Two-evening chunky ribbed beanie, knitted flat and seamed

Hats are the most satisfying knit there is. Small, quick, wearable, giftable. This one is knitted flat in 2x2 rib and seamed up the back, so you need nothing beyond the straight needles you learned on.

Why rib

Rib stretches. A ribbed hat fits a range of heads, hugs without squeezing, and never looks baggy. 2x2 rib is simply knit 2, purl 2 across every row, keeping the columns lined up.

Sizing

The pattern covers Baby, Child, Adult S/M and Adult L. Rib is forgiving; when in doubt go smaller.

Construction

1. Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches for your size.
2. Work in 2x2 rib until the piece measures the stated length.
3. Decrease over eight rows to gather the crown.
4. Cut the yarn, thread through the remaining stitches, pull tight.
5. Mattress-stitch the back seam. In rib, seam along a knit column and the join disappears.

Making it yours

• Knit the first 8cm in a contrast colour for a folded brim.
• Swap to 1x1 rib for a finer, more elegant look (cast on an even number).
• Add a pom pom. Always add a pom pom.

Learning points

This hat teaches rib, decreasing with k2tog and p2tog, and the mattress stitch seam. After it, a scarf in the same rib is a rest day, and a cowl in the round is the natural next step.

Full pattern attached. Post your version and tell us who it's for.

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