There is no better winter project than a hand-knit beanie. It is small enough to finish in a weekend, practical enough to wear every day, and makes one of the most loved hand knitted gifts. If you have been wondering how to knit a hat, this guide walks through each stage, from the brim to the crown, with my video tutorials along the way.
Many beanies are knit bottom-up, starting at the brim and finishing at the crown, so that is the construction I will follow here. Always follow the steps in your own hat knitting pattern.
How to Knit a Beanie: What You Need
- A short circular needle in the size your knitting pattern recommends, for the brim and body. 16" is a common length for adult hats.
- Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size, or a longer circular for magic loop, for the crown.
- A stitch marker for the beginning of the round.
- A tapestry needle for finishing.
Step 1: Cast On and Join in the Round
Cast on the number of stitches your knitting pattern gives and spread them around the needle. Before you join, check that the cast on edge is not twisted around the needle. A twisted join cannot be fixed later. Place your marker and knit the first stitch to join.
Step 2: Knit the Brim
Most knitted beanie brims are ribbed for stretch. Some knit beanies add a fold-up brim for extra warmth, and others use a double brim: you knit the brim twice as deep, fold it in half to the inside, and join the cast on edge to your live stitches. A double brim is thick, cozy, and has a beautifully clean edge.
Step 3: Knit the Body
Work the body in your beanie knitting pattern's stitch until the hat reaches the length specified. Try it on as you go: knitting in the round makes it easy to check the fit before you start the crown.
Step 4: Decrease for the Crown
The hat's crown is shaped with decreases spaced evenly around the hat. Your knitting pattern will tell you where to decrease, often on every round or every other round. As the stitches decrease, the hat draws in toward the top. Placing a marker at each decrease point makes the rounds easy to track.
Step 5: Switch to DPNs When Stitches Get Tight
As the crown narrows, there will not be enough stitches to stretch around your circular needle. That is the time to switch to double-pointed needles or the magic loop method. Simply knit the stitches onto your DPNs, dividing them between the needles, and continue in the round.
Step 6: Close the Top
When only a few stitches remain, cut the yarn, thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, and pass it through the remaining stitches. Pull gently to close the top, take the tail to the inside, and weave in your ends. Add a pom if your pattern calls for one.
Tips for Your First Beanie
- Measure the head. Most beanies are designed with a little negative ease so they hug the head.
- Check your gauge. Even a small difference changes the finished size.
- Use a stretchy cast on. The brim needs to stretch comfortably over the head.
- Choose wool or a wool blend. It is warm, springy, and blocks beautifully.
Beanie Knitting Patterns to Start With
The Classic Beanie Knitting Pattern is a timeless, advanced-beginner hat in worsted weight yarn. The Cabin Beanie Knitting Pattern features a double-knit brim and symmetrical crown decreases, The Icicle Beanie Knitting Pattern has a double-thick brim and a spiral top, and The Classic Men's Beanie Knitting Pattern is a wonderful gift to knit for someone special this season.
Looking for more hat inspiration? See our guide to knit beanie and hat styles, and brush up on shaping in our increases and decreases guide. Our Knitting Dictionary explains abbreviations, and our Help page is here for pattern questions.
Happy knitting! x, S
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to knit a beanie?
Many beanies can be finished in a weekend, depending on yarn weight and stitch pattern.
Do I need DPNs to knit a beanie?
You need a way to knit the small crown, either DPNs or a long circular needle with the magic loop method.
What size circular needle do I need for a hat?
A 16" circular needle is the most common length for adult hats. Check your pattern for the needle size.
How do I keep from twisting my stitches when I join?
Before joining, lay the needle flat and make sure the cast on edge sits on the inside of the needle all the way around.