A polished, genderless beanie you can knit in the round or crochet top-down. Choose a snug cuffed fit or add easy slouch. Written for multiple sizes with yardage, tool equivalents, and detailed shaping.
Adventurous beginner. You should be comfortable knitting/crocheting in the round, decreasing, and working basic ribbing.
Worsted/Aran weight yarn (Category 4). Choose a soft wool or wool blend for stretch and memory.
Crochet yardage: add 10–15% to the above. Typical skein sizes: 1 x 100 g ≈ 200–220 yd (183–201 m) or 2 x 50 g ≈ 240–260 yd (219–238 m) for larger sizes.
Knitting (US/UK Old/Metric):
Crochet (US letter/UK Old/Metric):
Notions: stitch markers (8 for knit), tapestry needle, scissors, pom-pom (optional), measuring tape, blocking tools.
Designed for 1.5–2.5 in (4–6.5 cm) of negative ease.
Knit, in the round, blocked: 18 sts x 26 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette using US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm.
Crochet, in the round, blocked: 14 hdc sts x 12 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) with US H-8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm.
Swatch in the round; adjust needle/hook to match. Length affects slouch and crown depth; width affects fit.
Knit: k = knit, p = purl, k2tog = knit 2 together, ssk = slip, slip, knit, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, rnd(s) = round(s), st(s) = stitch(es), DPNs = double-pointed needles.
Crochet (US terms; UK in parentheses): ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc (dc), hdc (htr), dc (tr), BLO = back loop only, inc = 2 sts in same st, hdc2tog = hdc decrease.
Needles: Rib US 6 / UK 8 / 4.0 mm; Body US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm. Use 16 in (40 cm) circular; switch to DPNs or magic loop for crown.
Cast On (long-tail recommended). Use a stretchy cast-on and join to work in the round without twisting. Place a BOR marker.
Brim: Work k1, p1 rib for 1.5–2 in (4–5 cm) for a classic brim. For a fold-up brim, work 3.5–4 in (9–10 cm).
Body: Switch to Body needle and knit all sts until the piece (including brim) measures to pre-crown depth below:
Slouch option: add 1.5–2.25 in (4–6 cm) before starting crown.
Crown Setup: Divide stitches evenly into 8 sections. Example: for 88 sts, work 11 sts, pm; repeat around (8 markers total, last marker is BOR). For 96 sts, sections of 12; for 104, sections of 13; for 80, sections of 10; for 72, sections of 9; for 64, sections of 8.
Shaping Rounds:
Work Rnds A and B alternately until you reach approximately 40 sts (or 32 sts for smaller sizes). Then work Rnd A every round until 8 sts remain.
Finish: Cut yarn, leaving a 10 in (25 cm) tail. Thread tail through remaining sts twice, cinch firmly, and weave in on WS. Block lightly to smooth fabric. Add pom if desired.
Approx Crown Round Counts (guide only): Starting from CO 64/72/80/88/96/104 sts, alternating A/B to 40–32 then every round typically takes 10–16 rounds total, depending on size and slouch.
Hook: US H-8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm (or size to meet gauge). Work in a spiral; use a removable marker at the first stitch of each round.
Crown Increases (hdc):
Target Stitch Count by Size (aim on the snug side):
Body (hdc): Work even in hdc to the following heights from center crown:
Slouch option: add 1.5–2.25 in (4–6 cm).
Brim Option A (post-rib look): Switch to dc. Rnd 1: dc around, sl st to join. Rnds 2–6: *FPdc, BPdc* repeat; sl st to join each rnd. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Brim Option B (simple rib): Stay with hdc. Work 6–8 rounds BLO hdc; sl st to join each rnd. Fasten off.
Notes: Keep stitch counts in multiples of 8 for clean rib symmetry. If your fabric feels stiff, go up a hook; if too open, go down.
Wet block gently: soak, press in towel, shape on a head form or balloon to measurements. Avoid overstretching rib. Wool wash recommended. Dry flat.
All measurements and yardage are approximate and depend on fiber, gauge, and personal tension. When in doubt, swatch and try on as you go.
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