Classic Worsted Beanie

A versatile, unisex knit beanie worked in the round. Fits newborn through adult large. Uses worsted weight yarn and simple rib-to-stockinette shaping for a clean finished look. Instructions include folded-brim and single-layer brim options plus optional slouch adjustments.

Sizes (finished circumference x height)

• Newborn: 14 in / 35.5 cm circumference; 5.5 in / 14 cm height
• Baby (0-6 mos): 16 in / 40.5 cm; 6 in / 15 cm
• Toddler (2-4 yrs): 18 in / 45.5 cm; 6.5 in / 16.5 cm
• Child (5-10 yrs): 19 in / 48 cm; 7 in / 18 cm
• Teen/Adult Small: 20 in / 51 cm; 8.25 in / 21 cm
• Adult Medium: 21.5 in / 54.5 cm; 8.5 in / 21.5 cm
• Adult Large: 23 in / 58.5 cm; 9 in / 23 cm

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (US 4). Recommended: 100% wool or wool blend for warmth and good stitch definition. Typical skein information: 200 yd / 183 m per 100 g (example labeling). Quantity by size:
  • Newborn: 50 g (approx 100 yd / 91 m)
  • Baby: 50 g (approx 100-120 yd / 91-110 m)
  • Toddler: 75 g (approx 120-140 yd / 110-128 m)
  • Child: 75 g (approx 130-150 yd / 120-137 m)
  • Adult Small: 100 g (approx 150-180 yd / 137-165 m)
  • Adult Medium: 100-125 g (approx 170-200 yd / 155-183 m)
  • Adult Large: 125 g (approx 190-220 yd / 174-201 m)
• Needles: circular and DPNs as needed.
  • Suggested needles for worsted gauge: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular (16 in / 40 cm) for small sizes or 16 in for adults; US 7 (4.5 mm) circular optional for firmer fabric; US 6 (4.0 mm) for tighter rib if desired.
  • Needle size references: US 6 = 4.0 mm = UK 8 (old), US 7 = 4.5 mm = UK 7 (old), US 8 = 5.0 mm = UK 6 (old).
  • Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in same sizes for small circumferences or continue on circulars using magic loop method.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, waste yarn (for provisional cast-on if preferred), stitch holder, scissors.

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Gauge is important for proper fit; if you knit tighter, go up a needle size, if looser, go down.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• p2tog = purl two together
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round(s)
• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side (when working flat portions)

Notes

• Hat is worked in the round from brim to crown.
• Brim is 2x2 rib (k2, p2). For a folded brim, knit twice the finished brim height and fold up; you can graft or mattress stitch the inside edge to the body for a neat finish.
• When switching from rib to stockinette, place a marker at the start of rnd to keep track of rounds.
• Decrease method given is flexible and works with the provided stitch counts; small stitch count adjustments at the end of decrease rounds are normal to keep spacing even.

Cast On & Brim

Using long-tail cast on, CO the number of stitches for your size (see list below). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

• Newborn: CO 64 sts
• Baby: CO 72 sts
• Toddler: CO 80 sts
• Child: CO 84 sts
• Adult Small: CO 88 sts
• Adult Medium: CO 96 sts
• Adult Large: CO 104 sts

Rib brim (choose one):

• Folded brim: Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 3.5 in / 9 cm (this makes a 1.75 in / 4.5 cm folded brim). Alternatively adjust to desired folded height. After finishing rib, continue in pattern by switching to stockinette.
• Single-layer brim: Work in 2x2 rib for 1.5-2 in / 4-5 cm then proceed to stockinette.

Body

After brim, switch to stockinette: knit every round (k all sts) until hat measures (from cast-on edge):

• Newborn: 4 in / 10 cm from cast on edge (brim included)
• Baby: 4.5 in / 11.5 cm
• Toddler: 5 in / 12.5 cm
• Child: 5.25 in / 13.5 cm
• Adult Small: 6.25 in / 16 cm
• Adult Medium: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm
• Adult Large: 7 in / 18 cm

Crown Decreases (General Method)

The crown is worked by decreasing on designated rounds and knitting one plain round between each decrease round to keep fabric smooth. The pattern below uses a sequence that progressively reduces the number of knit stitches between decreases so the crown closes neatly and evenly.

Decrease sequence (repeat these two rounds pattern until approx 12-16 sts remain, then finish):

1. Decrease round: *kX, k2tog* repeat to end (X decreases by 1 each decrease step — see example sequence below)
2. Next round: knit all sts (no decreases)

Example sequence (for all sizes):

• Step A: *k7, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Step B: *k6, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Step C: *k5, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Step D: *k4, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Step E: *k3, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Step F: *k2, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Step G: *k1, k2tog* around. (knit plain round)
• Final: *k2tog* around until 8-12 sts remain; cut yarn leaving a 10-12 in / 25-30 cm tail and thread through remaining sts. Pull tight and secure on WS. Weave in ends.

Notes on spacing: Depending on your starting stitch count, the first steps may leave 0-2 extra sts at the end of the round; work those extra sts as plain knit (or slip 1) so decreases remain evenly spaced. If you prefer a more exact method, calculate spacing by dividing your current stitch count by the number of decreases you will make and distribute them as evenly as possible across the round.

Finish

• Pull the yarn tail through the remaining stitches securely and weave in on the wrong side. If you used a folded brim, fold up and mattress stitch the inside cast-on edge to the inside brim for a neat finish. Alternatively, leave the brim unjoined for a clean, single-layer edge.
• Lightly block if desired: steam or wet-block gently to even out stitches and shape the crown. Wool will relax and bloom slightly.

Optional Slouch Option

For a slouchier hat, add 1-2 in / 2.5-5 cm to body length before beginning crown decreases. This provides a relaxed back without changing crown shaping.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• If your hat measures too small: increase needle size by 0.5 mm and recheck gauge.
• If your rib looks too tight compared to the body, try US 7 / 4.5 mm for the brim then change to US 8 / 5.0 mm for the body for a smoother transition.
• For a neater top, when 12 sts remain, switch to two circular needles or DPNs and place 3-4 sts per needle so k2tog across final round is tidy before closing.

Pattern Summary (quick reference)

• CO required number of sts (see Cast On list). Join in the round.
• Work 2x2 rib for chosen brim height (folded or single-layer).
• Switch to stockinette and knit until hat measures specified length from cast on.
• Work crown decreases following the progressive decrease sequence until 8-12 sts remain.
• Finish by threading tail through remaining sts, secure, weave ends, and block if desired.

Author & Support

Pattern by PurlJam. For help or questions, visit https://purljam.verde.uk or email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on social media.

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

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