How To Knit Chunky Hat In The Round Beginner Tutorial

Sharing is caring!

Learn how to knit a cozy beanie in chunky yarn with this step by step tutorial. With the right tools even beginner knitters can make this hat.

There are so many ways you can knit a hat. We’ll be knitting this hat in the round, so in a circle. If you’re a new knitter, I’ll show you step by step from start to finish, how to do it!

For this simple hat pattern we’re starting with the 1 X 1 rib stitch for the brim so it’s stretchy. Then we’ll work the tube, or sides of the hat, in stockinette stitch. The good news is that once we get past the brim there’s only one repeat row!

You’ll need some specific supplies for this easy knitting pattern. To make this ultra beginner friendly we’re using 16″ circular needles and #6 super bulky yarn. There are also no decreases so no double-pointed needles or magic loop technique required!

If you only knit flat on straight needles then look out for the flat knitting pattern coming soon.

A chunky hat is a great project to learn how to knit in the round. They’re quick projects and so fun to make!

Materials

• Lion Brand’s Wool Ease Thick and Quick* #6 super bulky yarn (80% Acrylic; 20% Wool, 87 yd (80 m) per 140 g skein) in shade Fig — 1 [1, 1, 1, 1] skein.
• 9 mm (US Size 13) 16” circular knitting needles* (or needle size needed to meet gauge). 
• yarn needle, measuring tape, scissors
• Optional stitch markers.

Yarn By Size

Baby 6 – 12 mos ~ 40 yd (37 m)

Toddler 1 – 3 yrs ~ 45 yd (42 m)

Child 4+ yrs ~ 50 yd (46 m)

Teen/ Sm Adult ~ 60 yd (55 m)

Med/Lg Adult ~ 65 yd (60 m)

Gauge 

9 sts x 14 rnds (after blocking) to 4” (10 cm) measured in St st.

Notes

1. This pattern is worked bottom up, in the round. 
2. Stitch multiple is 2. This means you can add or subtract to the number of stitches cast on in groups of 2.

Skill Level

Easy

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 hat 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. 

This easy hat pattern is intended for beginners. For this reason there are no decreases at the top of the hat. You can, of course, add some on your own if you are comfortable doing so!

Sizing

The pattern includes different sizes for head circumferences: 

To fit age ~ head circumferences: 

Baby 6 – 12 mos ~ 14” – 15” (35.5 cm – 38 cm)

Toddler 1 – 3 yrs ~ 15” – 17” (38 cm – 43 cm)

Child 4+ yrs ~ 17” – 19” (43 cm – 48.5 cm)

Teen/Sm Adult ~ 19” – 21”(48.5 cm – 53.5 cm)

Med/Lg Adult ~ 20” – 22” (51 – 56 cm)

Stitches / Abbreviations

US Terms

CO – cast on; I use the long tail cast on here, but you can cast on a different way if you prefer.

k – knit

p – purl

sm – stitch marker

St st – stockinette stitch

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.

Video

Watch the full video tutorial on my YouTube Channel.

Scroll down for the free knitting pattern!

Pattern Instructions

Sharing is caring!