Worsted Beanie - Multi-Size, Fitted or Slouchy

Skill level: Easy/Advanced Beginner. This is a straightforward stockinette hat with a stretchy rib brim and simple crown decreases. Worked in the round on circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs). Includes fitted and slouchy length options.

Sizes & Finished Measurements

• Newborn: circumference ~12.5 in / 32 cm; height (fitted) 5 in / 12.5 cm
• Infant: circumference ~14.2 in / 36 cm; height 6.25 in / 16 cm
• Toddler: circumference ~16.0 in / 41 cm; height 6.75 in / 17 cm
• Child: circumference ~17.8 in / 45 cm; height 7.5 in / 19 cm
• Teen/Small Adult: circumference ~19.6 in / 50 cm; height 8 in / 20.5 cm
• Adult/Medium: circumference ~21.3 in / 54 cm; height 8.75 in / 22 cm
• Large Adult: circumference ~23.1 in / 59 cm; height 9.25 in / 23.5 cm

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn (Category 4). Suggestions: 100% wool, wool blend, or acrylic worsted depending on desired warmth.

• Newborn: ~50 yd / 46 m
• Infant: ~75 yd / 69 m
• Toddler: ~100 yd / 91 m
• Child: ~125 yd / 114 m
• Teen/Small Adult: ~150 yd / 137 m
• Adult/Medium: ~175 yd / 160 m
• Large Adult: ~200 yd / 183 m

Label info to write on project: "Worsted / Aran / Category 4; yardage above (imperial and metric provided)."

Needles & Sizes

• Main needles (stockinette): 16 in / 40 cm circular needle or DPNs, US 8 / UK 6 (old) / 5.0 mm. (If you prefer a looser fabric, use 5.5 mm.)
• Brim needles (optional smaller for firmer rib): US 7 / UK 7 (old) / 4.5 mm, 16 in / 40 cm circular or DPNs.
• Extra: set of double-pointed needles same size as main when crown decreases require them; tapestry needle; stitch marker; removable marker; small pompom or spare yarn for top.

Note: UK (old) conversions given as common shorthand; if you use metric, choose needles by mm sizing: 4.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

Gauge

18 sts & 24 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette on US 8 / 5.0 mm needles (unstretched).

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Cast-On Stitches (multiple of 8)

• Newborn: CO 56 sts
• Infant: CO 64 sts
• Toddler: CO 72 sts
• Child: CO 80 sts
• Teen/Small Adult: CO 88 sts
• Adult/Medium: CO 96 sts
• Large Adult: CO 104 sts

Notes Before You Start

• This pattern is worked in the round. Join carefully to avoid twisting after casting on and before beginning the brim.
• If you want a firmer brim, use the smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm) for ribbing and switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm for the body.
• For a slouchy beanie, add 1–2 in / 2.5–5 cm to the body length before starting crown decreases.

Pattern Instructions

1) Cast On & Brim

1. Using smaller needles (or main needles if you prefer), CO the number of stitches for your size using a stretchy cast-on (long-tail or German twisted are good).

2. Join in the round: place marker for rnd start and ensure cast-on is not twisted.

3. Work K2, P2 rib until brim measures 1.5 in / 4 cm (or 2 in / 5 cm for a taller brim). If using contrasting brim color, change yarn at end of last rib row.

2) Body

Switch to larger needles (if you used smaller needles for the brim). Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until hat measures the length specified in Sizes & Finished Measurements from the cast-on edge to the base of the crown decreases. (For slouchy style, add 1–2 in / 2.5–5 cm.)

3) Crown Decreases (works with all cast-on counts above — they are divisible by 8)

Work the following decrease sequence. Keep a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. After the first couple of decrease rounds you may want to switch to DPNs.

Round 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat around.

Round 2: Knit around.

Round 3: *K5, K2tog* repeat around.

Round 4: Knit around.

Round 5: *K4, K2tog* repeat around.

Round 6: Knit around.

Round 7: *K3, K2tog* repeat around.

Round 8: Knit around.

Round 9: *K2, K2tog* repeat around.

Round 10: Knit around.

Round 11: *K1, K2tog* repeat around.

Round 12: *K2tog* repeat around until you have 8 or fewer sts remaining; cut yarn, leaving a 6–8 in / 15–20 cm tail.

4) Finish

Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining live stitches. Pull tight to close top; weave tail to inside and secure. Weave in all ends.

Press lightly or block to even stitches: steam-block for wool or damp-flat for acrylic (always follow yarn label care).

Optional pompom: attach securely with a double knot and weave ends into the inside of the hat.

Alternative Crown (for different look)

If you prefer left-leaning decreases, substitute SSK (slip, slip, knit) for K2tog on the decrease rounds. This creates a softer visual line on the crown.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Gauge: if your gauge is tighter (more sts in 4 in), choose a larger needle or go up one size for the cast-on. If your gauge is looser, go down a needle size.
• Fit: Hats are elastic; cast-on to match desired circumference accounting for 0–2 in / 0–5 cm negative ease depending on yarn and wearer preference.
• Magic loop: If you dislike DPNs, use the magic loop with a long circular needle for decreases.
• Stripe variation: Change color every X rounds; carry floats no longer than 3–4 sts or twist yarns every 2–3 stitches to avoid long floats.

Stitch Glossary

K2tog: insert right needle knitwise into next 2 sts and knit them together as one (right-leaning). SSK (optional): slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, insert left needle into front of slipped sts and knit through back loops (left-leaning).

Care

Follow yarn label. Wool: hand wash cool, lay flat to dry. Superwash/worsted acrylic: machine wash gentle, tumble low or lay flat.

Pattern Notes & Licensing

You may sell finished items made from this pattern. Do not reproduce or distribute the pattern in printed or digital form for sale. Attribution appreciated.

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