Knitted Hat Brims

What I learned about

several knit hats

Variations of Knitted Hat Brims

Different knitted hat brims can make a hat feel cozier and warmer and can make a big difference in the fit of the hat.

This winter I decided to learn how to knit the perfect hat, at least in my eyes. It seemed to come down to one major thing: the brim. The hat fits or doesn’t fit based on the hat brim. Too tight or too loose, the hat won’t fit unless the brim is right.

I thought I’d share with you what I found out about knitted hat brims!

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Skills to know ↓

Knit
Cast On
Weave in ends
Knitting in the round
Slip Stitches (for one of the variations)

Just knit it

The simplest brim for knitting a hat in the round is simply just knitting it. Nothing more, nothing less. Cast on your stitches, join in the round and then knit until the brim is as wide as you want it to be. It is usually between 1″ and 3″ wide.

Knit in the round

Simple Knit and Purl Ribbing

K1, P1

To knit the most basic ribbed stitch for hat brims, K1, P1 is very popular. It is stretchy and is referred to as the Standard 1×1 Rib. Many hats use this ribbing for their brim, especially baby hats. This candy corn hat for children features the K1, P1 rib:

K1, P1

Another very popular rib is K2, P1. This is also a very stretchy rib, even stretchier than the 1×1 rib:

K2, P1 Ribbing

1×1 Ribbing with a twist

And finally, here is my favorite ribbed brim. This makes such a beautiful and neat ribbing that is also stretchy. I am in love with this ribbing! This is all it is:

k tbl, p1.

K1 through the back loop, P1

That’s it. In English, simply knit a stitch through the back loop and then purl a stitch. Here is an example:

From now on, this is my go-to ribbing. It is so neat and stretchy. I folded up the brim for extra thickness and it looks beautiful on both sides.

Double Brim Hat

This is another one of my very favorite brims. It is a double brim, which is, as the name implies, 2 layers of knit fabric joined together to make a double thick brim. This style is very popular!

Learn how to knit a double brim