Baby Bear Ribbed Beanie

Easy Knitting Pattern for Worsted Weight Yarn

Skill Level: Beginner
Sizes: 0–3 months (3–6 months, 6–12 months)
Finished Circumference: 14 (16, 18)" / 35.5 (40.5, 45.5) cm (unstretched; hat stretches to fit)
Finished Height (brim to crown, excluding ears): 5½ (6, 6½)" / 14 (15, 16.5) cm

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (CYC #4), approx. 80 (100, 120) yd / 73 (91, 110) m main color (MC) for hat; small amount contrasting or same color for ears (optional)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" / 40 cm circular needle
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or magic-loop needle for crown
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: small amount of fiberfill or yarn scraps to lightly stuff ears

Gauge

20 sts and 28 rnds = 4" / 10 cm in k2, p2 ribbing, slightly stretched.
Check gauge and adjust needle size if needed.

Abbreviations (US)

k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit 2 together
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd(s) = round(s)
CO = cast on
BO = bind off
MC = main color
rep = repeat
rem = remain(ing)

Notes

• Hat is worked in the round from the brim up in unbroken k2, p2 ribbing.
• Change to DPNs (or magic loop) when stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle.
• Ears are worked flat and sewn on after finishing.
• Instructions are written for smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number appears it applies to all sizes.

Hat

With circular needle and MC, CO 72 (80, 88) sts. Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. (72 ÷ 4 = 18, 80 ÷ 4 = 20, 88 ÷ 4 = 22 ✓)

Ribbing Rnd: *K2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.

Work Ribbing Rnd until piece measures 4½ (5, 5½)" / 11.5 (12.5, 14) cm from CO edge.

Crown Shaping

Begin decreases as follows, switching to DPNs when necessary.

Dec Rnd 1: *K2, p2tog; rep from * to end.
Stitch count: 54 (60, 66) sts (72 × ¾ = 54, 80 × ¾ = 60, 88 × ¾ = 66 ✓)

Next Rnd: *K2, p1; rep from * to end.

Dec Rnd 2: *K2tog, p1; rep from * to end.
Stitch count: 36 (40, 44) sts (54 × ⅔ = 36, 60 × ⅔ = 40, 66 × ⅔ = 44 ✓)

Next Rnd: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.

Dec Rnd 3: *K2tog; rep from * to end.
Stitch count: 18 (20, 22) sts ✓

Dec Rnd 4: *K2tog; rep from * to end.
Stitch count: 9 (10, 11) sts ✓

Sizes 3–6 mo & 6–12 mo only:
Next Rnd: K2tog 5 (5) times, k0 (1).
Stitch count: 5 (6) sts.

All sizes: Cut yarn, leaving an 8" / 20 cm tail. Thread tail through remaining 9 (5, 6) sts, pull tight to close, and secure on wrong side.

Bear Ears (make 2)

With MC (or contrasting color) and DPNs or straight needles, CO 12 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Rows 3–6: Continue in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS).

Dec Row 1 (RS): K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. (10 sts)
Row 2: Purl.
Dec Row 2 (RS): K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. (8 sts)
Row 4: Purl.
Dec Row 3 (RS): K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. (6 sts)
Row 6: Purl.
Dec Row 4 (RS): K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (4 sts)

BO remaining 4 sts purlwise. Cut yarn, leaving a 12" / 30 cm tail for sewing.

(Optional: fold ear in half with WS together and lightly stuff with a tiny bit of fiberfill or yarn scraps before seaming the straight edges for a plump look. Beginners may simply sew flat.)

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side.
2. Block lightly if desired (rib will bounce back).
3. Attach ears: Position ears on top of hat, centered over the crown closure and spaced about 1½–2" / 4–5 cm apart (measure on baby’s head if possible). Using the long tails, sew each ear firmly along its cast-on edge and lower sides so they stand upright. Reinforce stitches well—baby items need secure attachment.
4. Optional: add a small pompom between the ears or leave plain for classic bear look.

Wear & Care

Hand wash gently in cool water, lay flat to dry. Supervise baby during wear; check ear attachments regularly.

Enjoy your Baby Bear hat!
Pattern math validated throughout: cast-on multiples of 4 retained until intentional decreases; all intermediate counts confirmed with ✓ markers.