How to Knit a Beanie: All the Basics!

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @RJCollett ( / rjcollett ) ( / rjcollett )
Website and blog: ryancollett.com/
All this time and I never bothered to do a How to Knit a Beanie video, where are my priorities? Anyway, here's all the basics you need to know in order to knit the hat of your dreams.
Shortcuts!
Casting on: 02:04
Knitting the ribbing: 07:30
Adding a stripe: 18:35
Decreasing: 23:30
Kitchener stitch: 27:35

[@akshathakini157]

I am a beginner knitter and referred your tutorials a lot las few months! I was wondering why you don’t do them anymore since you are an excellent teacher! So glad you are back! Look forward to your future videos 😊

[@PurrrfectPidge]

You are the person who made it possible for me to learn how to knit. Mittens and socks were very challenging for me till you made it simpler. All the other videos from others were too knit picky and technical. Thank you!

[@Glassonful]

This video is very helpful! But I will say that when you're knitting in the round it makes it a lot easier if you knit the first round with plain knitting and then start the 2 2 rib, just a tip if anyone's struggling

[@MissFawniPepin]

Out of all the knitting lesson videos I've watched, and I've watched a lot of them, you are the very best one that I've found! Very simple instructions and straight to the point. So I have to just say thank you very much, because of you I know how to knit now 😁

[@318Karin]

Thank you so much. My mom moved in, but unable to teach me. We now knit together each night. Just made my third hat and one scarf. I am thrilled. Thank you for such informative videos. I am hooked.

[@kikicorleone3525]

I just found your channel for the first time and it's so nice looking at your tutorials! I've been a long-time crocheter but only recently started knitting during quarantine so this is really giving me a boost

[@joecoronado8420]

Your casting tutorial is as easy explained as it should be compare to other videos I have watched especially female knitters are so complicated and meticulous on their tutorials and that's really frustrating for a beginner. Anyways I don't watch any other knitting tutorials but yours you are an excellent teacher and I have learn a lot from you I'm a beginner but with your tutorials I've learned basics I'm creating my first project already. A scarf. Thank you I learn how to knit thanks to you. Hopefully once I get comfortable enough with knitting I can create a beanie for my boyfriend. Keep up the good work.

[@beaskjold1029]

Hi RJ, I can't believe it!!! I found someone else that does the cast on stitch the exact way I was taught to do it 68 years ago!!! Keep the videos coming - when you can do so - they are so well done.

[@Felicity2121]

He taught me how to knit and I use that cast on method. I have watched videos for long tail cast on & others and thought nah that’s too complicated for me. I just have trouble with the first stitch as it’s loose especially when I use chunky yarn

[@lissyperez4299]

me too that's how my mom knit.

[@shellyfaire6944]

Your knitting tutorials have helped me so much! You have an easy to follow step by step approach that stays at a pace where I can actaully follow along. Thank you for sharing!

[@Shallowcreek1]

i first tried out this pattern when i'd only been knitting for about five months and had gotten my first set of dpns! now, with over a year under my belt im trying it again as ive missed knitting hats! this time it'll have the ribbed brim ☺ thank you for being so clear in how to do it! im very rusty with my dpns now, and this is helping them feel less daunting again!

[@carriedressler8347]

Thanks for all your easy to follow tutorials! I just taught myself to knit using your videos, and I just finished my first two projects: a scarf and this beanie to match!

[@courtnipete4]

Just FYI, your cast on method has been the easiest I've seen...thank you!

[@primalengland]

I sometimes struggle with long tail cast on, so Ryan’s method is now my go to. It’s basically a half hitch. I live on a boat, and this is the knot we use most. Learned a lot from watching his videos.

[@haakmaaraan6075]

It is called the backwards loop cast on methode. Very easy indeed!

[@asrasaqib9554]

Thank you for this tutorial! Im a total beginner and just completed a beanie which is getting a lot of praise from friends and family😁 your videos are so simple and easy to grasp even for a novice like me!

[@adianer6445]

I usually do loom knitting but right now im working on making a jw anderson cardigan/jacket so i knned to knit with needles. This is going to be a good learning experience. Such a good teacher :) as soon as i get paid ima get more yarn. I already have the needles because of the older women un my family got excited when i first started loom knitting.

[@1989Catz]

I am new to knitting and find your videos to be the most helpful. Thanks to you I can now knit stitch and purl stitch. I am about to begin my first hat using this video. Thank you for everything.

[@jenniferaashiem6165]

I love your cast on method! I have always only done the long tail cast on and I think I’ll be using yours from now on! Great video! Thank you for sharing, you do amazing work!

[@thunderusnight]

T H A N K Y O U!! I NEEDED THIS BADLY And from my favorite knitting channel!

[@Hotspur62]

I was shopping for an artisanal hand made wool beanie, but the one I want costs $150 so I made up my find to create my own and discovered your channel. I think I can do this even though I've got two left thumbs. Thanks for creating this video. Cheers.

[@kaleidoscope5054]

Tysm!! You explain everything so well. I'm going to get double-pointed needles soon and then I can knit for my friends! :D

[@jakel0vecake956]

When I get home from my other summer vacation home I’m sure to try this out! Looks neat!

[@davidsibilia282]

Hi Ryan, I just started to knit by watching your channel. You are a great teacher and I suck at this!! Hoping to knit like you in the future.

[@claireelise9758]

Omg tysm for this 😊 My sister and I are enjoying our time knitting 🧵 Great way to spend time and make it a hobby this coronacation 🏖 Wishing everyone is safe and staying at home ❣

[@_-_-_-.-_-]

Now came COVID-19

[@noelialucero6252]

You taught me how to knit! I just thought I should let you know! Your videos are so good and easy to follow along with

[@urbanyarn]

OMG - RJ So great to see that you are back. Well, maybe I’ve been under a rock... LOL! Your tutors are so great and helped me get started when I first picked up knitting. Thanks for the beanie tutorial.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Definitely inspiring. I've made a couple hats, but you gave a couple tips that might help. Love the yellow and red stripes. I might try adding some stripes myself. Such fun.

[@Semetersi]

I love your videos. A fellow guy knitter, I try to show off your videos when out and about, if person is looking into things

[@mayatouri8723]

This is gonna be fun!

[@sylviamaxwell504]

New sub and love dpn, made mittens with cable down the front a million years ago, now want to make this beanie. Don't have 16" circular needles, and the flexible ones are big bucks, so I will use what I have..and they are size 8..wooohooo. thanks for posting this, I found you just in time!

[@HeWhoKnits]

Cool. Ready to try it!

[@brendaterlizzi2670]

I tried knitting once before, but I gave up. I found your knitting for beginners video and I am hooked. It was so easy to follow. I love knitting now!!! I am going to try the beanie today. Just wanted to know what size the double point needles and the yarn is.

[@slimecorn]

you're making me want to take a crack at knitting!

[@suescrochetwips2325]

Loved this tutorial, thanks so much

[@monicag.6462]

OMG thank you sooooooo much for this vid!❤️

[@ruthrevere1329]

Enjoyed the hat being made will try it soon

[@cece678]

Hope to see more from you in 2020! Love the videos!

[@danielleolich9801]

Cool

[@princessj55]

Thanks again for another Awesome video.

[@_-_-_-.-_-]

Thanks for the nice videos, keep it up!

[@brendawhite-sims6908]

Would like to learn more how to knit sweaters and hats

[@user-zm7gd5px6l]

27:34 Kitchener's stitch. thanks RJ :D

[@samanthamurray2763]

Thanks Ryan for teaching me how to purl knit. 😍🥰😘😻🌹❤️💕🐺🦊

[@yolandabahaya9133]

Kindle do it slowly since in starting at age 59, but i already did your basic knit n purl tutorial video

[@carmendiary4653]

Thanks for the detailed tutorial

[@lissyperez4299]

thanks, great teaching!

[@user-xs2ws9pl3g]

Have you seen the circular/curve knitting ones that have plastic attached to the knitting needles? I've seen some at Walmart with the crochet hooks, yarn's and knitting needles.

[@sabrinahewick1224]

oh no!!! I do not have circular nor double pointed needles...I think that it's essential for this..what do u recommend I get? I have no Idea..lol

[@annwalton4575]

Hi Rj, How many skeins of yarn does it take to knit a beanie? Love the videos! Thanks! Ann Walton

[@user-iy5ev1np6f]

Hi, love your videos. I just wanted to ask what size the needles are?

[@antoniajennings6823]

How many rows of ribbing do you do? How many rows of knit? What length and type of yarn do you recommend?

[@bellyscorner8327]

Instead of using DPNs, do you think it's possible to knit this with magic loop?

[@dtblackwell48]

Great tutorial, what size dpn you use

[@peacerose8024]

Is the ribbing done ink it and purl two and two?

[@dineomakwela2928]

Im kniting a scarf and watching this at the same time

[@user-uz2dg8nt5m]

How do you finish a beanie when you have a pattern like eye of partridge?

[@rspencer1393]

What size needles are you using? TIA

[@adiag154]

is this a cable cast on?

[@peacerose8024]

Because your using double points is that why it looks socking net?

[@elviabautista1246]

WAO. BONITO TRABAJO.

[@buzzyanderson4131]

Do you have the pattern printed anywhere? Did I miss that?

[@timwilliams866]

Dude, I made a hat! Thank you!! How do I post a pic here?

[@odettelaforge4229]

What size needles at3 you using?

[@newsuperchelseaboris.8378]

Where do you buy your needles??

[@plum7t]

Can you show how to do this with two needles?

[@deb-d5875]

It's beautiful

[@karenb8406]

Iwanted to make this Beanie so badly! I started over 4 times because the yarn was so hard to work with on the needles. I used 3 MM needles, does anyone know what size RJ uses? JoAnne Fabrics only had the 3mm and they looked like the size he was using, but its like doing needlepoint!

[@roebenns7601]

Probably started too small try larger yarn and needles. For needles try 11mm on bulky yarn it may seem big but its easier and it goes faster. Also look at a yarn weight chart it shows what type of needles would be best used for that type of yarn weight.

[@zane5288]

I rly wanna knit a hat but I have a finish a shawl and a knit scarf

[@dinosaurkris6329]

Wish I knew more about what types of yarns are better for specific projects

[@liamward4618]

just google it

[@peacerose8024]

What yarn is that?

[@goopy9068]

Ive been getting into knitting as a hobby after my sewing machine broke one too many times. Im not great at it, but its certainly fun! Im using this tutorial to help me make a hat from a videogame character i like, Gramble Gigglefunny. Thank you for the great, concise titorial!

[@mayaknitting]

Очень интересно!

[@ozzygirl098]

Do you ever use the Long Tail cast on?

[@RJKnits]

sometimes... but I'm lazy and always forget how to do it!

[@noxbone7772]

Ok

[@MeganBloom]

@@RJKnits What size are your needles in this video :)

[@noahsmum5041]

How to take out from stench please?

[@charliemiller7277]

When do i know i am at the end of a round!?

[@annebelleknoetze7088]

Could you do a tutorial for with only 2 ??

[@saibaba1957]

Are You using 4 needles because of the colors otherwise can we just use one needle if it’s one color

[@juanitarandall4181]

No, color has nothing to do with it. If we were crocheting it would not matter, if we were making a scarf it would not matter, but, when we want to knit in the round, the curve of the hat, sock, or sleeve, prevents us from trying to use a single straight needle. The only other way is to knit a flat piece in this pattern and close it up with a seam down the back of the hat.

[@laylaparsa4117]

Thanks for the video! Does anyone have recommendations on what size needles to use?

[@amberstanton8753]

Good

[@peacerose8024]

R u just knitting the rounds all the way up the hat?

[@reale699]

Could i just use 2 regular needles

[@smallfootprint2961]

I learned how to knit with a cabled needle (s). It seems to be easier for me, especially since I picked up the Scandinavian style knitting. I don't think 2 needles would work, but I'm more or less a beginner too.

[@Randomstuffthekid]

How to knit pants please

[@anyonecansee4601]

You're adorable!

[@fuzzylimefairy]

Too complicated this way, circular needles are much easier. Your stitches won’t fall off that way or attempt to fall off, plus no gaps!