Bill's Ribbed Hat

Bill's Ribbed Hat by Joan Laws

What is Being Made

Bill's Ribbed Hat is a classic knitted beanie designed by Joan Laws, available in three sizes to fit children and adults. The hat features a timeless ribbed construction that provides excellent stretch and recovery, making it comfortable for extended wear. This downloadable knitting pattern is suitable for beginners and uses straightforward techniques to create a finished hat with a professional appearance.

Sizes and Finished Dimensions

• Child: 20 inches (51 cm) circumference
• Adult: 22 inches (56 cm) circumference
• Large Adult: 24 inches (61 cm) circumference

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental circular knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless finished product. The pattern includes a cast-on technique to establish stitches, joining for working in rounds to begin circular knitting, and decrease rounds to shape the crown of the hat. The designer provides guidance on dividing stitches between two circular needles when the circumference becomes too tight for a single needle, a practical technique for working small circumferences in the round.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a k2, p1 rib, which means knitting two stitches followed by purling one stitch in a repeating pattern. This ribbed texture is worked consistently throughout the main body of the hat and continues through the decrease rounds. Ribbed stitches are valued in hat construction because they create vertical lines that visually elongate the hat, provide excellent elasticity for a secure fit, and naturally curl inward slightly, which enhances the finished appearance.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% superwash wool. One skein provides 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces), which is sufficient yardage to complete the hat in any of the three sizes. The superwash treatment makes the yarn machine-washable, adding practical durability to the finished hat. The recommended color is #1913/Jet, a classic dark shade.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two size US6 (4mm) circular needles, each measuring 16 inches (40cm) in length. Circular needles are essential for working this hat in the round. Additionally, five stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and mark the beginning of rounds during construction.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when the k2, p1 rib is worked in rounds and slightly stretched. Achieving proper gauge is critical for ensuring the finished hat matches the intended dimensions. Knitters should knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to verify their tension matches the designer's specifications.

Pattern Construction

The hat begins with a cast-on of 99, 108, or 117 stitches depending on the chosen size. After carefully joining the stitches in the round without twisting, the knitter works the k2, p1 rib pattern continuously until the piece reaches the specified height: 4½ inches (11.5 cm) for the child size, 5½ inches (14 cm) for the adult size, or 6 inches (15 cm) for the large adult size. The pattern then progresses to a decrease round where stitches are decreased evenly throughout the round while maintaining the established rib pattern. These decreases shape the crown of the hat, reducing the stitch count to 95, 105, or 115 stitches respectively.

Difficulty Level

Classified as a beginner pattern, Bill's Ribbed Hat is an excellent introductory project for knitters learning to work in the round. The straightforward k2, p1 rib stitch requires only basic knit and purl stitches, and the pattern provides clear instructions for joining and decreasing. Beginners will gain valuable experience with circular needle techniques and shaping while creating a wearable, practical garment.