purlJam

# The Essential 2x2 Ribbed Beanie
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Techniques Used:** Casting on, knitting in the round, knit stitch, purl stitch, decreasing (k2tog, p2tog).

## Description
This is a classic, unisex ribbed beanie worked in the round from the brim up. The 2x2 rib stitch (knit 2, purl 2) creates a thick, warm, and very stretchy fabric that accommodates various head sizes comfortably. The crown is shaped using a "staged reduction" method that seamlessly blends the ribbing into the closure.

## Finished Measurements
*   **Circumference (unstretched):** Approx. 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) — *Will stretch to fit head circumferences up to 23 inches (58 cm).*
*   **Height:** Approx. 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) for a beanie fit, or 9.5 inches (24 cm) for a slouchy fit.

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Worsted Weight Yarn. Approx. 180–200 yards (165–182 meters).
    *   *Recommended Fiber:* 100% Wool or Acrylic/Wool blend for best elasticity.
*   **Needles:**
    *   US 8 (5 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular knitting needle.
    *   US 8 (5 mm) Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) for the crown decreases.
    *   *Note: You may use a long circular needle and the Magic Loop method if preferred.*
*   **Notions:** 1 Stitch marker, Tapestry needle, Scissors, Measuring tape.

## Gauge
20 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round).
*Note: While the hat is worked in ribbing, checking gauge in stockinette is often easier for beginners to verify yarn weight suitability.*

## Abbreviations (US Terminology)
*   **CO:** Cast On
*   **k:** Knit
*   **p:** Purl
*   **k2tog:** Knit 2 stitches together (decrease 1 stitch)
*   **p2tog:** Purl 2 stitches together (decrease 1 stitch)
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **rnd(s):** Round(s)

---

## Instructions

### 1. Cast On
Using the US 8 (5 mm) circular needle, **CO 88 sts**.
*Tech Tip: Use the Long Tail Cast On method. Cast on loosely to ensure the brim is stretchy. If you are a tight knitter, cast on over two needles held together, then remove one.*

Place marker to indicate the beginning of the round. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

### 2. Body of Hat
**Rnd 1:** *k2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.
*   [Check: 88 sts total. The pattern should end with p2 right before the marker.]

Repeat **Rnd 1** continuously until the piece measures:
*   **For Beanie Fit:** 7 inches (18 cm) from the cast-on edge.
*   **For Slouchy Fit:** 8 inches (20 cm) from the cast-on edge.

*Note: The hat will look narrow while on the needles; this is normal for ribbing.*

### 3. Crown Shaping
Switch to Double Pointed Needles when the work becomes too small to stretch around the circular needle.

**Decrease Rnd 1:** *k2, p2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
*   *Explanation: This reduces the "purl 2" sections to "purl 1".*
*   [Math Check: 88 starting sts - 22 decreases = 66 sts remaining.]

**Rnds 2–3:** *k2, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
*   [Work even on 66 sts.]

**Decrease Rnd 4:** *k2tog, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
*   *Explanation: This reduces the "knit 2" sections to "knit 1". You are now working in k1, p1 rib.*
*   [Math Check: 66 starting sts - 22 decreases = 44 sts remaining.]

**Rnd 5:** *k1, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
*   [Work even on 44 sts.]

**Decrease Rnd 6:** *k2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
*   *Explanation: This turns all remaining stitches into knit stitches.*
*   [Math Check: 44 starting sts - 22 decreases = 22 sts remaining.]

**Decrease Rnd 7:** *k2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
*   [Math Check: 22 starting sts - 11 decreases = 11 sts remaining.]

### 4. Finishing
1.  Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail.
2.  Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
3.  Draw the needle through the remaining 11 live stitches on the knitting needles, removing the needles as you go.
4.  Pull the tail tight to close the hole at the top of the hat.
5.  Bring the tail to the inside (wrong side) of the hat and weave in ends securely.
6.  Block lightly if desired (soak in water, squeeze out excess, lay flat to dry). Do not stretch the ribbing too wide while drying.

**Optional:** Attach a faux fur or yarn pompom to the top for decoration.