Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn creates a classic ribbed hat designed to be worked in the round. The finished hat measures approximately 9 inches in length, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes with appropriate yarn weight adjustments. This pattern is offered free with the purchase of Boku yarn, making it an excellent introduction to circular knitting techniques for both beginner and intermediate knitters.

Materials and Needles

The pattern requires one ball of Boku yarn, which is the featured yarn for this design. Knitters will need US 8 circular needles in a 16-inch length for the main body of the hat, along with US 8 double-pointed needles for the crown decreases when the stitches become too few for circular needles. Additional materials include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round and standard yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on US 8 needles. Knitters should test their gauge over stockinette stitch before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions. The completed hat measures approximately 9 inches in length from cast-on edge to crown.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This hat is constructed using in-the-round knitting, a fundamental technique for creating seamless cylindrical garments. The pattern begins with a loose cast-on of 72 stitches using the 16-inch circular needle. After joining in the round while taking care not to twist the stitches, knitters work in k2-p2 ribbing for 7½ inches, creating an elastic cuff that provides a comfortable, secure fit.

The crown shaping involves a series of strategic decreases worked over seven rounds. This graduated decrease sequence transitions the knitter from circular needles to double-pointed needles as the stitch count diminishes. The decreases progress from 72 stitches down to 9 stitches through a combination of knit two together and purl two together decreases, maintaining the ribbed texture during the shaping process.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch that creates the smooth face of stockinette and forms the knit columns in the ribbed pattern
• Purl (p): The reverse of the knit stitch, creating the textured columns that alternate with knit stitches in the k2-p2 ribbing
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to reduce stitch count during crown shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog): A decrease worked on purl stitches to maintain pattern consistency while reducing stitches

Pattern Finishing

After completing the seven decrease rounds, knitters cut the yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. This tail is threaded through the remaining 9 stitches using a yarn needle, then drawn up tightly to close the crown of the hat. The pattern concludes with weaving in all ends to create a polished, finished appearance.

This pattern, designed by JoAnne Turcotte and published by Plymouth Yarn Co., demonstrates classic ribbed hat construction that has remained popular in knitting for its combination of visual interest, stretch, and straightforward technique.