Classic Worsted Beanie

A simple, squishy, unisex beanie worked in the round with a 2x2 rib brim and tidy crown decreases. Written for worsted/aran weight yarn with multiple sizes; easily adjusted.

Finished measurements

• Newborn: approx 12.5 in / 32 cm
• Baby: approx 14.2 in / 36 cm
• Child: approx 16.0 in / 41 cm
• Teen/Adult S: approx 17.8 in / 45 cm
• Adult L: approx 19.6 in / 50 cm

Suggested fit

Measure head circumference and choose the size 1-2 in / 2.5-5 cm smaller than the head measurement for snug fit; the hat is stretchy.

Materials

• Yarn: worsted weight / Aran weight yarn, medium. Sample uses 100 g skein, approx 200 yd / 183 m (100 g = 3.5 oz / 100 g). Required yardage by size: Newborn 75 yd / 69 m, Baby 100 yd / 91 m, Child 125 yd / 114 m, Teen/Adult S 150-175 yd / 137-160 m, Adult L 175-200 yd / 160-183 m. (Imperial and Metric provided)
• Needles: 16-inch circular and set of double-pointed needles or magic loop as preferred.
  • Ribbing needle: US 7 / UK 7 (old) / 4.5 mm, 16-inch / 40 cm circular or DPNs
  • Body needle: US 8 / UK 6 (old) / 5.0 mm, 16-inch / 40 cm circular or DPNs
• Stitch marker (8 markers or 7 markers + 1 contrasting)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Optional: pompom maker or small scrap of cardboard for pompom

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette using US 8 / 5.0 mm. If your gauge is looser, go down one needle size; if tighter, go up one size.

Sizes and cast-on

All cast-on counts are multiples of 8; this makes the crown decrease simple and even.

• Newborn: cast on 56 stitches - approx 12.5 in / 32 cm
• Baby: cast on 64 stitches - approx 14.2 in / 36 cm
• Child: cast on 72 stitches - approx 16 in / 41 cm
• Teen/Adult S: cast on 80 stitches - approx 17.8 in / 45 cm
• Adult L: cast on 88 stitches - approx 19.6 in / 50 cm

Abbreviations (US)

• k: knit
• p: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker

Notes

• This is worked in the round from the brim up.
• Switch to double-pointed needles or use magic loop when stitches become too small for the circular cable.
• You can change needle sizes for a firmer brim by using US 7 for ribbing and US 8 for the body (as given in Materials).

Pattern

Cuff / Brim

1. Using US 7 / 4.5 mm, cast on the number of stitches for your chosen size. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
2. *K2, P2 rib* around for 1.5 to 2.5 inches / 4 to 6.5 cm depending on how deep you want the brim. (Newborn 1.5 in, Baby 1.75 in, Child 2 in, Teen/Adult S 2.25 in, Adult L 2.5 in)

Body

1. Switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm circular needle.
2. Work in stockinette in the round (knit every stitch) until the hat measures from the cast-on edge to the crown start: Newborn 4.5 in / 11.5 cm, Baby 5 in / 12.5 cm, Child 5.5 in / 14 cm, Teen/Adult S 6 in / 15 cm, Adult L 6.5 in / 16.5 cm. Adjust length to taste.

Crown shaping (even decreases)

This decrease method uses 8 evenly spaced markers. It works for all cast-on counts listed because those counts are multiples of 8.

1. Place 8 markers evenly around the round. To do this, count stitches and place a marker after every (cast_on_sts / 8) stitches. Example: for 80 sts, place a marker every 10 stitches.
2. Decrease sequence: Repeat the following two rounds until 8 stitches remain:
3. Decrease round: *K to 1 stitch before next marker, K2tog, slip marker* repeat to end of round. This performs 8 decreases each decrease round (one at each marker).
4. Next round: Knit all stitches (plain round, no decreases)
5. Continue repeating these two rounds. Each pair of rounds reduces the stitch count by 8. When you reach 16 stitches (or fewer depending on spacing), work one last decrease round so that 8 stitches remain.
6. When 8 stitches remain, cut yarn leaving a 6 in / 15 cm tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close top of hat. Secure tail on inside and weave in end.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired to even stitches.
• Optional pompom: attach a pompom to the top using the tail used to close the crown; stitch through several times for security and weave ends inside the hat.

Customization tips

• Want a slouchy hat? Add 1-2 inches / 2.5-5 cm to the body length before beginning crown decreases.
• Want a firmer brim? Work the ribbing on smaller needles for 6-12 rounds before switching to larger needles for the body.
• Striping: change color at the beginning of a round and carry yarn up inside for short stripes; for long floats, prevent snagging by twisting yarns every few stitches.

Troubleshooting

• If your hat is too small: go up one needle size or add 8 stitches to the cast-on (to maintain the 8-marker decrease method).
• If your hat is too large: drop one needle size or subtract 8 stitches from the cast-on.

Copyright and contact

This pattern is provided by PurlJam. For support email team@verde.uk. More patterns and resources at https://purljam.verde.uk. Share finished makes with #purljam on socials.

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