This is a fairly simple hat pattern appropriate for an advanced beginner. Due to the substantial negative ease of the Fisherman’s Rib, it’s a one-size-fits-most-adults and the only different in sizing is how long to knit the hat body.

Because the cast-on is the main constraint of fit, care must be taken to cast-on loosely. This pattern uses the German twisted cast-on with oversized needles, but any cast-on that allows for stretch will work. Even the long-tail cast-on will be ok if knit loosely enough (you can even cast-on over two size 8 needles instead of size 13; size 13 is ONLY used for the cast-on).

As long as you test the cast-on for fit after knitting a few rows, you can be pretty much assured of fit for the remainder of the pattern and continue knitting with confidence.

For most chunky size yarns available, you can knit one hat per ball of yarn (single color) and two hats from two balls of yarn (two-color).

——- until I can upload the pdf, here’s the pattern: —
Two Color Chunky Fisherman’s Rib Hat

Introduction:
This pattern is for 2 colors but can be done in a single color. The only caution in switching to single color is that you will need to be more mindful of your row # because you won’t have the alternating colors to mark the rows.

The cast-on is the main constraint of the stretchiness of the hat, and if knit too tight, has the potential to make the hat un-wearable. The pattern calls for the German Twisted Cast-On in size 13 needles. You can choose any stretchy cast-on you want, though. If you don’t have size 13 needles, try casting-on loosely over 2 size 8 needles before running out to buy size 13. You won’t need the size 13 needles after the cast-on.

An interchangeable needle set is the best for this project, but you can cast on to any type of needle (straight, circular, double-pointed) and transfer the stitches to the size 8 circular needles before joining in the round.

Tutorials:
Fisherman’s rib in the round:
https://youtu.be/D041eHOr9ME?si=IVZWa_R-neCdyvJQ
Double decreases in fisherman’s rib: https://youtu.be/-RMh8smt9zE?si=fhXO1pIKMHor-Ylh minutes 25:33-29:07
German Twisted Cast-on:
https://youtu.be/dO4FO_47Mpg?si=aL8PyloY-OVL8lCC

Materials:
Size 8 circular needles (16”)
Size 13 needles (for cast-on only)
Stitch marker (1)
Size 8 double pointed needles (alternatively use the magic-loop method with 3 additional stitch markers)
Chunky weight yarn (122 yards total)

Abbreviations:
C1 - color 1
C2 - color 2
st - stitch
pm - place marker
k - knit
p - purl
k1 below - knit into the stitch 1 row below the stitch on your left needle and slide the stitch off the left needle
p1 below - purl into the stitch 1 row below the stitch on your left needle and slide the stitch off the left needle

Cast-on:
Using C1 and size 13 needles, cast- on 48 st with the German twisted cast-on.

Switch to size 8 needles

Pm and join in round

Set-up row in C1:
(k1, p1)* repeat to marker

Hat body (fisherman’s rib stitch):
Row 1 in C1: (k1 below, p1)* repeat to marker
Row 2 in C2: (k1, p1 below)* repeat to marker
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 6.5” long for women or 7” long for men, ending on Row 2

Decrease rows:
Distribute stitches evenly onto 4 double-pointed needles (12 stitches per needle). Alternatively, place markers every twelve stitches and use the magic loop method.

Row 1 in C1: right leaning double decrease (make sure to pick up one stitch below and
Place back on the working needle for all but the center stitch - see tutorial linked above for double decreases in fisherman’s knit), k to end of needle if using double-pointed needles or to marker if using magic loop* Repeat to end of row - (8 st decrease)
Row 2 in C2: (k1, p1 below)* repeat to end of row
Row 3 in C1: (p1, k1 below)* repeat to end of row
Row 4 in C2: (k1, p1 below)* repeat to end of row

Repeat rows 1-4 until 8 stitches left, ending on row 1

Break yarns and thread black yarn tail through remaining loops and tighten to close hole.
Weave in ends.