Chunky Twisted Rib Beanie

A fast, cozy bulky-weight beanie worked in twisted 2×2 rib from the brim to the crown. The stretchy twisted rib hugs the head beautifully, and simple gathered decreases create a tidy, modern crown.

Weekend gift, done by Sunday

Finished / weight

18 in circumference (unstretched) × 9.5 in tall

Gauge

12 sts × 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in 2×2 rib, relaxed, with US 10.5 (6.5 mm)

Yarn

Bulky weight (CYCA #6), approximately 110 yards; wool or wool-blend recommended for elasticity

Needles / hooks

US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16 in circular needles; US 10.5 (6.5 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5) for crown

Notions

Stitch markers (1 for BOR, 4 for crown shaping), tapestry needle, scissors

Abbreviations

BOR = beginning of roundCO = cast onBO = bind offk = knitp = purlk1tbl = knit 1 through the back loop (twisted knit stitch)p2tog = purl 2 stitches togetherk2tog = knit 2 stitches togetherssk = slip 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop (left-leaning decrease)pm = place markersm = slip markerrnd(s) = round(s)sts = stitchesrep = repeattbl = through the back loop

Cast On and Join

COUsing the long-tail cast on and the 16 in circular needle, CO 54 sts. Do not join yet.54 sts

Rnd 1Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for BOR. *K1tbl, k1tbl, p2; rep from * to end of rnd. (54 sts)54 sts

Brim (Twisted 2×2 Rib)

Rnds 2–9Sm, *k1tbl, k1tbl, p2; rep from * to end of rnd. (54 sts)(8 rows)

Body

Rnds 10–36Sm, *k1tbl, k1tbl, p2; rep from * to end of rnd. (54 sts)(27 rows)

Crown Decreases

Rnd 37Switch to DPNs if needed. Sm, *k1tbl, k1tbl, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (40 sts)40 sts

Rnd 38Sm, *k1tbl, k1tbl, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (40 sts)

Rnd 39Sm, *k2tog, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (27 sts)27 sts

Rnd 40Sm, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 1 st, k1. (27 sts)

Rnd 41Sm, *k2tog; rep from * to last 1 st, k1. (14 sts)14 sts

Rnd 42Sm, *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (7 sts)7 sts

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving an 8 in tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and draw it through all 7 remaining sts, pulling firmly to close the crown. Pass the needle through the center hole to the inside of the hat and weave in the end securely on the WS. Weave in the cast-on tail at the brim. Block lightly by steaming or wet-blocking to even out the rib if desired.

Notes

The brim (Rnds 1–9) and body (Rnds 10–36) are all worked in the same twisted 2×2 rib; the section break is for navigation only. Try the hat on periodically as you work the body — for a shorter beanie, stop the body at Rnd 28; for a longer slouchy version, continue to Rnd 42 before beginning crown decreases. The twisted knit stitches (k1tbl) are what give the rib its crisp, defined texture; be sure to insert the needle into the back leg of each stitch. Switch to DPNs when the sts no longer comfortably reach around the circular needle, typically around the Rnd 37 decrease round. The gauge is measured in relaxed (unstretched) rib; the hat will stretch to fit head circumferences of approximately 20–23 in.

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AI-drafted, human-run · this version drafted Oct 9, 2026. Always swatch and verify stitch counts before casting on.