About This Winter Is Coming Beanie Pattern
This pattern creates the Winter Is Coming Beanie — a crocheted cap worked flat and finished as a tube, designed to reproduce the fisherman’s rib appearance. You can completely customize the size by adjusting chain length and number of rows to fit any head. The texture is achieved by using half double crochet (hdc) worked through the back loop, creating deep ribs.
The pattern is beginner friendly and works well with bulky yarn and a large hook for quick progress. The author used an 8 mm hook and approximately 100 g of yarn for a finished circumference of 49 cm.
Why You'll Love This Winter Is Coming Beanie Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it gives a knitted fisherman’s rib look using only crochet, which is satisfying and surprisingly simple. I enjoy how quickly a beanie comes together when using bulky yarn and an 8 mm hook, so it feels rewarding in a single sitting. I love that it is fully customizable — you can adjust chain length and rows to fit any head size. I also appreciate that the stitch technique (hdc in the back loop) is easy to teach to beginners but yields a professional, textured finish.
Switch Things Up
I love experimenting with color when making this beanie; try stripes every 4 rows for a bold look or alternate two colors for a marled effect.
I sometimes change the chain length to make a slouchy version by adding 510 extra chains and more rows for height.
I switch yarn weights and hook sizes to alter the finished size and texture; using a larger hook increases the rib depth and gives a looser fabric.
I like to add a folded cuff by making the brim longer, then folding and stitching the cuff in place for a classic beanie finish.
I occasionally add a pompom to the top for a playful touch — make a large fluffy pompom in a contrasting color for extra personality.
I have lined beanies with a soft fleece circle sewn inside for extra warmth and to hide the seam neatly.
I sometimes embroider simple initials or a small motif on the cuff for personalization before stitching the seam closed.
I recommend trying different joining techniques; a mattress stitch or invisible seam can give a cleaner finish than visible slip stitches if you prefer.
I like to make matching sets by coordinating yarn for a hat and simple scarf using the same back-loop hdc rib technique.
I often adapt the pattern into earflaps by adding short triangular panels to the sides before closing the top and finishing with braided ties for a fun variation.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Choosing the wrong chain length and making the foundation too tight will give you a hat that is too small; measure the head and chain to about 35 cm (author used 40 ch) and keep stitches relaxed.
✗ Not working half double crochet through the back loop will lose the ribbed effect; be sure to insert the hook into the back loop only on each row for consistent ribs.
✗ Joining the seam with inconsistent tension makes an uneven side seam; join the two sides with 40 slip stitches while keeping both edges aligned and consistent tension.
✗ Stopping before checking width causes an ill-fitting hat; measure your work against the head circumference minus about 4 cm and repeat Row 2 and Row 3 until you reach the target width.
