Bergen Beanie in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Microbial - M23005BSAM - Downloadable PDF

Bergen Beanie – Free Knitting Pattern in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial (M23005BSAM)

The Bergen Beanie is a classic, cozy knitted hat designed by Lion Brand and worked entirely in the round from the lower ribbed brim up to a gathered crown. This is a free downloadable PDF pattern (Pattern Number M23005BSAM) that is rated Easy, making it an ideal project for beginner knitters who are ready to practice working in the round and shaping a simple hat. The finished beanie has a finished circumference of approximately 20 inches (51 cm), designed to stretch and fit a range of adult head sizes, and a finished height of approximately 12½ inches (32 cm), giving it a slightly slouchy, relaxed silhouette.

Design Overview

The Bergen Beanie is a single, straightforward hat design with a timeless aesthetic. Its generous height lends itself to a casual, laid-back look that suits everyday wear. The pattern is worked seamlessly in the round, beginning at the lower edge and traveling upward, which means there are no seams to sew and the construction remains clean and tidy throughout. An optional pom-pom can be added to the crown for a playful, finishing touch, making this pattern versatile enough for both minimalist and more whimsical styling preferences.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial (Art. #209), a worsted weight yarn that is the star of this project. The sample shown uses color #178 Maize, a warm, golden yellow tone, and only one ball of yarn is required to complete the hat. This yarn features an anti-microbial treatment, which helps resist odor-causing bacteria — a practical and modern benefit that makes the finished beanie especially suitable for active wear or everyday use.

In addition to yarn, the following materials are needed:

• Double pointed knitting needles, size 9 (5.5 mm) – a set of 4, used for working the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for a circular needle
• Circular knitting needle, size 9 (5.5 mm), 16 inches (40.5 cm) long – used for the main body of the hat worked in the round
• Lion Brand stitch markers – to mark the beginning of rounds
• Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle – for weaving in ends and finishing
• Pom-pom maker (optional) – for adding a decorative pom-pom to the finished crown

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the beanie fits as intended. The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches = approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) in the K2, P2 Rib pattern. Knitters are strongly encouraged to check their gauge before beginning and to adjust needle size if necessary.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Bergen Beanie is built almost entirely on a single, satisfying stitch pattern that gives the fabric its characteristic stretch and texture:

• K2, P2 Rib – This is the primary pattern stitch, worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. Round 1 establishes the rib by working k1, then repeating p2, k2 across to the last 3 stitches, ending p2, k1. From Round 2 onward, knit stitches are knitted and purl stitches are purled as they appear, creating the classic ribbed column effect. This stitch pattern is highly elastic, which allows the beanie's 20-inch circumference to stretch comfortably across a range of head sizes.
• Knitting in the round – The hat is worked circularly from the cast-on edge upward, eliminating the need for flat seaming. The circular needle handles the bulk of the rounds, while double pointed needles take over as stitches are decreased toward the crown.
• Crown decreases – As is standard in top-down or bottom-up beanie construction, stitches are gradually decreased near the top of the hat to shape the crown and draw it to a close. The remaining stitches are gathered and secured.
• Finishing – Yarn