Seeded Rib Stitch Beanie

Seeded Rib Stitch Beanie by genechalisaknit

What Is Being Made

The Seeded Rib Stitch Beanie is a stretchy, reversible knitted hat designed by Chalisa Kulkosa. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished beanie measuring 28cm that stretches up to 48cm, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes. The reversible construction means both sides of the fabric are visually interesting and wearable.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This beanie showcases the seeded rib stitch technique, which creates an exceptionally stretchy and textured fabric. The seeded rib stitch combines knit and purl stitches in a strategic pattern that produces both visual interest and functional elasticity, making it ideal for a close-fitting hat that maintains its shape.

The construction uses fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Circular knitting – The beanie is worked in the round to create a seamless crown
• Decreasing – Multiple rounds of K2tog (knit 2 together) stitches shape the top of the beanie, progressively reducing stitches from the full circumference down to 12 stitches for closure
• Stretchy cast-on – A flexible cast-on method is essential to establish the proper foundation for the stretchy fabric

The shaping sequence involves four strategic decrease rounds that taper the crown: decreasing every 6 stitches in round 1, every 5 stitches in round 2, then knitting 2 together in consecutive rounds 3 and 4 until only 12 stitches remain.

Materials and Tools

This project requires 4-ply worsted weight yarn, with the pattern using Lion Brand Wool Ease Yarn in the colorway 115 Blue Mist. One ball of yarn (180 meters) provides sufficient yardage for completion.

Essential needles and notions include:

• 5.00mm (US 8) circular needles for working in the round
• 5.00mm (US 8) double-point needles for the final crown shaping when stitches become too few for circular needles
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches by 24 rows over 10 centimeters on 5mm needles, which is essential to achieve the intended finished measurements.

Pattern Overview

The beanie begins with a stretchy cast-on of 100 stitches worked on circular needles. The body is knitted in the round following the seeded rib stitch pattern for approximately 23 centimeters or to your desired length before beginning crown shaping. The top is then decreased over four rounds using knit 2 together decreases placed at strategic intervals, ultimately closing the crown to complete the hat.