ribbed

How to Knit a Bordeaux Ribbed Hat: Complete Beginner-Friendly Pattern Guide

Byhaitam
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Learn how to knit a cozy, foldable ribbed hat in luxurious Baby Merino yarn. This comprehensive knitting tutorial covers everything from materials to finishing techniques for creating a stylish bordeaux-colored hat that fits head circumferences from 54-61 cm (21¼”-24″).

Materials Needed for Your Knitted Hat

Yarn Requirements

  • Type:Baby Merino
  • Amount: 100g for all sizes
  • Color: #51 Bordeaux
  • Alternative: Any fingering weight merino yarn with similar gauge

Essential Knitting Needles

  • Circular needle 2.5mm (US 1.5) – 40cm (16″) length
  • Double pointed needles (DPNs) 2.5mm (US 1.5)
  • Alternative method: Use 80cm (32″) circular needle for Magic Loop technique

Additional Supplies

  • 4 stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors

Hat Sizing Guide

This pattern includes two size options:

  • Small/Medium: Fits 54-56cm (21¼”-22″) head circumference
  • Large/X-Large: Fits 58-61cm (22¾”-24″) head circumference

Finished measurements:

  • S/M: 33-34cm (13″) length, 21-22cm (8¼”-8¾”) with fold
  • L/XL: 33-34cm (13⅜”) length, 21-22cm (8¼”-8¾”) with fold

Knitting Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for proper fit.

Target gauge: 26 stitches × 32 rows = 10cm × 10cm (4″ × 4″) in stockinette stitch on 2.5mm needles

How to Adjust Your Gauge

  • Too many stitches: Switch to larger needles
  • Too few stitches: Switch to smaller needles

Always knit a gauge swatch before starting your project to ensure proper sizing.

Step-by-Step Knitting Instructions

Step 1: Cast On

Cast on the following stitches using your circular needle:

  • S/M size: 128 stitches
  • L/XL size: 144 stitches

Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.

Step 2: Knit the Ribbed Body

Work in K2, P2 rib pattern (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches) continuously in the round.

Continue ribbing until your piece measures 27-28cm (10⅝”-11″) from the cast-on edge. At this point, approximately 6cm (2⅜”) will remain to reach the finished length.

Step 3: Place Stitch Markers for Crown Shaping

Insert 4 stitch markers evenly around your work:

  • Place markers between 2 knit stitches
  • S/M size: 32 stitches between each marker
  • L/XL size: 36 stitches between each marker

This divides your hat into 4 equal sections for crown decreases.

ribbed
ribbed
ribbed

Step 4: Work Crown Decreases

Follow diagram A.1 for your specific size to work the crown shaping. The diagram shows the decrease pattern that shapes the top of the hat.

Work the pattern repeat (A.1) 4 times total per round, once in each section between markers.

Continue decreasing until 16 stitches remain on your needles.

Step 5: Finish the Crown

  1. Cut your yarn, leaving a 20cm (8″) tail
  2. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle
  3. Pull the yarn through all remaining 16 stitches
  4. Pull tight to close the crown
  5. Weave in the end securely on the wrong side

Step 6: Create the Folded Brim

The signature feature of this hat is its folded brim:

  1. Fold the bottom edge up towards the right side approximately 6cm (2⅜”)
  2. Fold again another 6cm (2⅜”)
  3. The double fold creates a thick, warm brim

Your finished hat now measures approximately 21-22cm (8¼”-8¾”) with the fold.

Knitting Techniques Used

K2, P2 Ribbing

Alternating pattern of 2 knit stitches and 2 purl stitches that creates elastic, stretchy fabric perfect for hat brims.

Working in the Round

Knitting continuously in a circular motion without seams, creating a seamless tubular fabric.

Magic Loop Method (Optional)

A technique using one long circular needle instead of double pointed needles for small circumference knitting.

Crown Decreases

Strategic stitch reductions that shape the top of the hat from the wide body to a closed point.

Tips for Success

  1. Check your gauge: This cannot be stressed enough. A gauge that’s off by even 1 stitch can significantly affect the fit.
  2. Mark your rounds: Use a different colored marker to indicate the beginning of your round.
  3. Keep tension consistent: Ribbing can look uneven with inconsistent tension. Relax and find a comfortable rhythm.
  4. Try it on: As you approach the crown shaping, try the hat on to ensure proper length before beginning decreases.
  5. Block your finished hat: Light blocking helps even out stitches and gives your hat a professional finish.

Yarn Substitution Guide

If substituting yarn, ensure it meets these criteria:

  • Fingering weight (yarn group A)
  • Gauge: 26 stitches per 10cm on 2.5mm needles
  • Approximately 220-250 yards per 100g
  • Merino or merino blend recommended for softness and warmth

Care Instructions for Your Merino Hat

  • Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent
  • Lay flat to dry on a towel
  • Never wring or twist
  • Store folded to maintain the brim shape

Estimated Project Time

  • Beginner knitters: 12-15 hours
  • Intermediate knitters: 8-10 hours
  • Advanced knitters: 6-8 hours

Common Questions

Can I make this hat with straight needles? No, this pattern requires circular knitting to create a seamless tube. You would need to significantly modify the pattern for flat knitting.

Can I adjust the length? Yes, simply knit more or fewer rows in the ribbing section before starting crown decreases. Keep in mind this affects the fold appearance.

What if I don’t have the exact yarn? Any fingering weight yarn that matches gauge will work. The yardage needed is approximately 220-250 yards.

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