Men’s Ribbed Beanie
How to Knit a Simple Men’s Ribbed Beanie with DK Weight Yarn (Magic Loop Tutorial)
Looking for a quick, cozy, and classic knit? This men’s ribbed beanie is the perfect project! Whether you’re new to knitting or just want a simple, relaxing pattern, this tutorial has you covered.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to knit a men’s ribbed hat using DK weight yarn and the magic loop method—no double-pointed needles required!
Why You'll Love This Beanie Pattern
Beginner-friendly: Straightforward stitches and simple shaping
Timeless look: Ribbed texture is stretchy, comfortable, and stylish
Customizable: Easily adjust the length or brim
Perfect for gifts: Great for birthdays, holidays, or winter wear
Sizing Note: This beanie is designed to fit the average adult male head (22–24” circumference), with plenty of stretch thanks to the ribbed pattern! The length is easily adjustable!
Gauge
• 16 sts x 13 rounds = 2” x 2” Knit 1 Purl 1 ribbing in the round on US 6
Materials - What You'll Need
• Lykke US 6 circular knitting needle Amazon (32” or longer for magic loop)
• Tapestry Needle Amazon
• Stitch Markers Amazon
• Tape Measure Amazon
• 180 yds (165 meters) DK Weight Yarn
Shown in Wonderland Yarns - Silk Twist DK in the End of the Wood #303 Colorway Purchased from Luv2Knit & More in Jenkintown, PA
Disclaimer: Some links provided are affiliate links and I receive a small commission when used. These commissions help to support the free content I offer!
Skills You’ll Learn or Practice
Casting on with backward-loop cast-on
Knitting in the round with the magic loop method
1x1 ribbing
Simple crown shaping
Closing the hat neatly
Blocking
Watch the Full Tutorial
Check out my YouTube video tutorial where I show you each step in detail—from cast-on to finishing. Whether you’re a visual learner or just prefer knitting along with someone, this video has everything you need!
Abbreviations Used
K2T stands for Knit 2 Together. It’s a right-leaning decrease that reduces two stitches down to one. It's often used in shaping (like crown decreases in hats or neckline shaping in garments).
How to Knit Two Together (K2T)
Insert your right needle knitwise into the next two stitches at once, as if you were knitting just one stitch.
Wrap the working yarn around the right needle as you would for a regular knit stitch.
Pull the yarn through both stitches.
Slip both stitches off the left needle.
SSK stands for Slip, Slip, Knit. It’s a left-leaning decrease that turns two stitches into one. It mirrors the K2T (Knit Two Together) decrease, which leans to the right. Using both helps keep your shaping symmetrical — especially in things like hat crowns or sweater necklines.
How to Work an SSK
Slip the first stitch knitwise from the left needle to the right needle.
Slip the second stitch knitwise in the same way.
Insert the left needle into the front of both slipped stitches (they will now be positioned as if ready to knit them together through the back loops).
Wrap the yarn and knit the two stitches together through the back loops.
Pattern
Cast-On
Cast on 110 stitches using the backward loop method. Join in the round for magic loop.
Work 8” (20.3 cm) of Knit 1, Purl 1 ribbing. If you would like a longer or shorter hat, adjust this 8” before the decreases begin.
Decreases
Decrease Round 1: *Repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 20 stitches, SSK, place a stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 2: *SSK, repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 19 stitches ending with a Knit 1, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 3: *Knit 1, then repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 17 stitches finishing with Knit 1, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 4: *SSK, repeat Purl 1, Knit 1 for 16 stitches, Knit 1, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 5: *Repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 16 stitches, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 6: *SSK, repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 15 stitches ending with a Knit 1, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 7: *Knit 1, then repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 13 stitches finishing with Knit 1, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 8: *SSK, then repeat Purl 1, Knit 1 for 12 stitches, Knit 1, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 9: *Repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 12 stitches, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 10: *SSK, repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 11 stitches ending with a Knit 1, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 11: *Knit 1, then repeat Knit 1 , Purl 1 for 9 stitches finishing with Knit 1, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 12: *SSK, repeat Purl 1, Knit 1 for 8 stitches, Knit 1, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
After Decrease Round 12, you will begin decreasing 2 x between each stitch marker
Decrease Round 13: *SSK, repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 6 stitches, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 14: *SSK, repeat Purl 1, Knit 1 for 4 stitches, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 15: *SSK, repeat Knit 1, Purl 1 for 2 stitches, K2T, pass the stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Decrease Round 16: *SSK, K2T, remove stitch marker*, continue repeating the pattern between the *s for the rest of the round
Once you complete Decrease Round 16 you should have 10 stitches remaining on your knitting needles.
Finishing
Cut yarn leaving a 10” tail. Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle and thread the tapestry needle through the remaining stitches. Thread the yarn tail to the inside of the hat, then tie a knot to secure. Weave in all ends.
To block your hat, soak your hat in a bowl of lukewarm water for approximately 10 - 15 min. Gently squeeze to remove the excess water then roll it up in a towel to squeeze out remaining water. Lay flat to dry.
Customize Your Beanie
Want a slouchier fit? Add a few extra rounds before decreasing. Don’t want a folded brim? Just knit to 6” before decreasing instead of 8”. You can also experiment with colors—this ribbed beanie looks great in solid, heathered, or even subtly variegated yarns!