If you are looking into making an easy crochet ribbed beanie, here is a free pattern for you. This hat was designed with the 2×2 ribbing technique. Which is an easy to memorize two-row repeat pattern that resembles knitting.
The pattern creates a simple rectangle that’s quick to crochet and easy to assemble. But will have a beautiful texture and the result is a stylish beanie that will get you many compliments.
Whether you are making it for yourself, or just want a “go-to” pattern to make gifts for family and friends, you will love making this crochet ribbed beanie.
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Table of Contents
An inexpensive (ad free) PDF download, including a chart with instructions for 8 sizes, can be purchased in my pattern shops here:
Supplies you will need to make a crochet ribbed beanie
Here are the basic supplies and tools to make this beanie:
- Worsted weight (#4) yarn, preferably Acrylic or Acrylic Blend
- Crochet Hook – I used Clover Amour 5.00 mm (US H)
- Yarn Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Pom-Pom (optional)
About the design
This crochet ribbed beanie was designed as a simple rectangle that’s crocheted in back-and-forth rows and needs to have the ends sewn together into a tube. Then, you will hand stitch the top and pull tight to cinch.
Please keep in mind that the stitch used here creates a stretchy fabric, so make sure you measure your head accordingly.
Pattern variations
It is very simple to adapt this crochet ribbed beanie pattern to other sizes or style if you like. I’ve added some instructions below on how to adapt the pattern to different sizes.
But before you get to that information, here’s what you need to know about the variations you can get:
- Height and style – the height of the beanie will be approximately 8 inches (20 cm), from top to bottom. But if you want to make it slouchy or larger in general, simply start your foundation with more chains (an odd number).
- Circumference – this beanie was designed with a negative ease of about 3 inches. If you need it to be larger or smaller, measure your had circumference first. Then, crochet as many rows as needed to make the hat about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) smaller than your head.
- Brim – this hat will look great without a brim, but if would rather wear it folded, add more stitches to your foundation chain/row. Add as many stitches as you want the width of the brim to be.
- Pom Pom – the “cherry on top” to give your beanie professional finish and look luxurious will be a faux fur pom pom. It’s optional, but I highly recommend that you add one.
Best yarn for this crochet ribbed beanie
Acrylic or acrylic/wool blends will be great fiber options for this pattern. The reason why those are the recommend fibers is because you will need a yarn with some stretch in it.
Fibers with no stretch, such as cotton and bamboo, are not recommended for ribbed or any other kind of beanies. Therefore, not a good option for this pattern.
I used Worsted weight (#4), I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby. Which is a super soft, 100% acrylic yarn. The color used in the pictured beanie was #320 / Sea Blue. And the amount was 2.88 oz (82 g), or 146 yds (134 m).
The skills you will need
If you are a beginner, don’t be intimidated by this ribbing technique. Although it looks elaborated, it is very simple to crochet.
If you know how to chain, single crochet and half double crochet, you’ll get this pattern figured out quickly. Here are the main stitches you will be using:
- Chain (ch) – Start by creating a slip knot, then insert your hook in the slip knot loop, yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Half double crochet (hdc) – yarn over, insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over again, pull through all three loops.
- Single crochet (sc) – insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Yarn over again, pull though two loops. See below for how to do a single crochet stitch variation to create a 2×2 ribbing.
What is the 2×2 Ribbing in crochet?
This 2×2 ribbing technique is achieved by alternating a row of half double crochet (hdc) in back loop only (blo) with a row of a single crochet variation.
It’s an amazing 2 row-repeat pattern for beanies because it’s stretchy and makes super comfortable, knit-look hats.
How to crochet the 2×2 ribbing stitch
Crochet any odd number of chains for the foundation. Let’s use the same pattern as the gauge swatch. Chain 21.
- Make Row one: hdc in back bump of 3rd ch from the hook and in back bump of every ch across, ch 1, turn [20]
- Make Row two: sc (photo #1), *insert the hook in the same st as last st (photo #2), yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook) – (photo #3), insert the hook in next st (photo #4), yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) (photo #5). Do not yo. Pull that third loop on the hook through the first 2 loops (photo #6).
- Repeat from the * across. When you have three loops on the hook to do the last st, yo and pull through all 3, ch 2, turn [20]
- Make Row 3: hdc in blo across, ch 1, turn. Then repeat rows 2 and 3 per pattern instructions.
What size will this beanie be?
The instructions this crochet ribbed beanie are for a hat that will measure approximately 8″ (20 cm) tall. And the circumference will be approximately 19″ (48 cm), considering you meet gauge.
It will fit a Teen / Small Adult with head circumference of 21-22 inches (53-56 cm).
Changing the size of the beanie
As mentioned earlier in this article, due to the stretchy fabric this stitch creates, you need to make your crochet ribbed beanie with a negative ease of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).
Here is how you change the size:
- First, measure your head. Add 3.75 chains to the foundation for every inch, for the height of the hat. And 2.74 rows for every inch in its circumference.
- Secondly, check the chart below to see the recommended hat size. For example, if you are making a hat for a head that’s 20” (51 cm) around, the size of the hat should be 17” (43 cm). This would be an average size for a 10-12-year-old child.
- And third, know how tall the hat should be. The average hat height for that age would be about 8” (20 cm). Again, the chart below will guide you in the right direction. But the math, following the example above, would be 17 x 2.74 = the pattern should have 46 rows. And 3.75 x 8 = 30 (plus 1) chains for the height.
Although the above instructions are for worsted weight (#4) yarns, you can use thicker yarn as well. Obviously, you will need less stitches with thicker yarn.
But the measurements in the chart included in this pattern will help you to figure it out, but you will need a swatch.
What is negative ease in crochet?
Negative ease means that a garment or accessory was designed with a stretchy fabric and needs to be smaller to fit right.
The ribbing technique used to make this crochet ribbed beanie creates a super stretchy fabric. Hence the need to make your hat with a 2-3 inches of negative ease.
Crochet Ribbed Beanie Size Chart
Would you rather have the numbers figured out for you? You can purchase a PDF download with a chart that includes the number of stitches and rows for all the 8 sizes above. Here are the links for my shops:
Do you need a brim for this ribbed beanie?
Not necessarily! The nature of the 2×2 ribbing stitch used in this hat will give it a great look without a brim. But if you would rather wear it with a folded brim, make sure you add more chains to your foundation.
I would recommend you add as many stitches as needed to make it approximately 2 inches (5 cm) longer. Which means you would add 8 stitches if you’re using the recommended yarn in this pattern.
Pattern notes and instructions
- This crochet ribbed beanie pattern was written using standard US terminology.
- Pattern level of difficulty: Easy.
- Turning chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Turning chain 2 does count as a stitch.
- For reference, the circumference of the pictured foam mannequin head is 20” (51 cm).
Pattern abbreviations
- blo: back loop only
- ch (s): chain (s)
- FO: fasten off
- hdc: half double crochet
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
- sc: single crochet
- st (s): stitch (s)
- yo: yarn over
A note on gauge
Although meeting gauge is important to make your hat the right size and I recommend that you crochet a swatch, you can still adjust the size by adding or subtracting stitches and rows.
You would have to have the measurements for the head the hat is for and then follow the recommended hat size in the chart included in this pattern. If you are a visual learner, go back in this article and check the “photo tutorial” for the ribbing stitch.
Here is the gauge you should get: 15 sts x 10 rows of the pattern = 4” (10 cm), unstretched and before washing.
Gauge swatch pattern
- Chain 21
- Row 1 (RS): hdc in back bump of 3rd ch from hook and in back bump of every ch across, ch 1, turn [20]
- Row 2 (WS): sc, *insert the hook in same st as as last st, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert the hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Do not yo. Pull that third loop on the hook through the first two loops. Repeat from the asterisk across. When you have 3 loops on the hook to finish the last st, yo and pull through all 3, ch 2, turn [20]
- Row 3: hdc in blo across, ch 1, turn [20]
- Row4-14: Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Here is how you make this beanie
Easy crochet ribbed beanie pattern
Here is the pattern for this ribbed beanie. Please make sure you read the pattern notes. As well as sizing and gauge information before you start.
Materials
- 2.88 oz (82 g), or 146 yds (134 m) of Worsted weight (#4) yarn
- Pom-Pom (optional)
Tools
- Crochet Hook – I used Clover Amour 5.00 mm (US H)
- Yarn Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
- Stitch markers (optional)
Instructions
- Chain 35 (see “changing the size of the beanie” for instructions on how to adapt to other sizes)
- Row 1 (RS): hdc in back bump (third loop) of 3rd ch from hook and in back bump of every ch across, ch 1, turn. [34]
- Row 2 (WS): sc, *insert the hook in same st as last st, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert the hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Do not yo. Pull that third loop on the hook through the first two loops. Repeat from the asterisk across. When you have 3 loops on the hook to finish the last st, yo and pull through all 3, ch 2, turn [34]
- Row 3: hdc in blo across, ch 1, turn [34]
- Row 4-52: Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail of about 40 inches (102 cm) and pull it through the last stitch. Next, you will assemble the hat. - Sew the ends of the rectangle: At the end of row 52, you will have a rectangle. Thread the tapestry needle with the yarn tail and sew the ends of the rectangle to form a tube.
The best way to sew it is with the ladder stitch. And to achieve an almost invisible seam, first insert the needle under both loops of the first stitch on the opposite side.
Draw the needle from the RS to the WS, then back to the RS. Then, insert the needle in blo of next stitch back in the other side, doing the same movement.
Keep going, back and forth, one stitch at a time. Make a knot to secure it, but do not cut the yarn yet. - Close the top of the hat: Now, using the same leftover tail you used to sew the tube, you will close the top of the hat.
Insert the needle in the two top lops in the edge of every “rib” around and pull the thread tight to cinch at the end.
Fasten off and use the leftover tail to sew the hole closed, if needed. Cut the yarn. Weave in the ends. - Add a pom-pom (optional): A Pom Pom is optional, but it will make your beanie to look even more professional. Especially if you are making them to sell.
You can find amazing handmade Faux Fur Pom Poms on Etsy.
Notes
- Turning chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Turning chain 2 does count as a stitch.
- For reference, the circumference of the pictured foam mannequin head is 20” (51 cm).
- Please keep in mind that the stitch used here creates a stretchy fabric. Make sure you measure your head accordingly.
- This hat was designed to be a classic fit. If you would rather make it slouchy, make sure you add more chains to your foundation.
- The hat is made of a simple rectangle in back- and-forth rows. Then, you will sew the ends together into a tube.
- Next, you will hand stitch the top and pull tight to cinch.
- Adding a pom-pom is optional.
- The hat was designed without a brim. If you would rather wear it folded, make sure you add more chains to your foundation.
- 8 extra stitches will give you about 2 extra inches.
There you have the pattern for the crochet ribbed beanie. Whether you are making it for yourself or for gifts, I hope you enjoyed it.
Remember, the pattern has room for size and style customization. I hope all the instructions were helpful.
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If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.