Textured 2x2 Rib Beanie

A versatile, unisex beanie worked in the round. Includes clear knitting instructions for three adult sizes (S/M/L) and a simple crochet alternative. Suitable for confident beginners who know how to work in the round; step-by-step finishing, measurements and tips included.

Yarn

Worsted weight / Aran recommended. Approx. 200 yds (183 m) per 100 g. Yardage by size: Small/Medium: 150 yds (137 m); Large: 200 yds (183 m). Use a soft, springy worsted yarn for best stitch definition (wool, wool blends, or acrylic).

Needles & Hook

• Knitting (main): US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm, 16" (40 cm) circular needle (magic loop) or 16" cable for small circumferences, plus a set of matching double-pointed needles (DPNs) for crown decreases.
• Knitting (optional brim): US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm if you want a firmer, snugger brim.
• Crochet alternative: Hook US J-10 / UK 0 / 6.0 mm.

Gauge

Knitting: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette on 5.0 mm (US 8). If you get more stitches per 4", go up a needle size; if fewer, go down.

Crochet: Approx. 13 sc x 15 rows = 4" (10 cm) on 6.0 mm hook (adjust hook size to match gauge).

Finished Measurements

• Small (S): Head circumference 18" (46 cm). Height (from brim to crown): 8" (20 cm).
• Medium (M): Head circumference 20" (51 cm). Height: 8.5" (21.5 cm).
• Large (L): Head circumference 22" (56 cm). Height: 9" (23 cm).

Abbreviations (knitting)

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• pm = place marker
• rm = remove marker

Notes

• Pattern is worked in the round; measurements are before blocking. Gauge and fit are important; measure as you go.
• All rib and textured repeats are 4-stitch repeats to keep cast-on counts simple.
• You can use a smaller needle for the brim to make it firmer, then switch to the main needle for the body.

Cast-on

Use your preferred stretchy cast-on. Cast on the number of stitches for your size (must be divisible by 4 for the 4-stitch repeat):

• Small (S): 80 sts
• Medium (M): 92 sts
• Large (L): 100 sts

Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.

Brim

With smaller needles (optional) or main needles, work 1.5" (4 cm) to 2" (5 cm) of 2x2 rib: Round: *k2, p2* repeat to end. For a folded brim, work 3" (7.5 cm) and fold up once finished, grafting or sewing down the cast-on edge.

Body (textured 2x2 rib)

Switch to main needles if you used a smaller size for the brim. Work the textured rib in the round as follows until piece measures from cast-on edge to crown start:

• Small: 6.5" (16.5 cm) from cast-on edge
• Medium: 7" (18 cm)
• Large: 7.5" (19 cm)

Textured 2x2 rib pattern (4-st rep): Every round: *k3, p1* repeat to end. This creates a slightly raised column effect while remaining elastic.

Crown shaping (knitting)

Begin crown shaping when you reach the target length above. The decrease approach below is intentionally flexible so it works on any of the three sizes. You will be decreasing evenly around the hat, alternating decrease rounds with plain rounds to preserve texture.

Method (even spacing): On the first decrease round you'll decrease one stitch every 4 stitches by replacing each k3 with k2tog (so the pattern becomes *k2tog, p1*). That reduces total stitches by 25% (one stitch per 4). Continue working plain rounds between decrease rounds and then decrease again, reducing the number of knit stitches between decreases by one each decrease cycle until decreases are close together.

Practical set of steps (guideline):

1. Round A (first decrease): *k2tog, p1* repeat to end. (This reduces by one stitch per 4-st repeat.)
2. Round B: Work one round in pattern (no decreases), preserving the k/p rhythm as best you can.
3. Round C: *k2tog, p1* repeat to end again (now continues reducing). Repeat Rounds B and C until roughly 12-20 stitches remain across the hat. As the stitch count shrinks, switch to DPNs when the stitches no longer comfortably fit on the circular needle.
4. When you reach between 8 and 12 stitches total, cut yarn leaving an 8" (20 cm) tail, thread tail through remaining stitches with a tapestry needle, draw tightly to close crown, weave in tail on the inside.

Notes on spacing: Because initial stitch counts (80/92/100) might not divide perfectly into repeating groups as you decrease, distribute decreases as evenly as possible. If needed, place an extra knit stitch at the end of a repeat to use up leftover sts when you start a decrease round.

Finishing (knitting)

• Weave in ends neatly on the inside.
• Block lightly if desired: steam or dampen and lay flat to dry; avoid over-stretching to preserve elasticity.
• Optional pom-pom: Attach a 2.5–4" (6–10 cm) pom-pom (small/medium cap) or 4–5" (10–13 cm) for oversized look. Sew securely through the crown and knot inside; reinforce with a small button if desired.

Crochet alternative (basic beanie)

Using worsted yarn and 6.0 mm (US J-10) hook. Worked in joined rounds from the crown down for minimal seaming, or from the brim up if you prefer.

Crown-down brief method:

1. Magic ring. Round 1: 6 sc into ring (6).
2. Round 2: Inc in each st around (12).
3. Round 3: *Sc1, inc* repeat (18).
4. Round 4: *Sc2, inc* repeat (24).
5. Continue increasing rounds, adding one more single crochet between increases each round until the circle measures the desired head circumference when stretched gently: approx 18–22" (46–56 cm) depending on size. Typical final flat circle stitch counts approximate the knitting cast-on counts divided by gauge; stop increasing when the flat circle is slightly smaller than final circumference because body rounds will add height.
6. Work even (sc in back loop only every round for rib effect if desired) until hat measures the required height from crown to brim.
7. Decrease rounds: sc2tog evenly spaced until 10–16 stitches remain; fasten off and weave tail through remaining stitches, pull closed and secure on the inside.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Fit test: Try hat on before crown shaping to check length. You can always remove a few rows before decreasing for a taller fit.
• Stitch counts: If your gauge differs, recalculate cast-on: Desired circumference (in inches) x (stitches per inch from your gauge). Round to nearest multiple of 4 for this pattern.
• Seamless join: When joining in the round, arrange for a tidy join by knitting the first round cleanly; place a marker and double-check for twist.
• Pom-pom balance: For heavy pom-poms, reinforce the attachment with a short length of scrap yarn tied across the inside to distribute stress.

Pattern credits & support

Pattern created for PurlJam. For pattern support email team@verde.uk. Visit the project page: https://purljam.verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on social media.

Enjoy knitting (or crocheting) your new beanie! If you want a version with earflaps, fitted slouch, or child sizing only, request a variant and I will provide a tailored pattern.

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