How to Make a Two-by-Two Ribbed Beanie with Pom-Pom and Swirl Effect

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Cast on and check your sizing

Using your main colour yarn and size 8 needles, cast on 60 stitches for a medium adult beanie (approximately 56–58 cm / 22–23 in head circumference). Adjust the cast-on count to suit different sizes: 48 stitches for extra small (approximately 51 cm / 20 in), 54 stitches for small (approximately 53 cm / 21 in), or 66 stitches for large (approximately 61–64 cm / 24–25 in). Before casting on for the full hat, knit a small gauge swatch in stockinette stitch to confirm your tension matches the yarn and needle combination — a consistent gauge ensures the finished beanie will be the right size and that the rib columns will sit evenly throughout. Count your cast-on stitches carefully before proceeding.

Step 2 — Work the garter stitch brim

With your size 8 needles and main colour, knit 3 rows in garter stitch — knitting every stitch on every row — to create a neat, rolled-resistant brim at the cast-on edge. The garter stitch rows add a small amount of structure to the brim and give the hat a tidy starting edge that lies flat without curling. Keep your tension relaxed and even across all three rows so the brim width matches the body of the hat. Once the 3 garter rows are complete, you are ready to switch needles and begin the rib section.

Step 3 — Work the two-by-two rib body

Switch to your size 6 needles and your contrasting colour yarn, then establish the two-by-two rib pattern: knit 2, purl 2, and repeat across all stitches to the end of the row. On the following rows, knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they face you, keeping the rib columns aligned. Continue in this pattern until the ribbed section measures approximately 12.7 cm (5 in) in length. The smaller needles used for the rib section pull the fabric in slightly, creating a snug, stretchy fit around the head. The contrasting colour yarn introduces the two-tone detail that runs through the rib and carries through to the pom-pom, tying the design together visually.

Step 4 — Work the stockinette body

Switch back to your size 8 needles and main colour yarn, then work in stockinette stitch — knitting every row if working flat, or knitting every round if working in the round — until the hat measures approximately 15 cm (6 in) from the cast-on edge. The stockinette section forms the smooth upper body of the hat above the rib, adding length and a clean surface that contrasts nicely with the textured rib below. Keep your tension consistent throughout; uneven tension in the stockinette section will be more visible here than in the rib. Measure regularly from the cast-on edge rather than the needle to track progress accurately.

Step 5 — Work the swirl decreases

To shape the crown and create the swirl effect, begin decreasing stitches on every right-side row by knitting two stitches together through the front and back of the work at regular intervals around the hat. Continue the decreases until 28 stitches remain — approximately halfway around the hat. At this point, switch to your contrasting colour yarn and size 6 needles, then continue decreasing in the same manner until only 14 stitches remain. Working the final decreases in the contrasting colour reinforces the two-tone design and highlights the swirl shape as it spirals toward the centre of the crown. The consistent decrease placement on every right-side row is what drives the swirled effect — keep the decrease positions aligned from row to row for the cleanest result.

Step 6 — Finish and attach the pom-pom

Bind off the remaining 14 stitches using your preferred method, leaving a long yarn tail for attaching the pom-pom. Weave in all other loose ends using the tapestry needle, securing each tail in at least two directions so it cannot unravel with wear or washing. To make the pom-pom, wrap your contrasting colour yarn around two or three fingers repeatedly to build a full, dense bundle, then tie a separate length of yarn tightly around the centre and cut through all the loops on both sides. Fluff and trim the pom-pom into a round shape, leaving the two centre tails long. Thread the bind-off tail onto the tapestry needle, pass it through the centre of the pom-pom, and position it at the very top of the hat. Wrap the yarn around the base of the pom-pom several times, knot securely, and weave in the remaining tail to finish.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best yarn for knitting a two-by-two ribbed beanie?
Worsted weight yarn is the best choice for this beanie — it has good stitch definition that keeps the rib columns looking crisp, and it knits up at a manageable pace. Choose a main colour for the hat body and a contrasting colour for the ribbing section and pom-pom to highlight the two-tone design.

How do I adjust the cast-on count for different head sizes?
Adjust the number of cast-on stitches to fit different head circumferences: cast on 48 stitches for extra small (approximately 51 cm / 20 in), 54 stitches for small (approximately 53 cm / 21 in), 60 stitches for medium (approximately 56–58 cm / 22–23 in), or 66 stitches for large (approximately 61–64 cm / 24–25 in). Keep all other steps the same.

How do I attach the pom-pom securely to the finished beanie?
Thread the bind-off tail onto a tapestry needle and pass it through the centre of the pom-pom, positioning it at the very top of the hat. Wrap the yarn around the base of the pom-pom several times to hold it firmly in place, then knot the end securely and weave in the remaining tail through the interior of the hat. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric.

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