Back to Basics: Hats offers a comprehensive beanie pattern that delves into the fundamental intricacies of stockinette construction. This pattern is specifically tailored to cater to novice hat knitters, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their understanding of the foundational aspects of creating basic beanies.
This pattern is worked bottom-up, starting with the brim, followed by the body, and then you’ll begin decreasing the crown. When the crown becomes too small to continue with your 16” / 40 cm circular needles, you’ll switch to the magic loop method or double-pointed needles (depending on your preferences for working small circumferences).
This hat pattern has multiple sizes — so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit! Worked in the round, this pattern contains written directions.
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
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 intended to be 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, stitch markers (up to 11 — one that is different from the others to denote the beginning of the round)
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 obtain 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 result in a size difference for both your finished hat and the yardage requirements for your project.
ABBREVIATIONS
BOR: Beginning of round.
CC: Contrast colour.
Dec: Decrease.
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec.)
K: Knit.
MC: Main colour.
P: Purl.
Pm: Place marker.
Rep: Repeat.
Sm: Slip marker.
St (Sts): Stitch(es).
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 beginning of the round 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 final culmination of the knitting or crafting process, where all the stitches and shaping techniques converge to create the hat’s distinctive shape.
When your crown becomes too difficult to work comfortably on the circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Setup: *K12, pm; rep from * to last 12 sts before BOR marker, k12.
Round 1: *Knit to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm; rep from * to BOR marker. (1 st dec between each marker)
Round 2: Knit across round, slipping markers as you go.
Repeat Rounds 1-2 four more times. 49 [56, 63, 70, 77] sts – 7 sts between each marker.
Then, repeat Round 1 six more times, removing markers on the final round. 7 [8, 9, 10, 11] sts – 1 st remains between each marker.
CINCHING THE CROWN
Cut yarn, leaving a 6” / 15 cm tail, for closing the crown and weaving in. With your tapestry needle, run yarn through your remaining stitches and pull gently to cinch the crown of your hat.
FINISHING
Weave in all your ends and soak your hat in water for 20 minutes with a gentle soap or wool wash. Block your hat with a balloon, or mannequin head, or lay it flat to dry. Let air dry completely. Happy Knitting!