Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Hat Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Hat

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Hat is a classic knitted winter hat designed to fit an average-sized head. This free downloadable pattern (Pattern No: DB460) creates a cozy, textured hat finished with a decorative pompom at the crown. The design combines ribbed and moss stitch sections for visual interest and a comfortable fit.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The hat is worked from the cast-on edge upward, beginning with a ribbed cuff section
• Worked flat: The pattern is knitted on straight needles rather than in the round, creating two separate pieces
• Seamed finishing: The two flat pieces are joined together with a seam to form the hat shape
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases shape the crown, including techniques such as purl two together (p2tog), purl three together (p3tog), slip-knit-pass slipped stitch over (skpo), and slip one-knit two together-pass slipped stitch over (slip 1, k2tog, psso)
• Pompom attachment: A handmade pompom measuring 5cm/2in in diameter is sewn to the top of the finished hat

Stitches Used

The Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Hat features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create texture and structure:

• Moss stitch rib: Formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a two-row repeat pattern. The first row (right side) works [P2, k2] to the last stitch, then p1. The second row works [K2, p2] to the last stitch, then k1. This creates a subtle, bumpy texture that provides elasticity and visual appeal
• Stockinette stitch: Used in the main body of the hat after the ribbed cuff section, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Decreasing stitches: Multiple decrease methods are employed to shape the crown, reducing from 57 stitches to 29, then to 15, and finally to 8 stitches before binding off

Materials

The Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch Rib Hat requires minimal materials, making it an efficient project:

• Yarn: 2 hanks of Debbie Bliss Paloma in Chestnut (47), each hank weighing 50g/1¾oz. Debbie Bliss Paloma yarn is available through Lovecrafts.com
• Needles: Two pairs of knitting needles are required—a pair of 9mm (US 13) needles for the ribbed cuff section and a pair of 10mm (US 15) needles for the main body
• Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 13 stitches and 18 rows over a 10cm/4in square using 10mm (US 15) needles

Pattern Overview

The hat begins with 57 stitches cast on using 9mm needles, establishing the moss stitch rib pattern for 12 rows total. The knitter then switches to 10mm needles and continues the pattern until the hat measures 25cm/10in from the cast-on edge. A series of strategic decreases shape the crown over several rows, ultimately threading the remaining 8 stitches together and securing them. The two flat pieces are seamed together, and a 5cm/2in pompom is sewn to the top to complete the finished hat.