Discover the artistry of hat knitting with Back to Basics: Hats. Immerse yourself in our intricate beanie pattern, meticulously designed to unravel the secrets of stockinette construction. Perfect for beginners, this pattern unlocks the gateway to mastering fundamental hat-making skills. Elevate your craftsmanship as you embark on a journey that demystifies the core elements of creating timeless, basic beanies. Dive into the world of knitted elegance with a pattern crafted to nurture your skills and transform novices into confident artisans.
Worked from the bottom up, this versatile hat pattern allows you to craft a perfectly fitting hat seamlessly in the round. The construction involves starting with the brim, progressing to the body, and culminating with shaping the crown. As you approach the final stages of the crown, you’ll need to switch from using 16” / 40 cm circular needles to either the magic loop method or double-pointed needles, depending on your preference for tackling smaller circumferences.
TIPS & TRICKS
For helpful resources on general hat knitting, please visit; https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
PATTERN SUPPORT
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
SKILL LEVEL
Beginner
SIZE INFORMATION
Baby [Toddler, Child/Teen, Adult, Large Adult]
16 [18, 20, 22, 24]” / 40.5 [45.5, 51, 56, 61] cm — adult sizes are in bold throughout the pattern to help differentiate the multiple sizes.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
14 [16, 18, 20, 22]” / 35 [40, 45, 50, 55] cm circumference — select a size from the finished measurements that is 1-3” / 2.5-7.5 cm smaller than your head circumference. This hat is worn with negative ease. 6.5 [7.25, 8, 9, 10]” / 16.5 [18.5, 20.5, 23, 25.5] cm in length.
NOTIONS
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch marker (1), pompom (optional)
SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Brim: US3 (3.25 mm) 16” (40 cm) circular needles, or one size smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US4 (3.5 mm) 16” (40 cm) circular needles, or the size required to get gauge
Crown: Same needle size as the body using preferred needles for a small circumference (magic loop or double-pointed needles)
YARN REQUIREMENTS
MC: 60 [78, 92, 125, 158] yds / 55 [71, 84, 114, 144] m DK weight yarn
CC: 15 [20, 29, 32, 41] yds / 14 [18, 27, 29, 37] m DK weight yarn
SUGGESTED YARN
Turtlepurl Yarn — DK Striped Turtle Toes
75% Superwash Merino 25% Nylon
245 yds (224 m) / 3.5 oz (100 g)
Colour: Trenchcoat
https://turtlepurl.com/
GAUGE
24 stitches by 28 rounds in stockinette on larger needles = 4” / 10 cm, after blocking. Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will cause a size difference for both your finished hat and the yardage requirements for your project.
ABBREVIATIONS
*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
”: Inch(es).
BOR: Beginning of round.
CC: Contrast colour.
Dec: Decrease.
G: Gram(s).
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec.)
K: Knit.
M: Metre(s).
MC: Main colour.
Mm: Millimetre(s).
Oz: Ounce(s).
P: Purl.
Pm: Place marker.
Rep: Repeat.
Sm: Slip marker.
St (Sts): Stitch(es).
Yds: Yards.
DIRECTIONS
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 84 [96, 108, 120, 132] stitches with CC. Place a stitch marker to denote the BOR and join to work in the round, ensuring not to twist.
BRIM
The brim of a hat, often referred to as the hat’s “edge” or “rim,” is the horizontal band that encircles the base of the hat and rests against the wearer’s forehead. Serving both functional and aesthetic purposes, the brim plays a pivotal role in defining the hat’s style and providing protection from the elements.
Continue with smaller needles.
Round 1: *K1, p1; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 1.25 [1.5, 2, 2, 2.25]” / 3 [4, 5, 5, 5.5] cm, measured from the cast-on edge. Cut CC.
BODY
This section of the hat extends from the brim to the crown, encompassing the area that envelops the wearer’s head. Crafted with precision and style, the body of a hat offers ample room for artistic expression, while also ensuring warmth, comfort, and a snug fit.
Switch to your larger needles and join MC.
Round 1: Knit across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 4 [4.75, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5]” / 10 [12, 14, 16.5, 19] cm, measured from the cast-on edge, or until the piece measures 2.5” / 6.5 cm less than your desired length.
CROWN
The crown of a hat, often referred to as the “top” or “head” of the hat, is the central and typically rounded portion that covers the crown of the wearer’s head. It’s the last step of the knitting, where all the stitches and shaping techniques converge to create the hat’s distinctive shape.
When the crown becomes too challenging to work on circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *K10, k2tog; rep from * across round. 77 [88, 99, 110, 121] sts
Round 2: Knit across round.
Round 3: *K9, k2tog; rep from * across round. 70 [80, 90, 100, 110] sts
Round 4: Knit across round.
Round 5: *K8, k2tog; rep from * across round. 63 [72, 81, 90, 99] sts
Round 6: Knit across round.
Round 7: *K7, k2tog; rep from * across round. 56 [64, 72, 80, 88] sts
Round 8: Knit across round.
Round 9: *K6, k2tog; rep from * across round. 49 [56, 63, 70, 77] sts
Round 10: Knit across round.
Round 11: *K5, k2tog; rep from * across round. 42 [48, 54, 60, 66] sts
Round 12: *K4, k2tog; rep from * across round. 35 [40, 45, 50, 55] sts
Round 13: *K3, k2tog; rep from * across round. 28 [32, 36, 40, 44] sts
Round 14: *K2, k2tog; rep from * across round. 21 [24, 27, 30, 33] sts
Round 15: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 14 [16, 18, 20, 22] sts
Round 16: *K2tog; rep from * across round. 7 [8, 9, 10, 11] sts
CINCHING THE CROWN
Cut yarn, leaving a 6” / 15 cm tail, for closing the crown and weaving in. With your tapestry needle, run the yarn through your remaining stitches and pull gently to cinch the crown of your hat.
FINISHING
Weave in all your ends, then soak your hat in water for 20 minutes using a gentle soap or wool wash. Use a balloon, mannequin head, or lay your hat flat to block it while drying. Allow the hat to fully air dry. Once dry, attach a pompom if desired.
Now, with your beautiful new hat, go forth and make a stylish statement! ♥