Here’s a free knitting pattern for a unisex hat that even new knitters can master. The broken rib pattern is an easy-to-memorize 4-round stitch pattern. More skilled knitters will find it a soothing project, with just enough going on to keep you from getting bored. Knit it in the round on circular and double-point needles, or use the Magic Loop method.
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Sizes & Finished Dimensions
Adult Size
Circumference: 16” [41 cm] relaxed. The stitch pattern stretches a lot; the hat fits with negative ease.
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn (CYC #4): approximately 130 yds /119 m Sample used Manos del Uruguay Maxima (100% extrafine merino wool, 3.5 oz / 100 g, 219 yd / 200 m), 1 skein M8977 Tigerlily
US size 8 [5 mm] 16” [40 cm] circular knitting needle and set of 4 or 5 US size 8 [5 mm] double-pointed knitting needles , or size to obtain correct gauge
OR one US size 8 [5 mm] 36″ [90 cm] or longer circular knitting needle for the Magic Loop method , or size to obtain correct gauge
One stitch marker
Row counter (optional)
Gauge
22 sts and 26 rnds = 4” [10 cm] in Broken Rib pattern, relaxed (not stretched out)
To save time, take time to check gauge.
Broken Rib Pattern (over a multiple of 4 sts)
Rnds 1-3: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 4: Purl.
Rep Rnds 1-4 for pattern.
Instructions
With circular needle, long-tail cast on 88 sts. Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist sts. (If using Magic Loop, cast on and arrange stitches for working in the round.)
Work in Broken Rib Pattern until piece measures 6½” [16.5 cm] from beginning, ending with Rnd 4 of pattern.
Crown Shaping
Note: If using 16″ [40 cm] circular needle, change to double-pointed needles when necessary.
Rnd 1: *K2tog, p2, k2, p2; rep from * around—77 sts.
Rnd 2: *K1, p2, k2, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 3: *K1, p2, k2tog, p2; rep from * around—66 sts.
Rnd 4: Purl.
Rnd 5: *K1, p2tog, k1, p2; rep from * around—55 sts.
Rnd 6: *K1, p1, k1, p2; rep from * around.
Row 7: *K1, p1, k1, p2tog; rep from * around—44 sts.
Rnd 8: Purl.
Rnd 9: *K2tog, k2; rep from * around—33 sts..
Rnd 10: Knit.
Rnd 11: *K2tog, k1; rep from * around—22 sts.
Rnd 12: Purl.
Rnd 13: [K2tog] around—11 sts.
Rnd 14: K1, [k2tog] around.
Cut yarn, leaving 10″ [25 cm] tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches and tug gently to close. Weave in ends.
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
- p: purl
- p2tog: purl 2 stitches together
- rep: repeat
- rnd(s): round(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)
Looking for more hat patterns from Edie? Click on the images to check out these knitting and crochet patterns. Some are free!
Sunset Hill Hat 
Potrero Hill Hat 
Norwegian Dream Hat 
Mount Greco Hat and Mitts 
Molly Hat 
Hearts All Around Hats 
Charlotte Hat 
Avery Hat
New to knitting in your patterns you refer to rnd is this the same as rows.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Lesley
Yes, we call them “rows” when working back and forth in rows, but refer to them as “rounds (rnds)” when working in the round on circular or double-pointed needles. Welcome to knitting!
I used 92 stitches (instead of 88). What is the pattern to decrease for the crown? The K2 tog, P2, K2, P2 for row 1 results in 4 stitches left before the marker and row 2. Thanks
Just try to maintain the stitch pattern as you work the decreases. You could decrease another time in that last 4 sts, if you want. However, on all subsequent rows you’ll need to maintain the stitch pattern, which won’t work as written because you have a different number of stitches. If you need specific instructions on how to do that, you can schedule an Ask-Me-Anything session and we can go through it together: http://www.edieeckman.com/ask-me-anything.