Quick Ribbed Newborn Hat

A stretchy, close-fitting beanie for a newborn, worked in the round from the brim up in k2, p2 rib. Chunky yarn makes it a fast, warm knit, and the crown uses only k2tog and p2tog — ideal for a first hat in the round.

Skill level: Beginner (knitting in the round and simple decreases)

Size

Newborn

To fit head circumference: 33–37 cm (13–14½ in)

Finished measurements

Circumference (unstretched): approx. 28 cm (11 in); stretches to fit the size above
Height (crown to brim): 14 cm (5½ in)

Yarn

Chunky weight (UK 12-ply / CYC 5), approx. 60 m (65 yds) / 40 g

A typical 100 g ball (approx. 137 m / 150 yds) is more than enough. Choose a soft, baby-friendly fibre (e.g. acrylic, merino or a washable blend) in your favourite colour.

Needles

6 mm (UK 4 / US 10) double-pointed needles (set of 5), or a 6 mm circular needle 80 cm long for magic loop

A 40 cm circular is too long for this circumference — use DPNs or magic loop.

Notions

• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Tension (gauge)

14 sts and 18 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch on 6 mm needles, after light blocking.

Ribbing pulls in, so the hat will measure smaller unstretched than stocking-stitch tension suggests — that stretch is what makes it fit. Check your tension in stocking stitch; if you have more than 14 sts per 10 cm, try 6.5 mm needles; if fewer, try 5.5 mm.

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
WS — wrong side

Notes

• Worked in the round; the right side is always facing you.
• The rib is k2, p2 throughout until the crown. Cast-on count is a multiple of 4 (48 ÷ 4 = 12 repeats ✓).
• When using DPNs, divide stitches evenly (e.g. 12 sts on each of 4 needles). Redistribute as the crown decreases.
• Weave in ends very securely — this is a baby item. Do not add buttons, beads or a loosely attached pompom.

Hat

Cast on 48 sts using 6 mm needles and your preferred cast-on (long-tail works well).

Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist the stitches. Pm for beginning of round.

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

Repeat the rib rnd until the piece measures 10 cm (4 in) from the cast-on edge.

Crown

Decrease rnd 1: *K2, p2tog; rep from * to end. 36 sts (12 decreases: 48 − 12 = 36 ✓)

Next rnd: *K2, p1; rep from * to end.

Decrease rnd 2: *K2tog, p1; rep from * to end. 24 sts (12 decreases: 36 − 12 = 24 ✓)

Next rnd: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.

Decrease rnd 3: *K2tog; rep from * to end. 12 sts (24 ÷ 2 = 12 ✓)

Next rnd: Knit.

Decrease rnd 4: *K2tog; rep from * to end. 6 sts (12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓)

Break yarn, leaving a 20 cm (8 in) tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 sts, pull up firmly to close the crown, and fasten off on the WS.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely on the WS, snaking each tail through several stitches so it cannot work loose.

Light blocking is optional; ribbing does not need to be stretched flat. If you block, lay the hat over a small balloon or rolled towel in the newborn size and let it dry.

Wash according to the yarn ball band.

Make it yours: Change colour, stripe the rib, or knit a matching pair. One 100 g ball of chunky yarn will make two newborn hats with yarn to spare.