purlJam

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# Striped Ribbed Beanie

**A beginner-friendly hat worked in the round, brim to crown**

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## About This Pattern

This cozy beanie features a stretchy k2, p2 ribbed brim and a cheerful striped stockinette body worked in two colors. It's knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up — perfect for a beginner who wants to learn color changes while making something they'll actually wear. The finished hat has a classic, slightly slouch-free fit with a neat gathered crown.

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## Finished Measurements

| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Circumference (unstretched) | ~18 in (46 cm) |
| Circumference (stretched to fit) | ~20–22 in (51–56 cm) |
| Total Height | ~9 in (23 cm) |

**Who it fits:** Average adult head (22 in / 56 cm circumference). The negative ease gives a snug, flattering fit.

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## Materials

**Yarn:**
- **Color A (Main Color):** Worsted weight yarn — approx. 80 yards (73 m)
- **Color B (Contrast Color):** Worsted weight yarn — approx. 60 yards (55 m)
- *Shown in a smooth, plied worsted weight for stitch definition. Any worsted weight yarn at gauge will work.*

**Needles:**
- US 7 / 4.5 mm — 16 in (40 cm) circular needle (for brim and body)
- US 8 / 5 mm — 16 in (40 cm) circular needle (for body and crown)
- US 8 / 5 mm — set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) *or* use magic loop method (for crown shaping when stitches become too few for circular)

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker (1)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Optional: Pompom maker or cardboard to make a pompom

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## Gauge

**18 sts × 24 rounds = 4 in (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch, worked in the round, on US 8 / 5 mm needles, after blocking.

> ⚠️ **Check your gauge!** Even for a hat, gauge matters for fit. A swatch of just 20 stitches knit flat and measured in the center will give you a reliable reading. If you have more stitches per inch than stated, go up a needle size. If you have fewer, go down a needle size.

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## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BOR | Beginning of round |
| CO | Cast on |
| k | Knit |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased) |
| p | Purl |
| pm | Place marker |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| rep | Repeat |
| sl | Slip |
| sm | Slip marker |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| [ ] × | Work instructions in brackets the number of times indicated |

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## Pattern Notes

1. **Working in the round:** The hat is worked in the round (a tube), so you are always looking at the right side of the fabric. This means every round is knit for stockinette — no purling in the body.

2. **Color changes:** Change colors at the BOR marker. When you change to a new color, simply drop the old color and begin knitting with the new color. Leave an 8 in (20 cm) tail to weave in later. Do not cut the yarn between stripes — you can carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the hat (no more than 4 rounds at a time).

3. **Jogless stripes (optional, beginner tip):** The point where a new stripe begins can show a small "jog." To minimize this: On the *second* round of a new color, slip the first stitch of the round purlwise (as if to purl) instead of knitting it. Knit normally for the rest of that round. This is optional but gives a neater result.

4. **Needle switch for crown:** When the stitch count gets low (below about 60 stitches), the circular needle will feel crowded. Switch to DPNs or magic loop at that point.

5. **Stitch count check:** At the end of each decrease round, the stitch count is shown in brackets like this: **[xx sts]**. Count your stitches after each decrease round to make sure they match before continuing.

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## Stripe Sequence

Work the following stripe sequence throughout the body of the hat (after the brim). Repeat this 8-round sequence as instructed.

| Rounds | Color |
|---|---|
| Rounds 1–4 | Color A |
| Rounds 5–8 | Color B |

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## Pattern Instructions

### Section 1: Brim

Using **Color A** and the **smaller needle** (US 7 / 4.5 mm), CO 80 sts using a long-tail cast on or your preferred stretchy cast-on method.

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Pm to mark the BOR.

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

Rep the Rib round until the brim measures **2 in (5 cm)** from the cast-on edge.

*The brim is intentionally worked on smaller needles so it has extra stretch and grip.*

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### Section 2: Body

Switch to the **larger needle** (US 8 / 5 mm).

Begin working in the **Stripe Sequence** (see above): knit every round in stockinette (knit all stitches), changing colors every 4 rounds as set.

Continue in the Stripe Sequence, keeping track of which stripe you are on, until the hat body (measured from the top of the ribbed brim, not the cast-on edge) measures **approximately 5 in (13 cm)**, or until the total hat height from cast-on edge measures **approximately 7 in (18 cm)**.

> **Tip:** Hold the hat up to your head (or a head-sized ball or bowl). The hat should cover your ears with a little room. You can knit a round or two more if you prefer more coverage.

End the body section after completing a full 4-round stripe in either color. Make note of which color you just finished with, so your crown is worked in a coordinating color.

**At the end of the body: 80 sts.**

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### Section 3: Crown Shaping

The crown is worked in **Color A** (or whichever color gives the neatest transition from your last body stripe — either color works). Cut Color B and weave in later.

Continue on the **larger needle** (US 8 / 5 mm), switching to DPNs or magic loop as needed.

All decrease rounds work a \*knit, k2tog\* repeat. Work the knit stitches between decreases carefully — every round reduces the "knit" count by 1.

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**Decrease Round 1:** \*k6, k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[70 sts]**

**Round 2 (plain):** Knit all sts.

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**Decrease Round 3:** \*k5, k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[60 sts]**

**Round 4 (plain):** Knit all sts.

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**Decrease Round 5:** \*k4, k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[50 sts]**

**Round 6 (plain):** Knit all sts.

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**Decrease Round 7:** \*k3, k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[40 sts]**

**Round 8 (plain):** Knit all sts.

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**Decrease Round 9:** \*k2, k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[30 sts]**

**Round 10 (plain):** Knit all sts.

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**Decrease Round 11:** \*k1, k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[20 sts]**

*No plain round between the last two decrease rounds.*

**Decrease Round 12:** \*k2tog; rep from \* to end. **[10 sts]**

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### Section 4: Closing the Crown

Cut yarn, leaving a **10 in (25 cm)** tail.

Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Draw the tapestry needle through all **10 remaining sts** on the needles, slipping them off the knitting needle as you go. Pull the tail firmly to close the hole at the top of the hat. Push the needle through the hole to the inside of the hat and secure with a few small stitches on the wrong side. Weave in the tail end.

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## Finishing

1. **Weave in all ends** on the inside of the hat using a tapestry needle. Weave each end in at least two directions (horizontally and then diagonally) to secure it. Trim excess yarn, leaving a tiny tail so it doesn't pop out.

2. **Block the hat (optional but recommended):** Gently hand-wash the hat in cool water with a drop of wool wash or mild soap. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove excess water. Place the damp hat over a head-shaped form (a balloon inflated to head size, or a mixing bowl works well) and allow to dry completely. Blocking evens out stitches and sets the final shape.

3. **Optional pompom:** Make a pompom approximately 3–4 in (7.5–10 cm) in diameter using Color A, Color B, or a mix of both. Attach firmly to the center of the crown using long yarn tails threaded through the gathered crown stitches and tied in a secure knot on the inside.

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## Schematic

```
         ___________
        /           \        <- Crown gather (10 sts pulled closed)
       /             \
      |   CROWN       |      <- Decrease rounds 1–12
      |   SHAPING     |         (~2 in / 5 cm)
      |               |
      |   STRIPE      |      <- Body in stockinette stripes
      |   BODY        |         (~5 in / 13 cm)
      |               |
      |    BRIM       |      <- k2, p2 rib on smaller needle
      |_______________|         (~2 in / 5 cm)

      |<-- ~18 in -->|
         (46 cm, unstretched)
```

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## At-a-Glance Summary

| Section | Needles | Stitch | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brim | US 7 / 4.5 mm | k2, p2 rib | 2 in (5 cm) |
| Body | US 8 / 5 mm | Stockinette stripes | 5 in (13 cm) |
| Crown | US 8 / 5 mm → DPNs | Stockinette with decreases | ~2 in (5 cm) |
| **Total** | | | **~9 in (23 cm)** |

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## Yarn Substitution Guide

This pattern works with any **worsted weight yarn** (also labeled as #4 Medium or "aran" in some brands). Look for a yarn that:
- Knits to gauge on US 7–8 / 4.5–5 mm needles (check the ball band)
- Has good stitch definition so the stripe pattern reads clearly
- Is soft enough to wear against the skin around the face

Superwash wool, wool blends, and acrylic all work beautifully for this hat.

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*Pattern designed for personal use. You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Please do not reproduce or distribute the pattern itself.*

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