Basic Ribbed Beanie

A stretchy, warm beanie worked in the round from the brim up in k2, p2 ribbing. The larger needle creates a soft fabric with plenty of give. Crown shaping uses only k2tog and p2tog. Optional pompom.

Skill level: Beginner

Size

Adult Medium — to fit head circumference 22" (56 cm)

Ribbing stretch also allows a comfortable fit on heads about 21–23" (53–58 cm).

Finished measurements

• Circumference (ribbing slightly stretched): 20" (51 cm)
• Height from cast-on edge to crown: 9" (23 cm)

Designed with 2" (5 cm) of negative ease so the hat hugs the head.

Yarn

Worsted weight (CYC 4), 180 yd (165 m)

A wool or wool-blend yarn is recommended for warmth and elastic stitch memory. Acrylic blends will also work; they may grow slightly with wear.

Needles

• US 11 (8 mm) 16" (40 cm) circular needle
• US 11 (8 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown

Or a US 11 (8 mm) 32" (80 cm) or longer circular needle if you prefer magic loop for the whole hat.

Notions

• 1 stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Optional: pompom and pompom maker

Gauge

16 stitches and 20 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in k2, p2 ribbing, slightly stretched, on US 11 (8 mm) needles.

Check gauge before you begin. The hat is meant to measure about 20" (51 cm) around when the ribbing is tugged just enough to look even, not yanked to its maximum stretch.

Notes

• The entire hat is worked in k2, p2 ribbing until the crown.
• Use a stretchy cast-on (long-tail is ideal) so the brim fits over the head.
• Do not join with a twist — lay the work flat and confirm the cast-on edge faces the same way all the way around before you join.
• Stitch count stays at 80 until crown shaping begins.
• For a fold-up brim, work an extra 2–3" (5–7.5 cm) before starting the crown (you will need a little more yarn).
• For a slouchier hat, work extra length before the crown in the same way.

Abbreviations (US)

Pattern

Brim and body

Using US 11 (8 mm) circular needle and a stretchy method, CO 80 sts. (80 is a multiple of 4 for k2, p2 ribbing ✓)

Place marker for beginning of rnd and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

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

Repeat the Ribbing rnd until the piece measures 7½" (19 cm) from the cast-on edge. (80 sts remain ✓)

Crown

When the stitches become tight on the circular needle, switch to DPNs (or continue in magic loop). Divide stitches as evenly as you can across the needles.

Rnd 1 (decrease): *K2, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
20 repeats × 1 st decreased = 20 sts decreased. 80 − 20 = 60 sts remain ✓

Rnd 2: *K2, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (60 sts)

Rnd 3 (decrease): *K2tog, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.
20 repeats × 1 st decreased = 20 sts decreased. 60 − 20 = 40 sts remain ✓

Rnd 4: *K1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (40 sts)

Rnd 5 (decrease): *K2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
40 − 20 = 20 sts remain ✓

Rnd 6 (decrease): *K2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
20 − 10 = 10 sts remain ✓

Cut yarn, leaving an 8" (20 cm) tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, draw it through the remaining 10 sts, and pull tight to close the crown. Fasten off securely on the inside.

Finishing

Weave in all ends.

Blocking is optional. If you block, do it lightly — do not stretch the ribbing out or the hat will lose its snug fit. A brief steam or a short soak and dry flat to measurements is enough.

Optional pompom: Attach a pompom to the crown if you like. Sew it on firmly through the gathered stitches so it cannot pull out.

Fit check

Unstretched, the tube will look narrow. That is correct. k2, p2 ribbing on 8 mm needles is very elastic and will open to the 20" (51 cm) finished circumference, then ease onto a 22" (56 cm) head.