Before You Start

• Skill level: Advanced Beginner — if you can knit and purl in the round, you’re ready.
• What you’ll practice: Knit/purl rhythm, neat edges, and even tension.
• Why this stitch: Ribbing gives stretch, structure, and a comfy, squishy texture.
• Good to know: Rib fabric naturally springs back, so it’s ideal for hats and cowls.

What Is Rib Knit Fabric?

Rib knit is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row, forming raised (knit) and recessed (purl) columns.

• This structure makes the fabric stretchy and elastic.
• You’ll see it everywhere — cuffs, neckbands, waistbands, socks, and cozy accessories like this hat and cowl.

How Do You Knit Rib (Beginner-Friendly)?

Ribbing is simply a repeat of knits and purls. Start with one of these classics:

• 1×1 Rib: K1, P1 — the stretchiest, very tidy.
• 2×2 Rib: K2, P2 — a bit wider, great for hats and hems.
• 2×2 Garter Rib (used in this pattern): Alternates knit/purl like 2×2, but adds garter texture for extra squish and bounce.
• Related Post: How To Knit Rib Stitch Patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)

Tips for neat ribbing

• Keep a gentle, consistent tension when switching between knit and purl.
• Move the yarn between the needles (front for purl, back for knit) to avoid accidental yarn-overs.
• Count your stitches at the end of each row until the rhythm sticks.

Cowl and Hat Knitting Pattern

Purchase the inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Notes

Skill Level – Easy (advanced beginners)

The hat and cowl set knits up quickly in super-bulky yarn, and the simple design makes for a relaxing, enjoyable knit.

The right side of the piece of fabric looks different from the wrong side.

You may need smaller needles (DPNs) for the decreases for the top of the hat.

If you have never knit in the round before, you can watch my video tutorial here. – How to join knitting in the round with circular knitting needles

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

• Adult woman
• A hat to fit a head with a circumference size of around 22-26 inches.

Gauge – 8 sts and 14 rounds = 4in/10cm

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

• 3 skeins of super bulky yarn – I used Hayfield Super Chunky With Wool in shade 0057 (in thistles – purple).
• 1 skein or a scrap of white (I used Yarn Art Alpine Alpaca in white 433) suitable for size 10.00mm (US 15) needles.
• Lion Brand Wool Ease thick and quick or something similar will also be fine to use.
• Super bulky weight – 106 yards. / yarn weight guide

Needles

• Set of 10.00mm (US 15) 16″ circulars for the hat.
• 10mm (US 15) 24′′ circular knitting needles for the cowl

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Other Tools

• Pom pom maker Clover 2 – 1/2 inch Large.

Hat Pattern Instructions

Yarn A – White / Yarn B – Thistles (purple)

Cast on 40 sts in Yarn A, PM, and join in the round, being careful not to twist the sts.

Start off in 2×2 ribbing – K2, P2 every round until the piece measures 2 inches.

Change yarn to Yarn B and knit 1 round, then continue in the pattern below >

• 1st round: K2, P2 – rep to the end of the round.
• 2nd round: Knit.

Those two rounds form the pattern – continue this until the hat measures 9 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

• Shape top: 1st round: *K2tog. Rep from *
• Break yarn.
• Draw the end through rem sts and fasten securely.

Sew in any loose ends.

Make a large pom and securely fasten it to the top of the hat.

More Rib Stitch Knitting Patterns

You can view knitting patterns that use a variation of knitting rib stitches here…

• Oversized Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern
• Sweater Pattern (Half Fisherman’s Rib)
• Outlander Capelet Knitting Pattern
• Outlander Claire Carolina Fingerless Gloves Pattern

Helpful Resources

This pattern is great for advanced beginner knitters.

• Knitting cast-on methods
• Knitting Lessons
• How to cast on knitting
• How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
• How to knit garter stitch
• How to knit the purl stitch
• How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
• How to read knitting patterns for beginners
• Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
• How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
• How to kit two stitches together – K2tog
• How to join knitting in the round with circular knitting needles

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