purlJam

# Classic Ribbed Beanie

A cozy, stretchy beanie worked seamlessly in the round in K2P2 ribbing. Perfect first hat project for beginners — no seaming required, and the rib pattern is forgiving and stretchy enough to fit a range of head sizes.

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## Skill Level
**Beginner** — Requires knowledge of: knit, purl, knitting in the round, k2tog decrease.

## Sizes
**Adult (one size)** — fits head circumference 20–23" (51–58 cm)

### Finished Measurements
- **Circumference (unstretched):** approx. 19" (48 cm) — stretches comfortably to 23" (58 cm)
- **Height:** approx. 8.5" (21.5 cm)

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## Materials

### Yarn
- **Weight:** Worsted weight (CYC #4)
- **Yardage:** Approx. 150–180 yards (137–165 m) — 1 skein of most standard worsted yarns is plenty
- **Suggested Fiber:** Wool or wool blend for warmth and stretch

### Needles
- **US 7 / 4.5 mm** — 16" (40 cm) circular needles (for brim and body)
- **US 8 / 5 mm** — 16" (40 cm) circular needles AND set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown
- *Or size needed to obtain gauge*

### Notions
- Stitch marker (1)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors

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## Gauge

**18 sts × 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm)** in K2P2 ribbing, slightly relaxed, on US 8 / 5 mm needles.

> 💡 **Gauge tip:** Ribbing is stretchy, so measure with the fabric relaxed — do not stretch it flat.

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## Abbreviations (US)

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| pm | place marker |
| sm | slip marker |
| BO | bind off |

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## Pattern Instructions

### Brim (Ribbed Band)

With **US 7 / 4.5 mm** 16" circular needle, **cast on 96 sts** using the long-tail cast-on.

> ✅ **Math check:** 96 ÷ 4 = 24 rib repeats. Multiple of 4 confirmed for K2P2 ribbing.

Place marker and join to work in the round, **being careful not to twist the stitches**.

**Rnds 1–10:** *K2, p2;* repeat from * to end of round.

The brim should measure approximately 1.5" (4 cm).

### Body

Switch to **US 8 / 5 mm** 16" circular needle.

**Continue in K2P2 rib** as established: *K2, p2;* repeat from * to end of round.

Work even in rib until piece measures **6.5" (16.5 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending after a complete round.

> 💡 **Customization tip:** For a slouchier fit, work an extra 1–1.5" before starting the crown.

### Crown Shaping

Continue working in K2P2 rib pattern as established. As stitches decrease and the work becomes too tight for the circular needle, **switch to DPNs** (or magic loop) — typically around Rnd 5 or 6 of the crown.

> ✅ **Math check:** 96 sts ÷ 12 = 8 sections. Each round below decreases 8 sts.

**Rnd 1:** *K2, p2, k2, p2tog, k2, p2;* rep from * to end. **(88 sts)**

**Rnd 2:** *K2, p1, k2, p1, k2, p2;* rep from * to end.

**Rnd 3:** *K2, p1, k2, p1, k2tog, p2;* rep from * to end. **(80 sts)**

**Rnd 4:** *K2, p1, k2, p1, k1, p2;* rep from * to end.

**Rnd 5:** *K2, p1, k2tog, p1, k1, p2;* rep from * to end. **(72 sts)**

**Rnd 6:** *K2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2;* rep from * to end.

**Rnd 7:** *K2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2;* rep from * to end. **(64 sts)**

**Rnd 8:** *K1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2;* rep from * to end.

**Rnd 9:** *K1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2tog;* rep from * to end. **(56 sts)**

**Rnd 10:** *K2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1;* rep from * to end. **(48 sts)**

**Rnd 11:** *K2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1;* rep from * to end. *(Wait — adjust:* on this round work *K1, p1, k2tog, p1, k1;* rep from * to end. **(40 sts)**

**Rnd 12:** *K2tog, k1, p1, k1;* rep from * to end. **(32 sts)**

**Rnd 13:** *K2tog, p1, k1;* rep from * to end. **(24 sts)**

**Rnd 14:** *K2tog;* rep from * to end. **(12 sts)**

**Rnd 15:** *K2tog;* rep from * to end. **(6 sts)**

> ✅ **Final stitch count:** 6 sts remaining.

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## Finishing

1. Cut yarn, leaving an **8" (20 cm) tail**.
2. Thread tail onto tapestry needle.
3. Pass tail through remaining 6 stitches **twice**, drawing snug to close the crown.
4. Pull tail to the inside of the hat and weave in securely.
5. Weave in cast-on tail on the wrong side of the brim.
6. **Optional:** Lightly steam-block to even out the ribbing — do not flatten.

### Optional Pompom
Add a 4" (10 cm) faux fur or yarn pompom to the crown using a tapestry needle to attach securely. Leave the attachment loose enough to remove the pompom before washing.

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## Pattern Notes

- **Fit adjustment:** The K2P2 ribbing is highly stretchy — this hat will fit a wide range of adult heads. For a child (head circumference 18–20"), cast on **80 sts** instead (still a multiple of 4).
- **Yarn substitution:** Any worsted weight yarn that meets gauge will work. Wool, wool blends, and acrylic all work well.
- **Care:** Follow yarn label care instructions. Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.

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**Designed for beginner knitters — happy knitting!** 🧶