Easy Ribbed Beanie In 2×2 Rib Hat Knitting Pattern

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Sometimes you need an ultra simple knit beanie. This beginner friendly 2×2 ribbing makes quick and cozy knit hats.

This easy hat pattern is knit in the round. Follow along with the step by step tutorial below, or check out the video for even more support.

The knit 2, purl 2 stitch pattern is generally used as a ribbing for sweater cuffs, hems, and the brims of hats. It’s a super stretchy ribbing and fits snuggly, so it also makes a great knitted hat when winter sets in and you need that extra warmth.

Or, if like me, you live where spring brings cool mornings and evenings and still need a hat!

Since we’re working in medium yarn here it’s easy to fold up the brim. Knit your hat a little long for a taller brim.

Materials

• #4 medium worsted weight yarn pictured in Lion Brand Heartland* (100% acrylic, 251 yd / 230 m, 5 oz, 142 g) in shade: Badlands, — 1 skein. See recommended yarn by size below.
• 5 mm (US Size 8) 30” circular knitting needles* for knitting in the round (or size needed to meet gauge). You will need to do magic loop.
• Measuring tape, yarn needle, stitch markers (1) and scissors.

Yarn By Size

Baby 0 – 3 mos ~ 36 yd (33 m)

Baby 3 – 6 mos ~ 45 yd (41 m)

Baby 6 – 12 mos ~ 53 yd (49 m)

12 – 24 mos ~ 66 yd (60 m)

Toddler 2 – 3 yrs ~ 82 yd (75 m)

Preschool 4 – 5 yrs ~ 102 yd (93 m)

Child 6 – 10 yrs ~ 126 yd (115 m)

Teen 11+ ~ 155 yd (142 m)

Sm Adult ~ 192 yd (176 m)

Med Adult ~ 215 yd (197 m)

Lg Adult ~ 238 yd (218 cm)

Construction

The hat is worked bottom up in the round in 2×2 ribbing. The body of the hat works up like a stretchy tube. We’ll do a couple of rounds of decreases, some sizes will need magic loop here. Finally the top is cinched closed.

Notes

1. You can knit this pattern on 16” circulars for some sizes, but you will need to do magic loop method for decreases so a 30” cable is recommended.
2. When working in the round the stitch multiple is 4. This means you can add or subtract to the number of stitches cast on in groups of 4. 
3. If you would like to work this pattern flat on straight needles then you need a stitch multiple of 4 + 2. This means you can add or subtract to the number of stitches cast on in groups of 4, and then add 2. Seam the tube using mattress stitch.
4. For best fit knit a gauge swatch with your yarn and needles to check gauge.

Skill Level

Easy

Gauge

4 sts x 5 rnds (after blocking) to 1” (2.5 cm) measured in St st.

26 sts x 23 rnds (after blocking) to 4” (10 cm) measured in 2×2 rib.

Stitches / Abbreviations

US Terms

CO – cast on, I use the long tail cast on for this pattern but you can use another method if you prefer. The German Twisted CO is an excellent stretchy cast on for hats.

k – knit

k2tog – knit two together

p – purl

p2tog – purl two together

pm – place marker

rep – repeat

RS – right side

sm – stitch marker

st(s) – stitch(es)

St st – stockinette stitch

2×2 rib pattern – k2, p2

Tutorials

Join to Knit in the Round I love a simple technique and this is the easiest to me, but you can join in your preferred method as well.

Sizing

The pattern includes different sizes for head circumferences: 

To fit age ~ head circumferences: 

Baby 0 – 3 mos ~ 14” (35.5 cm)

Baby 3 – 6 mos ~ 15” (38 cm)

Baby 6 – 12 mos ~ 16” (40.5 cm)

12 – 24 mos ~ 17” (43 cm)

Toddler 2 – 3 yrs ~ 18” (45.5 cm)

Preschool 4 – 5 yrs ~ 19” (48 cm)

Child 6 – 10 yrs ~ 20” (51 cm)

Teen 11+ ~ 21” (53.5 cm)

Sm Adult ~ 22” (56 cm)

Med Adult ~ 23” (58.5 cm)

Lg Adult ~ 24” (61 cm)

Fit/Adjustments

This hat has a suggested 2” / 5 cm of negative ease. This means the finished hat is 2” / 5 cm smaller than the actual head circumference, and will stretch to fit. 

This free knitting pattern is intended to fit like a beanie, for a slouchy hat you can keep knitting to increase the height at least 2″ before moving on. There is enough height for the brim to fold over about an inch or so. If you would like a taller brim, knit more rounds. 

Video

Watch the video tutorial on my YouTube Channel.

Scroll down for the free pattern!

Pattern Instructions

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