This hat is very easy for beginners because it’s knitted with just two needles as a rectangle and sewn up when completed.
The knit2, purl2 rib is very stretchy so the hat will fit almost anyone. If you’re going to make it for a child, reduce the number of stitches in multiples of 4.
If you are relatively new to knitting, and you are not familiar with the K2P2 rib or Knit2, Purl 2 Rib technique, check out our post and video about it here.
Yarn
I used some double knitting acrylic yarn out of my stash. Any double knit weight of yarn will be fine for this hat as long as your tension gauge is reasonably close.
Tension / Gauge
24sts and 26 rows to 4″ (10 cm) over K2, P2 rib slightly stretched. I used 5 mm needles (US 8).
If you are unsure what this means, check out our post about how to check the Tension / Gauge for knitting patterns.
Pattern
- Cast On 96 stitches.
- Row 1: *(K2, P2) Repeat from * to end of row.
- Row 2 following: Repeat row 1.
- Continue in pattern until piece measures 9½” (24 cm), ending with a Right Side row.
Shaping for top
- Row: *(K2tog, P2)repeat from * to end of row.
- Row: K2 *(K2tog, K1) repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
- Row: *(P2, P2tog) repeat from * to last stitch, P1.
- Row: *(K1, K2tog) repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
- Row: *(P2tog, P1) repeat from * to last stitch, P1.
- Row: *(K2tog) repeat from * to last stitch, K1. (9 stitches remain)
Making up
Cut yarn leaving about 20″-30″ (50-75 cm) for sewing up. Thread a tapestry needle with the tail end of the yarn and pass through all the remaining stitches. Draw up tight and sew in. Sew up the side seam of the hat.