Quick Ribbed Newborn Beanie

A snug, stretchy hat for a newborn, knitted in the round from the brim up in k2, p2 rib. Chunky yarn makes it a quick project; the rib hugs softly and a fold-up brim keeps little ears warm. Crown shaping uses only knit-two-together and purl-two-together. Optional pompom.

Skill level: Beginner
Skills used: Cast on, knit, purl, join in the round, k2tog, p2tog, weaving in ends.

Size

Newborn (0–3 months)
To fit head circumference: 33–38 cm (13–15 in)

Finished measurements

• Circumference (slightly stretched): 34 cm (13½ in)
• Height, brim unfolded: 18 cm (7 in)
• Height, brim folded up 5 cm (2 in): approx. 13 cm (5 in)

Ribbing is very stretchy and will fit the full newborn range.

Yarn

Chunky / 12-ply (CYC 5)
Approx. 60 m (65 yds) / 50 g
1 × 100 g ball is plenty (leftover may be used for a pompom).

Choose a soft, machine-washable fibre suitable for babies (superwash wool, acrylic, or a wool blend). Avoid scratchy yarns.

Suggested yarns: Stylecraft Special Chunky, King Cole Big Value Chunky, Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, or any chunky yarn that matches tension.

Needles

• 6 mm (UK 4 / US 10) double-pointed needles, or
• 6 mm circular needle 80 cm (32 in) for magic loop, or
• 6 mm circular needle 40 cm (16 in) if you prefer a short circular for the body, switching to DPNs or magic loop for the crown.

Use whichever method you are comfortable with for a small circumference.

Notions

• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Optional: pompom maker or cardboard, and extra yarn for a pompom

Tension (gauge)

14 sts and 20 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in k2, p2 rib, slightly stretched, on 6 mm needles.

Work a swatch in the round (or a flat k2, p2 rib, then stretch it slightly when measuring). Change needle size if needed to match tension — a looser fabric will make a larger hat.

Abbreviations (UK knitting)

• k – knit
• p – purl
• k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
• p2tog – purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• rep – repeat
• pm – place marker

Pattern notes

• The hat is worked in the round from the cast-on edge (brim) to the crown.
• Use a stretchy cast-on (long-tail is ideal) so the brim slips on easily.
• Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist the stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
• The entire hat until the crown is k2, p2 rib. Keep the rib aligned on every round: knit the knits and purl the purls.
• For a beanie without a fold-up brim, work until the piece measures 12 cm (4¾ in) from the cast-on edge, then go to Crown shaping. Finished height will be about 15 cm (6 in).
• Weave in ends very securely — this is a baby item.
• A pompom is optional. If you add one for a newborn, sew it on firmly so it cannot come loose.

Instructions

Brim and body

Using 6 mm needles and a stretchy method, cast on 48 sts.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

Rib round: *k2, p2; rep from * to end of round.

Repeat the Rib round until the piece measures 15 cm (6 in) from the cast-on edge.
(48 sts remain.)

This length includes a 5 cm (2 in) fold-up brim. See Pattern notes if you prefer a shorter, unfolded beanie.

Crown shaping

Keep working in the round. Stitch counts are given at the end of each decrease round.

Rnd 1: *k2, p2tog; rep from * to end.
(12 repeats; 48 − 12 = 36 sts ✓)

Rnd 2: *k2, p1; rep from * to end.
(36 sts)

Rnd 3: *k2tog, p1; rep from * to end.
(12 repeats; 36 − 12 = 24 sts ✓)

Rnd 4: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
(24 sts)

Rnd 5: *k2tog; rep from * to end.
(12 sts ✓)

Rnd 6: *k2tog; rep from * to end.
(6 sts ✓)

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a 20 cm (8 in) tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, draw it through the remaining 6 sts, and pull firmly to close the crown. Pass the yarn through the stitches once more for security, then weave in the end on the wrong side.

Weave in the cast-on tail on the wrong side.

Fold the brim up by about 5 cm (2 in).

Block lightly if desired: mist with water and pat into shape, or steam gently without flattening the rib. Allow to dry.

Optional pompom

Make a pompom about 5–6 cm (2–2½ in) across. Sew it firmly to the centre of the crown with the yarn tail, taking several stitches through the gathered top. Tie off securely on the inside and weave in the end.

Safety: For a newborn, either omit the pompom or attach it so it cannot be pulled off.

To wear

Fold the brim up so it sits just above the eyebrows, with the fold covering the ears. The rib will relax to the baby’s head. If the hat feels roomy at first, the fold can be made deeper; as the baby grows, unfold slightly for extra length.