Fisherman’s Rib Hat

By far the most popular post and YouTube video I have done in recent years is the Fisherman’s Rib Scarf. It started as a project for my niece who wanted a warm gray scarf and has taken on a life of its own. I get tons of requests for a matching hat so here it is! Learn how to knit Fisherman’s Rib stitch in the round in this cute slouchy hat!

Now there is a difference in the actual stitch when worked in the round as opposed to worked back and forth in rows, but it’s not that hard to do.

The ribbed brim is super stretchy and will accommodate a head size anywhere from 19” – 24”.

Finished Size:

The sample hat is a slightly slouchy 11 1/2” from cast on edge to top of crown but that can easily be adjusted.

Materials:

200 yds Super Bulky yarn (CYCA 6, Super Bulky). Model made in 1 large skein Bernat Softee Chunky (100% acrylic; 431 yds; 400g) in Grey Ragg

16” circular knitting needles size US 9/5.50mm and US 11/8.00mm 

Set of 4 DPNs size US 11/8.00mm

1 locking stitch marker

Tapestry or yarn needle

Gauge: Approximately 8 sts x 6 rows = 4″ in Fisherman’s Rib. Gauge is not critical for this pattern.

Abbreviations:

Beg – beginning

K – knit

K1b – knit 1 below – form the knit stitch as usual except instead of inserting your right-hand (for right-handed knitters, left-hand for left-handed knitters) tip into the front leg of the stitch on the opposite needle as usual, insert it into the center of the stitch below. See video for additional help.

K2tog – knit 2 together, a decrease

P – Purl

P1b – purl 1 below – form the purl stitch as usual except instead of inserting your right-hand (for right-handed knitters, left-hand for left-handed knitters) tip under the front leg of the stitch on the opposite needle as usual, insert it back to front into the center of the stitch below. See video for additional help.

Rep – repeat

Rnd – round

Ssk – slip, slip, knit, a decrease – slip each of the next 2 sts knitwise, replace on left needle (or right, if left-handed), k2tog tbl.

Tbl – through back loop

Hat:

With smaller circular needle cast on 48 sts. Set up for working in the rnd being careful not to twist the stitches; place marker for beg of rnd.

Rnds 1 – 5: *K1, p1. Rep from * around.

Rnds 6 – 7: With larger circular needle, *k1, p1. Rep from * around.

Fisherman’s Rib

Rnd 1: *K1b, p1. Rep from * around.

Rnd 2: *K1, p1b. Rep from * around.

Rep Rnds 1 – 2 for pattern until work measures desired length from cast-on row. Sample shown was 9 1/2 for a slightly slouchy fit on my slightly larger than average lady head, it’s way slouchy on the young adult model. You can go shorter for more of a beanie, longer for extra slouch.

Crown Shaping:

Change to DPNs; make sure to place marker on a stitch instead of the needle if you haven’t yet.

Rnd 1: *Ssk. Rep from. Around. 24 sts

Rnd 2: Knit.

Rnds 3 -4: Rep Rnds 1 – 2. 12 sts

Finishing:

Cut yarn leaving a 10” – 12 tail for sewing up.

Thread the cut end through a tapestry or yarn needle.

Thread the tapestry needle through all 12 remaining sts. 

Pull into a tight circle, fasten off and weave in that end on the inside of the hat.

Weave in starting end.

I hope you enjoyed learning to knit the fisherman’s rib stitch in the round!