Stretchy Ribbed Beanie

Adult Medium – Beginner Crochet Pattern

A soft, stretchy ribbed beanie with classic vertical ribs and optional fold-up brim. Worked flat in easy half double crochet through the back loop only, then seamed and cinched — perfect first hat project.

Skill Level: Beginner
Construction: Sideways rectangle, seamed, crown cinched
Fit: Classic fitted (covers ears); stretches to fit Adult Medium 21–23" (53–58 cm) head

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4), approx 180 yd / 165 m (one standard skein). Acrylic or wool-blend recommended for stretch and recovery.
• Hook: US I-9 / 5.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, tape measure
• Optional: Pompom maker or 3–4" cardboard circles; stitch marker

Gauge

14 hdc BLO and 11 rows = 4" × 4" (10 cm × 10 cm) unstretched, measured after light blocking.
Check gauge: Work a 16-st × 14-row swatch in hdc BLO. Adjust hook size if needed — too few stitches = hat too big/loose; too many = hat too small/tight.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• hdc – half double crochet
• BLO – back loop only
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• yd – yards
• " – inches

Finished Measurements

Hat stretches comfortably 3–5" thanks to ribbing. For Adult Large (23–24" head), add 4–6 rows.

Pattern Notes

• Hat is worked flat in rows. The foundation chain runs from crown to brim (height). Rows build the circumference.
• Always work hdc in the back loop only after Row 1 to create stretchy vertical ribs.
• Turning ch-1 does not count as a stitch.
• Keep tension even but relaxed so the fabric remains elastic.
• Brim edge = foundation-chain edge (neat for folding). Crown edge = row ends (easy to cinch).
• Inline stitch counts are confirmed with ✓.

Instructions

Rectangle (Body)

Foundation: Ch 31.

Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
[30 hdc ✓]

Row 2: Ch 1, hdc BLO in each st across. Turn.
[30 hdc BLO ✓]

Rows 3–50: Repeat Row 2.
[30 hdc BLO each row ✓]
(50 rows total → 50 ÷ 11 × 4" ≈ 18.2" unstretched circumference ✓)

Fasten off, leaving a 24" (60 cm) tail for seaming.

Assembly

1. Seam into a tube
With RS together (ribs matching), align the short edges (Row 1 and Row 50).
Using the long tail and yarn needle, mattress-stitch or whipstitch through the BLO of corresponding stitches so the seam blends into the ribbing.
Keep seam tension equal to fabric stretch — do not pull tight.
[Seam joins 30 sts to 30 sts ✓]

Turn right-side out.

2. Cinch the crown
Thread yarn needle with an 18" length of yarn (or remaining tail).
Weave the yarn in and out through every row-end stitch along one long edge (the crown edge), catching 1 loop per row.
[50 row-ends gathered ✓]
Pull firmly to close the hole.
Take a second pass through the same stitches in the opposite direction, pull tight again, and secure with 3–4 firm knots on the inside. Weave in end securely.
(If a tiny hole remains, stitch across it once more.)

3. Weave in remaining ends on WS.

Brim Options

• Fold-up brim (recommended for stretch & style): Fold lower 1.5–2" (4–5 cm) upward. The ribbing holds the fold naturally. No extra rounds needed.
• Simple edge: If preferred, work 1 round of sl st or sc evenly around brim after seaming (optional, not required for stretch).

Optional Pompom

1. Wrap yarn around 3–4" pompom maker or cardboard circles 80–100 times.
2. Tie center tightly with a 12" yarn length.
3. Cut loops, remove maker, and trim into a round 3–4" ball.
4. Thread tie ends through crown center to inside of hat; knot securely several times and weave in.
5. Fluff and final-trim pompom.

Finishing

• Gently steam-block or wet-block over a head-form or rolled towel to even ribs if desired (do not stretch aggressively).
• Allow to dry fully.
• Try on; the ribbing will relax and mold to the head with wear.
• Add a leather tag or care label if gifting.

Care

Machine wash gentle cold (acrylic) or hand wash (wool blend); lay flat to dry. Avoid high heat to preserve stretch.

Yarn used in sample math: ≈180 yd worsted = typical 1 skein (e.g., 3.5 oz / 100 g skein with 180–200 yd).

Enjoy your stretchy ribbed beanie — cozy, quick, and beginner-perfect!