Simple Twist Hat

Simple Twist Hat

A classic ribbed hat with a subtle twist

The Simple Twist Hat is designed for knitters who love clean lines, easy rhythm, and just a touch of texture.

Built on a simple 4-row repeat with a 5-stitch pattern, this hat creates the look of a gentle twist without cables, charts, or complicated techniques. It’s approachable for beginners, relaxing for experienced knitters, and endlessly wearable.

If you’re looking for a project that’s easy to memorize and satisfying to finish, this one belongs on your needles.

👉 Purchase the Simple Twist Hat PDF on Ravelry

 

A Perfect Favorite Hat

The Simple Twist Hat is especially well suited for:

  • First-time hat knitters

  • Gift knitting

  • Teaching knit nights

  • Comfort knitting between larger projects

It’s simple without being boring—and that’s exactly the point.

Why You’ll Love the Simple Twist Hat

  •  Beginner-friendly construction

  • Easy-to-memorize 2-row repeat

  • Subtle texture that elevates a classic rib

  • No cables, no charts, no fuss

This is a great pattern for knitters building confidence—or for anyone who wants a dependable, relaxing knit.

Construction Overview

The Simple Twist Hat is worked in the round from the brim up using a stretchy ribbed cast on and a repeating 5-stitch rib pattern.

The texture emerges naturally as you knit, creating a faux cable effect that adds interest while maintaining the elasticity and comfort of traditional ribbing.

Tip: Because the repeat is short and consistent, this pattern is ideal for knitting on the go or while watching your favorite show.

Yarn + Needles

This pattern is written for worsted weight yarn, making it a quick and versatile project.

  • Smooth yarns highlight the stitch definition

  • Hand-dyed or tonal yarns add depth without overpowering the texture

  • Wool blends provide excellent elasticity and structure

Aim for a fabric that feels springy and comfortable—ribbing should stretch and recover easily.

Recommended Yarn:

Worsted Weight

Sample knit in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted


Yardage:

150 (175, 200) yards of worsted weight yarn


Suggested Needles:

US 4 /  3.5 mm 16” circular needles or dpns

US 5 / 3.75 mm 16” circular needles or dpns


Other Notions:
scissors, darning needle, stitch marker

Size & Fit:

Small (15”) (Medium (17”), Large (19”))

Depth: 8”

Worn with 2-4” of negative ease.

Abbreviations:

BOR - Beginning of Round

CO - Cast on

K - Knit

K2tog - Knit 2 together

P - Purl

P2tog - Purl 2 together

PM - Place marker

Rnd(s) - Round(s)

RT - Right Twist: k2tog, but do not drop sts from left hand needle; insert right-hand needle between 2 sts worked and knit first st again, slip both sts from left-hand needle together

St(s) - Stitches

Pattern Instructions

Directions:

Using smaller needles, and the German Twisted Cast On method, CO 90, (100, 110) sts. Join to knit in the round being careful not to twist stitches. PM to note BOR.


Brim:

Round 1: *k1, p1 ; repeat * to end of round

Repeat round 1 for 1.5" or approximately 8 rounds.


Body:

Switch to larger needles


Round 1: *k2, p3; repeat from * to end

Round 2: same as round 1

Round 3: * RT, p3 ; repeat from * the end

Round 4: same as round 1


Repeat rounds 1-4 until piece measures approximately 7” from CO edge, or approximately 1” shorter than desired length, ending with Round 3.


Crown:

Round 1: *k2, p2tog, p1 ; repeat from * to end (72, 80, 88 sts)

Round 2: *k2, p2 ; repeat from * to end

Round 3: *k2, p2tog ; repeat from * to end (54, 60, 66 sts)

Round 4: *k2, p1 ; repeat from * to end

Round 5: *k2tog, p1 ; repeat from * to end (36, 40, 44 sts)

Round 6: *k2tog  (18, 20, 22 sts)


Close:

Break yarn, leaving a 12” long tail to close hat. Thread yarn into darning needle, and pull through remaining loops at crown. Close hole by pulling on thread. Weave in

ends and block as desired.

Prefer a Printed Pattern?

If you’d like a professionally formatted, print-friendly PDF, the Simple Twist Hat is available on Ravelry.

The PDF includes:

  • Clean layout for easy reading

  • A version optimized for printing

  • Instructions designed for offline knitting

👉 Purchase the Simple Twist Hat PDF on Ravelry

Share Your Make

I’d love to see your Simple Twist Hat.
Tag your projects on social media or add them to Ravelry so others can see how this pattern looks in different yarns and colors.

Happy knitting 🧶

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