Men’s Classic Ribbed Beanie

Skill level: Beginner

A classic fitted ribbed beanie for men, worked in the round from the brim up in k2, p2 ribbing. The rib pulls in for a snug, warm fit and stretches to cover a typical adult-male head. Crown shaping uses only k2tog and p2tog. Optional folded-brim (watch-cap) length is given in the Notes.

Size

One size: Adult Men’s
To fit head circumference: 22–24 in (56–61 cm)

Finished Measurements

• Circumference, unstretched: 19¼ in (49 cm)
• Circumference, comfortably stretched: 22–24 in (56–61 cm)
• Height: 8½ in (21.5 cm), fitted, measured from cast-on edge to crown

Negative ease is intentional; k2, p2 ribbing stretches in wear.

Yarn

Worsted weight (CYC #4), 150 yd (137 m)

Wool or a wool blend is recommended for warmth and stitch memory. One standard 180–220 yd (165–200 m) / 100 g skein is enough.

Needles

• US 8 (5 mm) 16 in (40 cm) circular needle
• US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles, for the crown
• Or a US 8 (5 mm) 32 in (80 cm) circular for magic loop
• Or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions

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

Gauge

20 sts and 26 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in k2, p2 ribbing, unstretched, on US 8 (5 mm).

Work a small circular swatch (or a flat swatch, measuring the rib relaxed). Ribbing is stretchy, but a gauge that is much looser or tighter will change the finished circumference.

Abbreviations (US)

Notes

• The hat is worked seamlessly in the round from the brim to the crown. The entire fabric is k2, p2 ribbing until the crown decreases begin.
• Use a stretchy cast-on. Long-tail is beginner-friendly and stretchy enough if you cast on loosely (try a needle one size larger for the CO row only, then change to US 8 / 5 mm for the first round).
• Join carefully so the round is not twisted.
• When the stitches no longer fit comfortably on the 16 in circular, switch to DPNs or magic loop. This usually happens during the first or second decrease round.
• Folded brim (watch-cap style): Work the body until the piece measures 9 in (23 cm) from the CO edge instead of 7 in (18 cm), then work the crown as written. Finished height will be about 10½ in (26.5 cm). Allow about 40 yd (37 m) extra yarn.
• To adjust circumference: Add or subtract stitches in multiples of 4 at cast-on. Every 4 stitches changes the unstretched circumference by about ¾ in (2 cm).
• Do not block the ribbing aggressively; you want it to keep its elasticity.

Instructions

Brim and Body

With the circular needle, CO 96 sts loosely. Place marker for beginning of rnd and join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd. (96 sts; 24 repeats of k2, p2 ✓)

Repeat Rnd 1 until the piece measures 7 in (18 cm) from the CO edge (or 9 in / 23 cm for the folded-brim option).

The fabric should look like even columns of 2 knit stitches alternating with 2 purl stitches. Knit stitches are the V-shaped ones; purl stitches are the bumps.

Crown

Switch to DPNs (or magic loop) when the stitches feel stretched or bunched on the 16 in needle.

Dec Rnd 1: *K2, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
72 sts (24 decreases; 96 − 24 = 72 ✓)

Next 3 rnds: *K2, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (72 sts)

Dec Rnd 2: *K2tog, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.
48 sts (24 decreases; 72 − 24 = 48 ✓)

Next 2 rnds: *K1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (48 sts)

Dec Rnd 3: *K2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
24 sts (24 decreases; 48 − 24 = 24 ✓)

Next rnd: Knit. (24 sts)

Dec Rnd 4: *K2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
12 sts (12 decreases; 24 − 12 = 12 ✓)

Dec Rnd 5: *K2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
6 sts (6 decreases; 12 − 6 = 6 ✓)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving an 8 in (20 cm) tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 sts, pull firmly to close the top, and fasten off on the wrong side.

Weave in all ends. If desired, steam very lightly from the wrong side without stretching the ribbing.

Optional pompom: Make a pompom and sew it securely to the crown. A classic men’s beanie is often worn without one.

Wear

Pull on over the head; the ribbing will expand to fit. For the folded-brim version, turn up 2–2½ in (5–6.5 cm) of the lower edge. The 8½ in fitted version sits above the ears to mid-ear, depending on head shape.