Ribbed Hat

To make this ribbed hat, you will work in a simple knit, purl pattern. This will create a stretchy ribbing, which allows the hat to fit most head sizes from children through adults. Working from the bottom of the hat, upward, you will knit a long tube before adding decreases to close the top of the hat. Folding the brim will not only help it fit most heads properly, but will also add an extra layer of warmth around the ears.

Using the suggested acrylic yarn will give you a soft, solid-colored hat. Try experimenting with yarn colors, textures, and materials to make this hat more unique. Be sure you choose worsted weight yarn and check your gauge before substituting materials.

The purple hat pictured here was made by substituting Malabrigo Rios merino wool yarn in the color “Lotus.” (Amazon affiliate link.)

About This Free Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

This simple ribbed hat is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, purl, decrease, and draw yarn thru the remaining stitches. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.

Materials

You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:

Knitting Needles:
Double Point Needles (DPNs)
7-inch (18 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge)

And Circular Needles (optional)
16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn:

One 315-yard (6 ounce) skein of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.

one hat uses about one hat uses about 157.5 yards (3 oz.)

*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).

Tools:

A stitch marker, a measuring tape and a darning needle.

Gauge

20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 5 (3.75 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks

ssk = slip, slip, knit

Instructions: One-Size-Fits-Most Ribbed Hat

(Fits most children, teens, and adults or 18-inch to 25-inch head circumference)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round.For Double Point Needles, follow DPNinstructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow instructions written in bold. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

[Using No. 5 DPNs or circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 88 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (30 on 1^st, 28 on 2^nd, and 30 on 3^rd DPN). Or place all cast on stitches onto circular needles. (88 stitches)

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches)

Rows 3 – 75: *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches) {Work should measure 11 inches at this point.}

{Begin decreases.} Row 76: ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p. (80 stitches)

Row 77: ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4). (72 stitches)

Row 78: ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p. (64 stitches)

Row 79: ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3). (56 stitches)

[Switch to No. 5 DPNs] Row 80: ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p. (48 stitches)

Row 81: ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2). (40 stitches)

Row 82: *ssk, k, p, k, ssk, p, k, p* x 4. (32 stitches)

Row 83: *ssk, p, k, ssk, k, p* x 4. (24 stitches)

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. With darning needle, draw yarn tightly through remaining 24 stitches. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Print the Free Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

Printable Ribbed Hat Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Find More Knitting Patterns

If you like this, check out the other knitting patterns I’ve written. They’re all gathered on one page, which you can find here.

Find all of the knitting patterns by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

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Free Knitting Pattern