Classic ribbed hats being worn by a mother and her baby. Baby is looking away from the camera and mother kisses the side of the baby's head. Hats are cream and grey with a rib knit stitch and decorative decreases at the crown

Classic Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

Introducing: the Classic Ribbed Hat knitting pattern.

Available in 5 sizes and knit using only one ball of Originally Lovely Lana Yarn, this ribbed beanie is perfect for the whole family!

Rib stitch beanies made from the Classic Ribbed Hat knitting pattern - laying flat with brim folded.  On the left is the adult, small size and on the right is the toddler size.

Classic Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

© ORIGINALLY LOVELY 2024

This pattern and photographs of this garment are property of Kaitlin Barthold of Originally Lovely. This pattern, photos, and design are subject to copyright and are for personal use only. All commercial use is strictly prohibited. You may not reproduce or distribute this pattern under any circumstances.

The free version of this pattern must be viewed from the webpage.

Mother and baby wearing rib stitch beanies knit from this knitting pattern, the Classic Ribbed Hat.  Mother is wearing a white hat and baby is wearing a grey hat. Mother is looking at the baby and baby is looking away at something off camera.

Skill Level

Beginner +

For this pattern, you will need to feel comfortable following written instructions and know the following skills:  knitting in the round, knitting rib stitch, working simple decreases such as k2tog and ssk. 

Materials Needed to Knit This Hat

  • 1 ball / approx 40 (50, 65) (80, 90) grams Originally Lovely Lana Yarn
  • (larger sample shown in Natural, smaller sample shown in Cloud)
  • Size US 9 (5.5 mm) 12” circular needles OR double pointed needles (for main hat)
  • Size US 9 (5.5 mm) Double Pointed Needles OR circular needles for Magic Loop Technique (for crown decreases)
  • Stitch Markers
  • Tapestry Needle to weave in ends
  • Please note:  For the smallest sizes, a 12” circular needle might feel too long.  In this instance, work the main portion of the hat using either double pointed needles or a long circular needle for the magic loop technique. 

Gauge

19 sts and 24 rows = 4” (10 cm) in [k1, p1] rib stitch – unstretched

15 sts and 26 rows = 4” (10 cm) in [k1, p1] rib stitch – stretched slightly

Please note: Always remember to gauge swatch especially when substituting yarn in a pattern! Small changes in gauge can lead to large changes in the finished garment so assure a proper fit with the proper gauge!

Choosing Yarn

For this ribbed beanie, it is recommended to use an aran weight wool yarn such as Originally Lovely Lana.

Lana Yarn main image shown in Olive
Originally Lovely
Lana Yarn

A beautiful, aran weight yarn made from Highland Wool.

Please note: Yarn weight and yardage requirements are estimates.  Using yarn of different fiber composition, ply, gauge, and any modifications will lead to differences in yarn usage. 

Construction Notes

This foldover brim hat knitting pattern is worked from the bottom, up.  First you will cast on and knit the main portion of the hat using [k1, p1] rib stitch.  Then, you will decrease to shape the crown of the hat. 

Dimensions

Size:BabyToddlerYouthAdult SmallAdult Large
Finished Circumference
(unstretched):
12″13.5″15″17″18.5″
30.5cm34.5cm38cm43cm47cm
Finished Circumference
(stretched slightly):
15″17″19″21″23.5″
38cm43cm48.5cm53.5cm60cm
Height
(unstretched, brim unfolded):
8.5″9.5″10.5″12″13″
21.5cm24cm26.5cm30.5cm33cm
To Fit Head Circumference:14-16″16-18″18-20″20-22″22-24″
35.5-40.5cm40.5-46cm46-51cm51-56cm56-61cm

This knitting pattern is written for the smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parenthesis using the following format: Baby, (Toddler, Youth), (Adult Small, Adult Large)

When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To keep track of your size, you may highlight or circle all numbers for your chosen size before you begin.

Help Choosing Size

[k1, p1] rib stitch creates a very stretch knit fabric.  For best fit, measure your head circumference and match to the corresponding ‘To Fit Head Circumference’ measurement.  For example, if your head circumference is 23”, your size is Adult Large. 

The white hat is shown in Adult Small. The grey hat is size Toddler.

Abbreviations

  • This pattern is written using U.S. English Terminology
  • CO = cast on
  • DPN = double pointed needles
  • K = knit
  • K2tog = knit 2 together (right leaning decrease)
  • M = stitch marker
  • ML = magic loop technique
  • P = purl
  • PM = place stitch marker
  • Rd = round
  • Rep = repeat
  • SM = slip stitch marker
  • Ssk = slip, slip, knit (left leaning decrease)
  • St = stitch
  • [ ] = repeat the instructions inside the brackets as directed.  
  •  * = repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed

Knitting Pattern Instructions

CO 56, (64, 72), (80, 88) stitches using backwards loop cast on method or other very stretchy cast on method of choice.

Pm to denote beg/end of each round.  Join to work in round.  

Work 6.5, (7.25, 8), (9, 9.75)” / 16.5, (18.5, 20.5), (23, 25) cm in [k1, p1] rib stitch. 

Please note: rib stitch is very stretchy and when stretched width-wise, will measure shorter length-wise. At this point we are measuring the unstretched length.

Woman wearing a stylish ribbed stitch hat knit in Originally Lovely Lana yarn in the color Natural. She is smiling at the camera and standing to the side. Behind her are colorful fall trees.

Crown Decreases

Begin working the crown decreases, switching to DPN or ML for small circumference knitting when needed.

Set up round:  [k1, p1] 6 (7, 8) (9, 10) times, k1, PM, p1, k1, p1, PM, [k1, p1] 12 (14, 16) (18, 20) times, k1, PM, p1, k1, p1, PM, [k1, p1] to end of rd.

Round 1:  * k1, [p1, k1] to 2 before M, k2tog, SM, p1, k1, p1, SM, SSK. Rep from * once more, [k1, p1] to end of rd.  [52, (60, 68), (76, 84) sts]. 

2:  * [k1, p1] to 2 before M, k2tog, SM, p1, k1, p1, SM, SSK, p1. Rep from * once more, [k1, p1] to end of rd.  [48, (56, 64), (72, 80) sts]. 

Repeat rounds 1-2 4, (5, 6), (7, 8) more times until 16 stitches remain. 

Then, repeat round 1 once more.  [12 sts].  

Thread through remaining sts and cinch taught to close.

Finishing

Weave in all ends to secure.  Block by soaking in lukewarm water and either lay flat or place on a balloon to dry.  If using a balloon to block the hat, be sure the balloon is at least 2” / 5 cm smaller than your finished hat circumference so as not to over stretch.

Enjoy!

Pattern Support

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Classic Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern!

For questions, please comment below or email: support@originallylovely.com

Did you Knit this beanie?

Show off your finished work by tagging @originally.lovely or using the hashtags #originallylovely and #classicribbedhat

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Brioche Ribbed HaT
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