If you’re looking for a ribbed hat knitting pattern that’s simple, cozy, and beginner-friendly, this is the easiest one to start with. With basic stitches and straightforward shaping, it’s a great first hat that looks polished without feeling complicated. You can view the pattern completely free on this page, or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop.
UPDATED: JANUARY 20, 2026 BY BRITTANY
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Skill Level | Easy
Finished Size | Adult Small, Adult Large
This has been my go-to ribbed hat knitting pattern for years. It’s incredibly stretchy so the fit is perfect every time. Add a pom for a little extra something, incorporate stripes, or keep it a solid color that’ll go with just about anything.
Either way, this simple ribbed hat pattern can easily become your new go-to, everyday ribbed knit hat pattern for making gifts, donating to charity, or keeping it for yourself!
About Our Everyday Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern
With this ribbed hat knitting pattern, you’ll get lots of practice with the 2×2 rib which makes up the majority of the pattern. Then you’ll get to experiment with crown decreases and a super simple casting-off method. Don’t worry if you aren’t a pro knitter either. As long as you have a basic understanding of knitting in the round and are comfortable with knits and purls, you’ll do just fine.
Try either of the yarns we recommend or choose your favorite medium weight to substitute. This one is flexible enough to use just about any medium-weight yarn you want. Just be sure to check the gauge first!
Keep reading for more frequently asked questions, and pattern details, or jump down to the free pattern.
- About Our Everyday Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern
- Recommended Supplies
- Abbreviations
- Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern Notes
- Easy Ribbed Knit Hat Pattern Instructions
- Everyday Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern
- More Knit Hats and Beanies
You can view our simple ribbed beanie knitting pattern completely free on this page. But, if you prefer having a digital copy that you can save or print, we’ve got you covered with that option as well.
If you’d like to support our work here at B.Hooked, purchasing the digital pattern is a wonderful way to do so!
Recommended Supplies
- Approx 138(160) yds; Medium-weight (#4) yarn
- US 7 Circular Needles, 16″
- US 7 Double Pointed Needles OR
- US 7 Circular Needles, 24″ or longer
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
This ribbed hat knitting pattern is perfect for that special skein of medium-weight yarn you’ve been holding on to, just waiting for the right project to come along. Over the years, I have knitted this hat with so many different medium-weight yarns and I haven’t found a yarn that didn’t work or that I didn’t love. Acrylic, blends, animal fibers – they all work well.
For the hat in the pictures, I used La Mia Natural Wool in the color called “beige”. This is a great wool option if you’re not sure where to start, but part of the fun of this pattern is to experiment with your yarn choice! Just be sure to check your gauge and adjust your needle sizes if you need to. That way you can be sure the hat will fit when you’re finished.
Yarn Requirements
| Size | Yardage Required |
| Adult Small | 138 yds |
| Adult Large | 160 yds |
Abbreviations
- K Knit
- K2tog Knit Two Together
- P Purl
- Rep Repeat
- St(s) Stitches
Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern Notes
This simple ribbed knit hat is worked in the round starting with 16″ circular needles. You’ll be able to use these needles until you get to about round 6 of the crown decreases. At that point, the stitches will no longer stretch around the 16″ circumference, and you’ll need to switch to double pointed needles, or a 32″ circular needle (of the same 4.5mm size) to finish the crown decreases.
Magic loop is our preferred method over using double-pointed needles so that’s what we demonstrate in the tutorial.
Instructions for sizes are given as follows:
Small (Large)
Gauge: 20 sts and 25 rounds = 4″ worked in hat stitch pattern
Available Sizes: Adult Small, and Adult Large
Not sure which size to make? This hat size guide walks you through measuring your head and choosing the best fit before you start.
To determine which size to make: measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure resting in the center of your forehead. Then use the sizing chart below to determine which size to make.
For more details on hat sizing, and making a hat that fits perfectly, check out our hat sizing guide here.
Easy Ribbed Knit Hat Sizing Chart
| Size | To Fit Circumference |
| Adult Small | 19-21″ |
| Adult Large | 21-23″ |
Easy Ribbed Knit Hat Pattern Instructions
Add Your Ribbed Knit Hat to Ravelry!
CO 100(112)
Round 1: *K2, P2. Rep from * to end of round.
Repeat: Rep last row until work measures 9(11)” from cast on edge. (Your hat depth can be easily adjusted by knitting more or fewer ribbing rounds before starting the crown decreases.)
A digital pattern is available in our shop so you can print out the pattern
Crown Decreases
When the stitches become too tight, switch to double-pointed needles or use the magic loop method.
Round 1: *K2tog. P2. Rep from * to end of round. 75(84) sts
Round 2: *K1, P2. Rep from * to end of round.
Round 3: *K1, P2tog. Rep from * to end of round. 50(56) sts
Rounds 4-6: *K1, P1. Rep from * to end of round.
Round 7: *K2tog, K1. K2tog, P1. Rep from * to last 2 sts. K2tog. 33(37) sts
Finishing
Step 1: Cut working yarn leaving at least 24” tail. Thread on yarn needle.
Step 2: Beginning with first st,
insert needle knit-wise through first st and slide off needle. Rep for rem sts.
Step 3: When all sts are secured on the tail, pull to draw up. Run tail around opening to secure.
TERMS OF USE:
This pattern is for personal use only. You agree not to modify, publish, transmit, sell, create derivative works or in any way exploit any of the content within this page, in whole or in part. If you wish to share this pattern, share a link to this webpage only. You may sell finished items made from this pattern.
Copyright, B.Hooked Crochet, LLC
Everyday Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern Step-by-Step Tutorial
Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern
If you enjoyed this ribbed hat knitting pattern, you may also like my simple knit beanie or beginner-friendly hat pattern.
More Knit Hats and Beanies
Hats are one of the most satisfying things to crochet! Here at B.Hooked we love designing them too. Here are some of our favorite free hat patterns with tutorials if you need a little help along the way.
