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Expanding Rib Beanie

This basic hat appears to be worked in double rib. But all is not what it seems with this seamless, simple, staggeringly versatile beanie! Worked from 
the brim up, this pattern is suitable for knitters of all skill levels. Stitch count instructions are provided for several yarn weights, with sizing from newborn 
through Adult XL.

Knit it as a fitted beanie, a slouchy beanie, or a beanie with a deep fold-over brim. And if beanies aren’t your thing? With some creative 
blocking this hat can also transform into a stylish ‘demi-beret.’ Choose your 
favourite yarn weight and styling, and enjoy!

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

YARN

Lightweight Option: suitable for fingering-weight yarn, approximately 400m/ 100g


Midweight Option: suitable for (light) DK-weight yarn,
approximately 250m/ 100g


Heavyweight Option: suitable for Aran-weight yarn,
approximately 160m/ 100g



GAUGE

Lightweight Option

Main Fabric: 27 sts x 36 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern 
Brim: 32 sts x 42 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern

Midweight Option

Main Fabric: 22 sts x 29 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern 
Brim: 26 sts x 42 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern



Heavyweight Option

Main Fabric: 18 sts x 24 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern
Brim: 23 sts x 30 rounds = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in pattern


NEEDLES
circular needle as needed to meet gauge, with the following potential starting points -


Lightweight Option:

Needle A: 2.75mm in diameter
Needle B: 2.25mm in diameter

Midweight Option:

Needle A: 3.5mm in diameter

Needle B: 2.75mm in diameter

Heavyweight Option:

Needle A: 4.5mm in diameter
Needle B: 3.25mm in diameter

NOTIONS

st markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape


SIZING

Lightweight Option

Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) to fit head circumference of approximately
30cm (35cm, 40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm, 60cm, 65cm), suitable for
Newborn (Baby, Toddler, Child, Jr/ Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult XL)


Midweight Option

Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) to fit head circumference of approximately
35cm (40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm, 60cm, 65cm), suitable for Baby (Toddler, Child, Jr/ Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult XL)

Heavyweight Option

Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to fit head circumference of approximately
40cm (45cm, 50cm, 55cm, 60cm, 65cm), suitable for Toddler (Child, Jr/ Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult XL)



CONSTRUCTION
worked from the brim up

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SAMPLES INFO.

The olive green hat is the Lightweight version, with fold-over brim option. Size 6. Made with Witchcrafty Lady Poldale fingering weight yarn.

The blue hat is the Midnight version, demi-beret option. Size 5. Made with Ewe Momma Merino DK.

The mauve hat is the heavyweight version, slouchy beanie option, Size 5. Made with Life In the Long Grass Hinterland held together with Haze (for an overall worsted-aran weight equivalent).

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EXPANDING RIB BEANIE vs TAILOR’S RIB BEANIE?

As some of you may know, I have another ribbed beanie pattern called the Tailor’s Rib Beanie. Although at a quick glance the hats may look very similar, I assure you they are sufficiently different to co-exist as entirely separate patterns. To summarise the main difference: this pattern is easier and more beginner friendly; it also offers instructions in multiple yarn weights. However, the Tailor’s Rib Beanie is (in my opinion) a more interesting pattern, with a unique feature that makes it special. So basically it is down to whether you prefer easier (this pattern) versus more interesting (the other pattern). Be aware also that this pattern is worked from the brim-up, whereas the Tailor’s Rib Beanie is worked from the tip down (however that is not the only difference in their construction; they are made using entirely different methods.