PurlJam Classic Beanie

An all-purpose, unisex beanie worked in worsted/aran weight yarn. Two full options included: a knitted version (classic 1x1 rib brim + stockinette body) and a crocheted slouch/fit option. Sizes range from newborn to adult large. Includes step-by-step shaping, finishing tips, materials in both imperial and metric, and needle/hook conversions (US, UK (old), metric).

Quick Specs

• Skill level: Easy / confident beginner
• Construction: Worked in the round from brim to crown
• Fit: Slight negative ease recommended (measure head circumference and choose size ~0.5"/1.25cm smaller for snug, same for relaxed)

Finished Measurements

• Newborn: circumference ~13" / 33 cm, height ~5" / 12.5 cm
• Baby (3-9M): circumference ~15" / 38 cm, height ~5.5" / 14 cm
• Toddler (1-3): circumference ~17" / 43 cm, height ~6" / 15 cm
• Child (4-10): circumference ~19" / 48 cm, height ~6.5" / 16.5 cm
• Teen / Small Adult: circ ~20.5" / 52 cm, height ~8" / 20.5 cm
• Adult Medium: circ ~22.5" / 57 cm, height ~9" / 23 cm
• Adult Large: circ ~24.5" / 62 cm, height ~9.5" / 24 cm

Materials

Yarn (worsted / aran): weight category: Worsted / Aran.

• Newborn: 75-100 yd / 69-92 m
• Baby: 100-125 yd / 92-115 m
• Toddler: 125-150 yd / 115-137 m
• Child: 150-175 yd / 137-160 m
• Teen/Small Adult: 175-200 yd / 160-183 m
• Adult Medium: 200-250 yd / 183-229 m
• Adult Large: 250-300 yd / 229-274 m

Yarn suggestions: Any smooth worsted/aran yarn. Avoid highly fuzzy yarns if you want defined rib/stitch definition.

Needles & Hook

Knitting (recommended):

• For brim (tighter rib): US 7 / UK (old) ~7 / 4.5 mm circular (16"/40 cm or 24"/60 cm depending on size) or set of DPNs; note: "UK (old)" numbers vary slightly by source; provided as approximate traditional numbering.
• For body (gauge needle): US 8 / UK (old) ~6 / 5.0 mm circular (16"/40 cm or 24"/60 cm) and set of DPNs 5.0 mm for crown.

Crochet (alternate):

• Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) / UK 6 (approx) for body (use 5.5 mm for slouchier fit)

Gauge (knit, stockinette, unstretched): 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" / 10 cm on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Make a swatch in the round if possible.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• Rnd(s) = round(s)
• DPN = double-pointed needles
• RS = right side

KNITTED BEANIE PATTERN (1x1 rib brim, stockinette body)

Cast-on (long-tail preferred)

Choose the size from the cast-on table below. Cast on that number of stitches using US 7 / 4.5 mm, join to work in the round being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Cast-on stitch counts (all are multiples of 2 for 1x1 rib): Newborn 58, Baby 68, Toddler 76, Child 84, Teen/Small Adult 92, Adult M 100, Adult L 110.

Brim

Work in 1x1 rib (K1, P1) for 1.5" / 4 cm for newborn/baby, 1.75" / 4.5 cm for toddler/child, 2" / 5 cm for teens/adults, or to your desired brim depth. You may use a smaller needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm) for a firmer brim. If you prefer a folded brim, work double the brim length and then fold up and graft or seam.

Body

Switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm if you want a slightly looser fabric. Knit in stockinette (K every round) until hat measures from cast-on edge to crown start: newborn 5" / 12.5 cm; baby 5.5" / 14 cm; toddler 6" / 15 cm; child 6.5" / 16.5 cm; teen 8" / 20.5 cm; adult M 9" / 23 cm; adult L 9.5" / 24 cm. Measure carefully — crown shaping follows.

Crown Shaping - general method

Notes: You will switch to DPNs when you have about 20-40 stitches left on the circular or when stitches become tight to knit comfortably. The following is a flexible decrease approach that works for all stitch counts: you will work repeated decrease rounds with a plain knit round between each decrease round. In each decrease round, you work a number of knit stitches, then a decrease (usually K2tog). Reduce the number of knit stitches between decreases by one in each subsequent decrease round. When you have 12-16 stitches left, k2tog across or decrease to 6-8 sts, cut yarn leaving a 6-8" / 15-20 cm tail, thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight; secure with a knot and weave in ends.

Example step-by-step (how to set the repeats):

1. Determine your current stitch count S.
2. Pick an initial spacing X such that (X + 1) divides S or gets close; often starting at X = 8 or X = 7 works for adult sizes. Decrease round: *K X, K2tog* to end (if the repeat does not exactly divide S, place the extra stitches at the end or distribute them by shifting the start of the repeat by a few stitches).
3. Knit 1 round plain.
4. Next decrease round: *K (X-1), K2tog* to end.
5. Continue knitting a plain round between decrease rounds, subtracting 1 from the K count each decrease cycle, until you are down to 12-16 stitches.
6. Final step: K2tog around (every two stitches), leaving 6-8 sts. Break yarn and thread tail through remaining sts and pull snug. Weave in ends securely.

Worked example for Adult Medium (100 sts):

1. At crown start, S=100. Choose X=8. Round A: *K8, K2tog* (repeat 10 times) = reduces by 10 => 90 sts.
2. Round B: Knit around (90).
3. Round C: *K7, K2tog* repeat 10 times => 80 sts.
4. Round D: Knit around (80).
5. Round E: *K6, K2tog* repeat 10 times => 70 sts.
6. Round F: Knit around (70).
7. Continue lowering the K count by 1 on each decrease round (K5,K2tog then K4,K2tog, etc.) with a plain round between decreases until you reach 12-16 sts, then K2tog around to finish.

Worked example for smaller sizes: same approach but choose X smaller (for 76 sts start with X=7, for 58 sts start with X=5). The key is even spacing — if repeats do not divide evenly, shift the placement by a stitch or two so decreases are visually balanced.

Finishing

1. When 6-10 stitches remain, cut yarn leaving 6-8" / 15-20 cm tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches with tapestry needle and pull tight to close the crown. Tie a secure knot on the interior and weave tail into the inside of the hat.
2. Weave in all ends. If desired, block lightly: soak in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash, gently squeeze out excess (do not wring), shape flat and let dry on a towel. For felting-resistant yarns, steam-block carefully.
3. Optional: attach a pompom (store-bought or handmade) to the top. For durability sew through the top and secure on the inside with a couple of knots.

CROCHET BEANIE (alternate)

Worked in the round from top down. Uses worsted weight yarn and 5.0 mm hook for fitted, 5.5 mm for slouchy.

Gauge

Approximately 12 sc and 14 rows = 4" / 10 cm (varies by crocheter; check your gauge).

Pattern (worked flat in rounds — magic circle start)

Top crown increases (example for Adult Medium, adjust for other sizes by stopping increases earlier/later):

1. MR (magic ring): 10 sc into ring. Pull ring closed. (10)
2. Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (20)
3. Rnd 3: *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next* repeat around. (30)
4. Rnd 4: *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* repeat around. (40)
5. Rnd 5: *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next* repeat around. (50)
6. Rnd 6: *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next* repeat around. (60)
7. Now continue rounds without increases until crown measures ~8-9" from top for adult or desired height. For smaller sizes stop earlier (see finished measurements above).
8. Work in grouped double crochet or single crochet for a closer fabric once you reach desired circumference — examples: switch to HDC for a looser finish, or remain in sc for warmth.
9. Finish with a slip stitch round, break yarn and weave in ends. Close the top if any hole remains by threading tail and drawing tight.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• If the hat is too small: go up a needle size or add 8-12 stitches to the cast-on, then adjust rib and crown spacing accordingly.
• If the hat is too large or floppy: go down a needle size for a firmer fabric.
• Brim options: 1x1 rib, 2x2 rib (multiple of 4), seed stitch, or a folded brim for extra warmth.
• Colorwork: for stranded colorwork keep floats loose and change to a slightly smaller needle if you want a tighter gauge.
• Measuring: measure head circumference about 1" / 2.5 cm above the eyebrows for correct fit.

Care

Follow yarn label instructions. Most acrylics are machine washable; wool should be hand-washed and dried flat unless superwash treated.

Pattern created for PurlJam. For help or corrections contact support via team@verde.uk. Official site: https://purljam.verde.uk. Share finished pieces and inspiration: #purljam

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