About This Winter Is Coming Beanie Pattern
This pattern creates a warm, ribbed beanie crocheted flat and seamed to form a tube, reproducing the fishermans rib look using half double crochet worked in the back loop. Its written for an 8 mm hook and a bulky yarn for quick, squishy texture. The instructions are beginner-friendly and easily adapted to different head sizes by changing the starting chain or number of rows.
Youll finish with a comfortable, stretchy hat that can be worn with a folded cuff or left unfolded for a slouchy look. Photos and clear row instructions guide you through joining and finishing so your beanie looks neat and professional.
Why You'll Love This Winter Is Coming Beanie Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a richly textured fishermans rib effect that looks far more complex than it is. I enjoy how quickly the hat grows on an 8 mm hook, so you can make a finished beanie in just a few hours. The design is endlessly adaptable, so I can make snug beanies or slouchy versions by changing just a couple of measurements. Its rewarding to see the neat vertical ribs form as you work the HDC through the back loop, and the final seaming step gives a satisfying finish.
Switch Things Up
I love how easily this pattern adapts to different looks: change the yarn color every few rows for stripes or use a tonal yarn for subtle texture changes.
You can make the beanie larger or smaller by adding or removing sets of rows; measure the head and aim for the circumference you need before seaming.
I often swap the 8 mm hook for a 6.5 mm hook to create a denser, warmer hat or use a 10 mm hook for a chunkier, more slouchy version.
Try doubling a lighter yarn held together for a unique bulky effect while keeping the recommended hook size for dramatic ribs.
For a different brim style, work extra rows before seaming and fold a wider cuff, or leave the brim unfolded for a slouchier silhouette.
I sometimes add a pompom to the top for a playful finish; secure it well with a yarn needle and extra stitches so it stays in place.
If you prefer a neater crown, sew a small circular patch or use a decorative button over the gathered top to hide the closure.
Change the texture by alternating HDC through back loop with a row of single crochet to reduce the rib height for a subtler look.
I like to embroider a small motif or initial onto the cuff for personalization—use a contrasting color and simple satin stitch for clean letters.
To make a child-size version, reduce the starting chain and rows proportionally; for an adult larger size, add more chain length and row repeats as needed.
Consider lining the inside with a soft fleece for extra warmth in very cold weather; tack it in place neatly before wearing.
Experiment with natural fibers like merino for softness or synthetic blends for durability; each yarn choice changes the drape and feel significantly.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not measuring the chain length before continuing can make the hat too tight or too loose; measure your head and adjust the starting chain to reach approximately 35 cm (40 ch in this pattern) before proceeding.
✗ Working the half double crochet through the wrong loop will lose the fishermans rib effect; ensure you always insert your hook through the back loop only for each HDC row.
✗ Using a much smaller hook than recommended will flatten the ribs and make the beanie stiff; use the suggested 8 mm hook or test a swatch and choose a hook that gives you a flexible rib.
✗ Forgetting to join the edges neatly when seaming can leave a bulky or twisted join; seam vertically with 40 slt as written and align the ribs before pulling the last stitches tight.
