Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern (Free Printable)

Meet your go‑to ribbed hat knitting pattern—a classic beanie with a stretchy brim, clean decreases, and sizes from kid to adult large.

It’s an easy, beginner‑friendly hat knit in the round on 16‑inch circular needles (switch to double‑pointed needles or magic loop to finish).

Use worsted‑weight yarn for cozy fabric and spectacular color—perfect for crisp park walks and quick gift knits.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to know before you begin:

• Gauge matters. Work a small gauge swatch in 1×1 rib and stockinette stitch. Target gauge is listed below. Correct gauge = a hat that fits.
• Cast‑on edge comfort. Use a basic long‑tail cast on or your personal preference; both create a stretchy edge for the brim.
• Needle path. Start on 16‑inch circular needles; switch to DPNs or the magic loop method when the crown narrows.
• Markers help. Use one unique end‑of‑round marker plus regular stitch markers to flag the set‑up round, the next marker for decreases, and the final stitch marker before finishing.
• Yarn choices. Natural fiber blends (wool, merino, alpaca) make elastic fabric; acrylics are durable. Explore different yarn weights, grams per skein, and yarn collections at your favorite shop or Purl Soho’s online yarn store if you love beautiful yarns and a curated palette.
• Tutorials. New to knitting in the round? See the on‑screen instructions in our tutorial: How to Join in the Round with Circular Knitting Needles.

Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

Skill Level – Easy

The hat knits up quickly and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.

Make hats to gift or donate with this free hat pattern.

This hat is knit with texture in the rib stitch using worsted weight yarn for warmth.

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
Height of hat w/o pom – 8.5″

Gauge –  11 sts in 20 rounds in 10 x 10cm/4 x 4 inches in stocking stitch.

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

• 1 skein of Alize Lanagold Classic in 56.
• Medium weight yarn 04 / worsted or Aran.
• Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)

Needles

• 4 mm (US 6) 16″ circular knitting needles
• 6 mm (US 10) 16″ circular knitting needles

Please note – you may have to change your needles for the decrease of the hat if working on the circulars becomes too tight.

This would mean using a set of size 6mm double-pointed needles (DPNs).

If you do not have those, you could use a 60cm/24″ cable and use the magic loop technique. (View Tutorial – Magic loop knitting | step by step)

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Abbreviations

Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK)

• Approx – Approximately
• Beg – Begin(ning)
• CO – Cast on
• Cont – Continue(ing)
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit the next 2 stitches together
• P – Purl
• PM – Place marker
• Rem – Remaining
• Rep – Repeat
• Rnd(s) – Round(s)
• St(s) – Stitch(es)

Pattern Instructions

With 4 mm (US 6) 16″ circular knitting needles -> CO 89 sts PM and join in the round being careful not to twist the sts.

K1, P1 every round for 5 rnd’s.

Change needles – to 6 mm (US 10) 16″ circular knitting needles

K1, P1 every round for 8 inches.

Decrease:

K1, K2tog – rep to the end of the round.

Knit the round.

K2tog – rep to the end of the round.

Cut yarn and thread through the rem sts pull tight, and secure.

Weave in any loose ends.

Make a pom pom and add it to the top of the hat, stitching it into place securely. 

Customizing & Yarn Ideas

• Length: For a deeper cuffed look, work an extra 2–3″ before decreases.
• Fabric weight: Swap to a different yarn weight (DK or Bulky) and adjust stitch count to maintain target circumference after a fresh gauge swatch.
• Yarn shopping: Try natural fibers for bounce, or explore Purl Soho designer shades and yarn collections for a refined palette. Acrylic/wool blends make a classic everyday beanie.
• Iconic detail: Add a small leather tag (icon) at the brim for a boutique finish.

FAQs & Extra Tips

→ Why 89 sts?

It matches the original sample.

For perfectly even rib repeats, CO an even number (e.g., 88/90). Evaluate width against your gauge and personal preference.

→ Can I knit this on straight needles?

This version is in the round. For straights, see our tutorials for a seamed beanie.

Related Post: How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)

→ Magic loop vs. DPNs?

Both are great for the crown.

If you don’t own DPNs, use a 24″ cable and magic loop.

Related Post: How To Knit Using The Magic Loop Method – Tutorial

→ What is the best cast‑on?

The basic long tail cast on is stretchy and fast.

Any elastic cast‑on you like will work.

Related Post: Knitting Cast On Methods

→ How do I choose a size?

Measure head circumference, knit a gauge swatch, and choose the finished size 1–3″ smaller than head size for a snug fit.

→ Can I substitute yarn?

Yes—any worsted‑weight yarn with correct gauge works.

Check grams per skein to ensure you have enough.

Related Post: How To Substitute Yarn In A Knitting Pattern (An Easy Guide)

→ Where can I find beautiful yarns?

Local shops, indie dyers, or curated stores like Purl Soho’s online yarn store—lots of helpful information on fiber content and care.

Free Printable

If you prefer to work from a printed pattern or just want a version you can take on the go, I’ve got you covered!

You can print the pattern below to keep it handy while you knit.

It’s a simple, easy-to-follow design that’s perfect for relaxing with a project you’ll actually use.

Share your work with us…

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

More Hat Patterns

If you would like to make more knitted items/hats for women, please take a look at the other patterns in the women’s knitting pattern library.

There are also knitted hat patterns for women, men, babies, and kids in the hat pattern library. – Hat Patterns

You may also like these free patterns for adult-sized hats:

• Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern {Unisex Mariner’s Hat}
• How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles
• Easy Hat Pattern (Simple Super Bulky Moss Stitch)
• How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
• Kids Beanie Hat Pattern (Adorable & Easy DIY)
• Ponytail Hat Knitting Pattern
• Messy Bun Hat Pattern

Helpful Resources

This pattern is great for any 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 (for beginners + a video tutorial)
• 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 join knitting in the round with circular knitting needles
• How to knit – a complete beginner’s guide

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