Basic Ribbed Beanie

Difficulty: Beginner
Size: Adult woman — to fit head circumference 54–56 cm (21¼–22 in)
Finished measurements: Circumference approx. 53 cm (21 in) unstretched, stretching to 56+ cm (22 in); depth approx. 21 cm (8¼ in) without pompom

Materials

• Bulky weight yarn (UK chunky / approx. 12–14 sts per 10 cm in stocking stitch), 100–120 g (about 80–110 m), depending on brand and whether you add a pompom. Example: 1 × 100 g ball of a standard bulky acrylic or wool blend.
• 8 mm (UK 0 / US 11) circular needle, 40 cm (16 in) long, or longer needle for magic loop
• 8 mm double-pointed needles (or magic loop) for crown
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: pompom maker or extra yarn for a pompom

Tension (gauge)

12 stitches and 16 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in k2, p2 ribbing, measured slightly stretched, using 8 mm needles.
Change needle size if needed to match tension.

Abbreviations (UK knitting)

k — knit
p — purl
k2tog — knit 2 together (1 stitch decreased)
p2tog — purl 2 together (1 stitch decreased)
rnd(s) — round(s)
st(s) — stitch(es)
rep — repeat

Notes

• Worked in the round from the brim up.
• Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the cast-on. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
• Ribbing is very stretchy; the hat should hug the head without feeling tight.
• When stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle, switch to DPNs or magic loop.

Pattern

Brim and body

Using 8 mm circular needle, cast on 64 stitches. Join to work in the round, place marker.

Rib round: *K2, p2; rep from * to end of round.

Repeat Rib round until work measures 18 cm (7 in) from cast-on edge.

(64 sts remain throughout body.)

Crown

Change to DPNs or magic loop when needed.

Decrease rnd 1: *K2, p2tog; rep from * to end. (16 decreases → 64 − 16 = 48 sts ✓)

Work 1 round even in the new rib: *K2, p1; rep from * to end.

Decrease rnd 2: *K2tog, p1; rep from * to end. (16 decreases → 48 − 16 = 32 sts ✓)

Work 1 round even: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.

Decrease rnd 3: *K2tog; rep from * to end. (16 decreases → 32 − 16 = 16 sts ✓)

Work 1 round knit.

Decrease rnd 4: *K2tog; rep from * to end. (8 decreases → 16 − 8 = 8 sts ✓)

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a 20 cm (8 in) tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 stitches, pull tight, and fasten off on the wrong side. Weave in all ends.

Optional: Make a pompom and sew securely to the crown.

Block lightly if desired (rib usually needs little blocking). Wear with the brim folded or unfolded as you prefer.