purlJam

# Floppy Ribbed Santa Hat

This pattern creates a long, floppy, ribbed Santa hat, perfect for beginners using bulky yarn. Worked in the round from the brim up, it features a classic k2p2 ribbing for stretch and warmth, and simple decreases to shape a festive pointed crown.

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Beginner

**SIZE:** Adult Average
*   **Circumference (relaxed):** 19.2 inches (48.5 cm), stretches to fit 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
*   **Length (including point):** Approximately 20 inches (51 cm)

**MATERIALS:**
*   **Yarn:** Super Bulky (Category 6) "Super Soft Big Jumbo Blanket Yarn"
    *   Approximately 200-250 yards (180-230 meters) in a festive color (e.g., red, white), including yarn for pompom.
*   **Needles:** US 17 / 12 mm 16-inch (40 cm) circular knitting needles
*   **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker.

**GAUGE:**
2.5 stitches and 3 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in k2p2 rib, relaxed, worked in the round.
*(Check your gauge! If you have more stitches per inch, use a larger needle; if you have fewer stitches per inch, use a smaller needle.)*

**ABBREVIATIONS:**
*   **k** = knit
*   **p** = purl
*   **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together
*   **pm** = place marker
*   **sm** = slip marker
*   **st(s)** = stitch(es)
*   **rnd(s)** = round(s)

**PATTERN NOTES:**
*   This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
*   The entire hat is worked in k2p2 ribbing for a stretchy and textured fabric.
*   Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to keep track of your progress.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

**Cast On:**
Using US 17 / 12 mm circular needles, cast on 48 stitches using your preferred stretchy cast-on method (e.g., Long-Tail Cast-On). Be careful not to twist stitches when joining in the round.
*(Validation: 48 stitches is a multiple of 4, suitable for k2p2 ribbing.)*

**Join in the Round:**
Place a stitch marker (pm) to denote the beginning of the round. Join by knitting the first cast-on stitch with the working yarn.

**Body (Ribbing):**
**Rnd 1:** \*k2, p2\* around to marker. (48 stitches)
Repeat Rnd 1 until your hat measures approximately 15 inches (38 cm) from the cast-on edge. This will create the long, floppy body of the Santa hat.
*(Validation: 15 inches body length + crown shaping will give approx 20 inches total length for floppiness.)*

**Crown Shaping (Decreases):**
The crown decreases will create a pointed tip for your Santa hat.

**Rnd 1 (Decrease):** \*k6, k2tog\* around to marker. (42 stitches)
*(Validation: 48 sts - 6 decreases = 42 sts remaining.)*

**Rnd 2 (Decrease):** \*k5, k2tog\* around to marker. (36 stitches)
*(Validation: 42 sts - 6 decreases = 36 sts remaining.)*

**Rnd 3 (Decrease):** \*k4, k2tog\* around to marker. (30 stitches)
*(Validation: 36 sts - 6 decreases = 30 sts remaining.)*

**Rnd 4 (Decrease):** \*k3, k2tog\* around to marker. (24 stitches)
*(Validation: 30 sts - 6 decreases = 24 sts remaining.)*

**Rnd 5 (Decrease):** \*k2, k2tog\* around to marker. (18 stitches)
*(Validation: 24 sts - 6 decreases = 18 sts remaining.)*

**Rnd 6 (Decrease):** \*k1, k2tog\* around to marker. (12 stitches)
*(Validation: 18 sts - 6 decreases = 12 sts remaining.)*

**Rnd 7 (Decrease):** \*k2tog\* around to marker. (6 stitches)
*(Validation: 12 sts - 6 decreases = 6 sts remaining.)*

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## FINISHING

1.  Cut your working yarn, leaving a tail of about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
2.  Thread the tapestry needle with the yarn tail.
3.  Slip the remaining 6 stitches from your knitting needle onto the tapestry needle.
4.  Pull the yarn tail tightly to gather the stitches and close the top of the hat. Secure with a knot on the inside of the hat.
5.  Weave in any remaining loose ends on the inside of your hat.
6.  **Pompom (Optional):** Make a large pompom using your chosen yarn (or a contrasting color) and attach it securely to the pointed tip of the hat.

Enjoy your new Floppy Ribbed Santa Hat!