The ribbed beanie is a beloved classic for knitters, designers and consumers alike. It’s simple but stylish, it pairs well with almost any outfit and the ribbing pattern creates extra stretch, allowing for a seamless fit. The Valley Beanie is my take on the timeless and charming ribbed hat.
The ribbed beanie is a beloved classic for knitters, designers and consumers alike. It’s simple but stylish, it pairs well with almost any outfit and the ribbing pattern creates extra stretch, allowing for a seamless fit. The Valley Beanie is my take on the timeless and charming ribbed hat.
This Beanie got its name because it reminds me of my beautiful home here in the Central Valley, right in the heart of California. Those that aren’t familiar with the state may not realize that California is actually a huge agrarian society. Our state supplies a quarter of the nation’s food, in addition to approximately 40% of the nation’s fruits and nuts.
I grew up in Merced California (see google maps) in urban and rural areas and surrounded by farms and orchards. Many members of my family were commercial farmers or farmed for subsistence. I live in Fresno County now still surrounded by orchards, farms, dairies and agriculture as far as the eyes can see. The ribbing in this design reminds me of the rows and rows of trees seen in our beautiful almond and citrus orchards. It reminds me of the many kale, and lettuce farms you see winding along the coast. I am proud to be from the Central Valley and wanted to work some of my hometown pride into this latest design.
Now, let’s get down to business. The Valley Beanie comes in 7 sizes! Newborn (NB), 0-3 month, 3-6 month, 6-12 month, Toddler, Child and Adult. When I designed this hat, I took the time to make sure that each size and fit were as close to perfect as possible. That being said, this beanie is easily adjustable and you can customize it to your preference.
Yarn: You may use any No. 4 medium worsted weight yarn you’d like for this project. I have knit this beanie in each size using a variety of No. 4 yarns and brands. Some of my favorites are Hobby Lobby’s I love this Yarn and Impeccable Yarn by Loops and Threads.
Materials:
- 1 skein of No. 4 Medium Worsted Weight Yarn
- US 6 4.0 mm or US 8 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles. Needle size will depend on which hat you are knitting. (See instructions below for needle size)
- Long Cord or DPN’s for decrease
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker
Abbreviations:
K- Knit
P- Purl
CO- Cast On
NB- Newborn
K2togTBL- Knit two stitches together through the back loop
P2tog- Purl two stitches together
* * Repeat instructions within the asterisks
How to adjust your beanie size:
Pictured above is a standard hat size chart that I have put together to help you knit your beanie. You can adjust the width of your hat by increasing or decreasing the number of cast on stitches by multiples of 3. You can also knit your beanie to any length you prefer for a slouchy or more fitted look. You may also go up or down a needle size depending on your gauge.
The decrease will add approximately 1/2 inch to the total length of your hat. Keep this in mind when adjusting the length of your beanie.
Knitting Instructions for Newborn – Adult Beanies
Newborn Hat
CO 54 stitches using 4.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles. The NB hat can be a bit tight when casting on. Use a loose cast on or switch to a needle one size larger to cast on. Just be sure to switch back to the smaller (4.0 mm) needles before beginning the brim.
Brim: *P1, K2* for 12 rounds
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 4.5 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* (45 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (36 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (27 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (18 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (9 sts)
Cinch your beanie and weave in the ends.
Final Measurements: Width 4.4-5 inches/Height 5 inches measured with brim folded
0-3 Month
CO 54 stitches using 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles.
Brim: *P1, K2* for 14 rounds
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 5.5 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* (45 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (36 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (27 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (18 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (9 sts)
Cinch beanie and weave in ends.
Final Measurements: Width 5-5.5 inches/Height 6 inches measured with brim folded
3-6 months
CO 60 stitches using 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles.
Brim: *P1, K2* for 14 rounds
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 5.75 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* (50 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (40 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (30 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (20 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (10 sts)
Cinch beanie and weave in ends.
Final Measurements: Width 6 inches/Height 6.25 inches measured with brim folded
6-12 Months
CO 66 stitches using 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles.
Brim: *P1, K2* for 14 rounds
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 6.25 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* (55 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (44 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (33 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (22 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (11 sts)
Cinch beanie and weave in ends.
Final Measurements: Width 6.0 inches/Height 6.75 inches measured with brim folded.
Toddler
CO 72 stitches using 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles.
Brim: *P1, K2* for 18 rounds
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 7 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* (60 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (48 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (36 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (24 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (12 sts)
Cinch beanie and weave in ends.
Final Measurements: Width 7-7.5 inches/Height 7.5 inches measured with brim folded.
Child
CO 78 stitches using 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles.
Brim: *P1, K2* until brim measures 3.5 inches
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 7.5 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* (65 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (52 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (39 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (26 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (13 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1* repeat until 1 stitch remains then knit the last stitch (9 sts)
Cinch beanie and weave in ends.
Final Measurements: Width 7-7.5 inches/Height 8 inches measured with brim folded.
Adult
CO 87 stitches using 5.0 mm 16 inch circular knitting needles.
Brim: *P1, K2* until brim measures 4 inches
Body: *K1, P2* until your hat measures 8.5 inches with the brim folded.
Decrease:
- *K1, P2TOG, K1, P2* end on P2TOG (72 sts)
- *K1, P1, K1, P2TOG* (58 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1, P1* (43 sts)
- *K2togTBL, P1* (29 sts)
- *K2togTBL* (15 sts)
- *K2togTBL, K1* repeat until 1 stitch remains then knit the last stitch (8 sts)
Cinch your beanie and weave in the ends.
Final Measurements: Width 7.5-8 inches/Height 9 inches measured with brim folded.
Hoooray! You now have your very own Valley Beanie! I hope you enjoyed this pattern. Please share if you think its worth sharing and go check out my YouTube Channel Griswold Knits for more patterns and step by step tutorials.
Please tag me on IG @griswold.knits using #ValleyBeanie so I can see your beautiful creations!
