Everyday Cozy Beanie (Knit)
An easy, modern knit beanie with a stretchy brim and smooth stockinette crown. Worked in the round with optional pompom. Fits most head shapes and is quick to knit. Includes three adult sizes and clear shaping notes so you can easily adjust length and fit.
Gauge
18 sts x 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on larger needles after blocking.
Sizes (finished circumference unstretched)
- Small: 19" (48 cm) — youth/teen
- Medium: 21" (53 cm) — average adult
- Large: 23" (58 cm) — roomy/men
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight / Aran yarn (Medium / Weight 4). Suggested yardage by size: Small 120 yd (110 m), Medium 160 yd (146 m), Large 200 yd (183 m). Typical skein: 100 g / 200 yd (100 g / ~183 m) — you'll need about 1 skein for Small/Medium, 1–2 skeins for Large depending on skein yardage.
- Needles: See needle conversions below. Use either a circular needle for magic loop or 16"/24" circular plus set of DPNs or long-length circulars for small circumferences.
- Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker or small scrap of cardboard.
Needles (US, UK Old, Metric)
- Ribbing: US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm circular or DPNs for small circumference
- Body: US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm circular (use larger needle to achieve gauge)
- Optional: US 6 / UK 8 / 4.0 mm for firmer rib if you prefer
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- psso = pass slipped stitch over
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- CO = cast on
- wyif = with yarn in front
Casting On & Setup
Use a stretchy cast-on (long-tail or German twisted) for a comfortable brim. Place marker to indicate beginning of round and join carefully to avoid twisting.
Pattern (worked in the round)
All sizes use same instructions; numbers / rounds with parentheses indicate Small (Medium, Large).
- CO 88 (98, 108) sts. Join to work in the round, place marker.
- Ribbing: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end for 10 rnds (or 2.5" / 6.5 cm), or desired brim depth. If you prefer a tighter brim, work ribbing on smaller needles listed above.
- Body: Switch to larger needles. Rnd 1: knit all sts. Continue knitting in the round until piece measures 6.5" (16.5 cm) from CO for Small, 7" (18 cm) for Medium, 7.5" (19 cm) for Large, or about 1.5" (4 cm) less than desired final length to allow for crown shaping.
Crown Shaping
Work decreases evenly spaced — you can place decreases by dividing sts into 8 equal sections to keep a neat star-shaped crown.
- Divide: move marker to keep track if needed. We recommend placing eight evenly spaced decrease markers (or calculate intervals: for Small 88/8=11 sts between decreases, for Medium 98/8≈12, for Large 108/8=13).
Then work the following decrease rounds, repeating the pair of rounds until remaining sts are small enough to finish:
Round A (decrease round): *K (n-2), k2tog; repeat from * to end. ("n" = number of stitches between decreases before the k2tog; maintain the pattern so decreases are evenly spaced.)
Round B: Knit all stitches in the round.
Repeat Rounds A and B until approx 16 (16, 16) stitches remain, or when hat measures desired length and you are ready to close the crown.Finishing
- When about 16 sts remain, break yarn leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining sts. Pull snug to close crown. Secure on wrong side with a couple of small stitches and weave in ends.
- Block lightly if desired: soak in cool water briefly, squeeze gently, shape and dry flat or on a rounded surface to set the crown.
Optional Pompom
- Make a pompom using leftover yarn: for a medium fluff use about 30–40 yards (27–37 m) of yarn wrapped around a 3" (7.5 cm) circle. Tie securely, trim to shape, and stitch to crown center.
Adjustments & Notes
- To size up or down: increase or decrease CO in multiples consistent with your chosen rib pattern and number of crown wedges (8 decreases requires total sts divisible by 8). For a firmer brim, use a needle one size smaller just for the ribbing.
- Slouchy fit: add 1–2" (2.5–5 cm) to the body length before beginning crown shaping.
- Extra tall cuff: work 3–4" (7.5–10 cm) ribbing for a folded brim.
Troubleshooting
- If your gauge is too tight: go up one needle size for the body.
- If brim is too loose: go down one needle size for ribbing or use a firmer cast-on.
Abbreviated Quick Pattern
CO 88 (98, 108). Join. K2, p2 rib for 10 rnds. Switch to larger needles, knit in rnds until 6.5 (7, 7.5)" from CO. Work decrease rounds (k x, k2tog evenly) until ~16 sts remain. Thread yarn through, close, weave in ends. Add pompom if desired.
Yarn Substitutions
Any worsted / aran weight yarn will work. If substituting a bulkier yarn, adjust needles and gauge; fewer stitches will be required. If using sport or DK weight, scale pattern by increasing number of stitches at CO or using smaller needles and adjusting gauge.
Credits & Contact
Pattern by Purl Jam. For pattern notes, help, or permission to sell finished items knit from this pattern, please visit https://purljam.verde.uk or email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on social.