly and works from any cast-on counts above (88/96/104). Work each decrease round followed by one plain knit round until very few stitches remain.

1. Round 1: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
2. Round 2: Knit around.
3. Round 3: *K5, K2tog; repeat to end.
4. Round 4: Knit around.
5. Round 5: *K4, K2tog; repeat to end.
6. Round 6: Knit around.
7. Round 7: *K3, K2tog; repeat to end.
8. Round 8: Knit around.
9. Round 9: *K2, K2tog; repeat to end.
10. Round 10: Knit around.
11. Round 11: *K1, K2tog; repeat to end.
12. Round 12: Knit around.
13. Round 13: *K2tog; repeat to end. (You should have between 8 and 12 stitches remaining depending on size and tension.)

Cut yarn leaving a 12" / 30 cm tail. Thread tail on tapestry needle and draw through remaining live stitches, pull tightly to close top, weave tail to inside and secure. Weave in ends. Block gently if desired.

Notes & adjustments

• To make this hat slouchier, add 0.5-1" / 1.5-2.5 cm to the body before starting crown decreases.
• If your gauge is different, calculate cast-on as: desired finished circumference (in inches) x (gauge sts per 4") / 4, then round to the nearest multiple of 4 for 2x2 ribbing.
• Alternative crown: you may opt for a 6-round decrease repeat for a slightly different shaping. The provided sequence is gradual and works with the stitch counts above.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl

Finishing tips

• For neater top, leave a slightly longer tail and cinch firmly, then use a few small mattress-stitch stitches across the top inside to stabilize.
• To add a pom-pom, attach by threading the pom-pom loop through the top hole before cinching closed, then secure extra yarn tail on the inside.

Care

Follow yarn label instructions. For most wool hats, hand wash gently and lay flat to dry to maintain shape.

Support & links

Website: https://purljam.verde.uk | Support: team@verde.uk | Socials: #purljam

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