Basic Ribbed Beanie

A stretchy, warm, beginner-friendly beanie worked in the round from the brim up in classic k2, p2 ribbing. Simple crown decreases create a neat finish. Perfect first hat project.

Sizes

Newborn (Baby, Toddler, Child, Adult S/M, Adult L) Shown in Adult S/M.

To fit head circumference: 14 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24)" / 35.5 (40.5, 45.5, 51, 56, 61) cm
Finished circumference (unstretched): 14.5 (16, 17.5, 19.25, 20.75)" / 37 (40.5, 44.5, 49, 52.5) cm
Finished height (brim to crown, unstretched): 6.5 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)" / 16.5 (19, 20.5, 21.5, 23) cm

Ribbing is very stretchy and will fit a range of head sizes comfortably.

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn (CYC #4); approx 80 (100, 120, 140, 160) yd / 73 (91, 110, 128, 146) m
Sample uses a smooth wool or wool-blend for good stitch definition and warmth.

Needles

US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" / 40 cm circular needle
US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or long circular for magic loop
Or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions

Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Optional: pompom maker or faux-fur pompom

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rounds = 4" / 10 cm in k2, p2 ribbing, slightly stretched, on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
Take time to check gauge. Adjust needle size if necessary.

Abbreviations (US)

CO – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
p2tog – purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
rnd(s) – round(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
pm – place marker
sm – slip marker

Notes

• The entire hat is worked in k2, p2 ribbing. The fabric is reversible; choose the side you prefer as the public side when finishing.
• Join to work in the round carefully, making sure the cast-on edge is not twisted. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
• Change to DPNs or magic loop when the stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle.
• For a slouchier fit, work extra body rounds before beginning crown shaping (add approx 1" / 2.5 cm).
• Optional pompom: make or attach after finishing.

Pattern Instructions

Brim & Body

Using circular needle, CO 72 (80, 88, 96, 104) sts.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beg of rnd.

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

Repeat Ribbing rnd until piece measures 5.5 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8)" / 14 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5) cm from cast-on edge (or desired length before crown).
Stitch count remains 72 (80, 88, 96, 104) sts.

Crown Shaping

Change to DPNs or magic loop when necessary.
Decreases are worked while maintaining the rib pattern as long as possible.

Rnd 1 (dec): *K2, p2tog; repeat from * to end.
72 (80, 88, 96, 104) sts ÷ 4 = 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) repeats → 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts decreased → 54 (60, 66, 72, 78) sts remain. ✓

Rnd 2: *K2, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 3 (dec): *K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end.
54 (60, 66, 72, 78) sts ÷ 3 = 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) repeats → 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts decreased → 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) sts remain. ✓

Rnd 4: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 5 (dec): *K2tog; repeat from * to end.
36 (40, 44, 48, 52) sts ÷ 2 = 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts remain. ✓

Rnd 6: Knit.

Rnd 7 (dec): *K2tog; repeat from * to end.
18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts ÷ 2 = 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) sts remain. ✓

For sizes with an odd stitch remaining after Rnd 7 (Newborn & Toddler), work one final decrease: k2tog once, then knit to end — 8 (10, 10, 12, 12) sts. ✓

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving an 8" / 20 cm tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight to close the crown. Secure on the inside.

Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired (ribbing looks best with minimal blocking to preserve elasticity).

Optional pompom: Make a 2–3" / 5–7.5 cm pompom and sew securely to the crown, or attach a ready-made pompom with the supplied elastic loop.

Wear with the brim folded up for extra warmth or left long for a slightly slouchy look.

Enjoy your Basic Ribbed Beanie!