About This Winter Is Coming Beanie Pattern
This pattern creates the Winter Is Coming Beanie — a crocheted cap worked flat to mimic the fisherman's rib knit. It is fully customizable to any head size and uses half double crochet worked through the back loop to form clear ribs. The pattern is beginner friendly and fast to make.
You'll need about 100 g of yarn and an 8 mm hook for the sample; adjust hook or yarn to change size and rib appearance. Clear photos and simple instructions make finishing quick and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Winter Is Coming Beanie Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it recreates the classic knitted fishermans rib using a simple crochet technique that anyone can learn. I enjoy how quickly the ribs appear when working HDC through the back loop, giving a textured, cozy finish without complicated stitches. Its so easy to customise the circumference and height to fit any head, which makes it a great gift pattern. I also love that its satisfying to complete in just a few hours and produces a durable, wearable beanie every time.
Switch Things Up
I love how easy it is to customise this beanie by changing yarn weight and hook size to achieve different textures and sizes.
Try a bulkier yarn with the same 8 mm hook for an even chunkier rib, or switch to a smaller hook for a denser, slimmer fit.
I often change the brim style by folding a wider cuff or leaving it unfolded for a slouchier look, depending on the wearers preference.
You can create color stripes by alternating colors every few rows to make fun, seasonal variations of this beanie.
Consider adding a pom-pom in matching or contrasting yarn for a playful finish that personalizes the hat.
If you want ear coverage, simply work more rows before joining so the finished height is longer to cover ears comfortably.
For a lined feel, crochet a second thinner beanie and sew it inside for extra warmth in very cold climates.
I sometimes embroider small motifs on the brim for a unique touch, such as initials or a tiny snowflake, which makes each hat a thoughtful gift.
To make matching sets, use the same color palette and vary yarn weights for child, teen, and adult sizes while keeping the stitch pattern consistent.
Experiment with textured yarns like boucle or tweed for a rustic, cozy finish — the rib still reads nicely even with novelty yarns.
Want to convert to a headband? Make a shorter width and join; youll have a thick ribbed earwarmer in minutes.
For a sustainable option, try using recycled or leftover yarns from other projects to make a colorful, eco-friendly beanie with lots of character.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Failing to measure the starting chain length accurately can lead to wrong circumference; measure the chain to reach about 35 cm (40 ch in the sample) before continuing.
✗ Skipping working HDC through the back loop will remove the rib effect; be sure to insert the hook into the back loop for every HDC row except the final joining row.
✗ Not checking width while repeating rows can make the beanie too tight or too loose; stop repeating Row 2 and Row 3 once you reach the target width (about head circumference minus 4 cm).
✗ Pulling the closing yarn too tightly or unevenly can distort the top shape; pull yarn through remaining stitches evenly, tighten gradually, and fasten to secure a neat top closure.
