A couple weeks before Christmas this year, I decided I wanted to make myself a new red hat with a big fluffy pom pom on top. Since it was so close to the holidays, I needed something that would work up quickly.
I started by working up a few stitch swatches. I found that I really liked the look of a fold-up brim, but it was difficult to get the brim to lay flat and stay in place. To solve this minor dilemma, I added a row of knit stitches separating the brim and main body of the hat.
Additionally, the ribbing pattern shifts at this division line so that the ribbing pattern matches up on both the brim and body. This super chunky yarn in a basic rib stitch is such a fun project that I ended up making several other sizes, including a matching one for my youngest son.
I searched on YouTube to find directions on how to make a pom pom, but you can use a store-bought pom mom maker if you prefer. Or, leave the pom off altogether.
You can download a printable, ad-free version of this pattern here: Classic Ribbed Pom Pom Hat
Skill Level:
Beginner, Intermediate
Note: This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
All Sizes:
Babies 15 – 16 inch (38 – 40.5 cm) Head Circumference
Toddlers 17 – 18 inch (43 – 46 cm) Head Circumference
Kids 19 – 20 inch (48 – 51 cm) Head Circumference
Adults S/M 21 – 22 inch (53 – 56 cm) Head Circumference
Adults L/XL 23 – 24 inch (58 – 61 cm) Head Circumference
Materials:
Lion Brand Hometown USA
#6 Super Bulky Yarn
Color Used: Tampa Spice
Babies – 4 oz (114 g) / 65 yd (60 m)
Toddlers – 5 oz (142 g) / 81 yd (74 m)
Kids – 6 oz (28 g) / 97 yd (88 m)
Adults S/M – 7 oz (198 g) / 114 yd (104 m)
Adults L/XL – 8 oz (227 g) / 130 yd (119 m)
*Extra yarn needed for optional pom pom*
US 13 (9 mm) 16” Circular Knitting Needles (optional)
US 13 (9 mm) DPN Knitting Needles
Stitch Marker
Yarn Needle
Pom Pom Maker (optional)
Gauge:
10 sts and 13 rows = 4” (10 cm) square on US 13 needles in Stockinette Stitch.
Abbreviations:
DPN: Double Pointed Needle
CO: Cast On
Sts: Stitches
K: Knit
P: Purl
K2TOG: Knit 2 together
P2TOG: Purl 2 together
PM: Place Marker
Begin Hat:
Using Circular US13 Needles or DPNs, CO 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts.
[P2, K2] until end of row. PM. (Slip marker at the end of each round throughout.)
Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist sts.
Continue Knitting in the [P2, K2] ribbing pattern until the piece measures 2.5 (3, 3, 3.5, 3.5) inches from CO edge.
[K1] for one round. (This row of knit stitches helps the brim of the hat to fold up at the intended width measurement. Next, we will shift the ribbing pattern to begin each round with a K stitch)
[K2, P2] across each round. Continue working in this pattern until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) inches from CO edge.
Begin Shaping Crown:
Round 1: [K2, P2TOG] until end of round. 31 (33, 35, 39, 41) sts.
Round 2: [K2, P1] until end of round.
Round 3: [K2TOG, P1] until end of round. 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts.
Round 4: [K1, P1] until end of round.
Round 5: [K2TOG] until end of round. 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) sts
Round 6: [K2TOG] until end of round. (Toddlers and Adults S/M sizes will each have one extra stitch remaining. K1.) 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts.
Break Yarn leaving a 12 – 14 inch tail. Pull tail through remaining stitches and secure. Weave in ends. Add pom pom to top of hat if desired.
