Easy Checkerboard (Stitch) Beanie Knitting Pattern for Beginners | VimlaKnit.

Welcome, knitters! In this brand-new post from Vimlaknit, we are thrilled to share our easy-to-follow pattern for a classic checkerboard beanie. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a fun project, this unisex beanie is a fantastic choice. The timeless checkerboard stitch is not only stylish for a cozy beanie but also versatile enough for other projects, like a chic headband.

This detailed tutorial walks you through every stage of the process, from casting on to the final bind-off. We’ve included special tips on how to adjust the checkerboard design to fit your project perfectly, ensuring a professional, finished look every time. Grab your needles and yarn—it’s time to start knitting your next favorite accessory!

Knitting Materials

Knitting Wool: Vardhman Woolista 100% Merino Wool Yarn Knitting.
Knitting Needle: 3.25 MM Straight Needles.
Other optional tools are a tape measure, scissors, and yarn needle.

Knitting Abbreviation

P2tog: Purl 2 sts together
K2tog: Knit 2 sts together
SL(P): Slip(Purl Wise)
K: Knit
P: Purl
STS: Stitches
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side

Step-by-Step Beginner Checkerboard Stitch Beanie Knitting Pattern.

Cast on: 112sts with 3.25 MM straight needles.
Sizes Available: One size, Unisex (22-24 Inches).
Skill Level: Easy/Beginner.
Pattern Language: English.

Techniques used: Basic knitting skills- casting on, 2X2 Rib Stitch for brim, Shape your project by decreasing stitches & Join your work neatly to finish the project.

How to Knit a Beanie Brim (Step-by-Step Guide)

The brim of this beanie is worked in a 2×2 rib stitch, which is created by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across the row.
A 2×2 rib stitch is commonly used in hat brims because it produces a neat, balanced texture that enhances the overall appearance of the finished project. By using this method, the brim not only fits securely but also adds a classic and professional look to the beanie.

Row 1(RS): SL1(P) * K2, P2 * repeat from * to * ……last 3 sts K2, P1
Row 2(WS): SL1(P), * P2, K2 * repeat from * to * …………last 3 sts P3

Repeat the rows until the brim measures 1 inch. For this beanie, I knitted a total of 10 rows.

Step-by-Step Knitting Beanie Pattern

The beanie is knitted with a simple checkerboard stitch pattern, but it looks very eye-catching. This pattern is worked over 10 stitches and 20 rows. The instructions for adjusting this pattern into the beanie are given below.

Row 1(RS): SL1(P), Knit all sts……last sts P1
Row 2(WS): SL1(P), Purl all sts……last sts P1
Row 3 (RS): SL1(P), * ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P1, P5 * repeat from * to * …………….. last sts P1
Row 4 (WS): SL1(P), * P5, ( K1 from first block, P1 ) 2 times, K1 from first block * repeat from * to * …………… last sts P1
Row 5 (RS): Same as row 3
Row 6 (WS): Same as row 4
Row 7 (RS): Same as row 3
Row 8 (WS): Same as row 4
Row 9 (RS): Same as row 3
Row 10 (WS): Same as row 4
Row 11 (RS): SL1(P), Knit all sts……last sts P1
Row 12 (WS): SL1(P), Purl all sts……last sts P1
Row 13 (RS): SL1(P), * P5, ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P1 * repeat from * to * ……………. last sts P1
Row 14 (WS): SL1(P), *( K1 from first block, P1 ) 2 times, K1 from first block, P5 * repeat from * to * ……………… last sts P1
Row 15 (RS): Same as row 13
Row 16 (WS): Same as row 14
Row 17 (RS): Same as row 13
Row 18 (WS): Same as row 14
Row 19 (RS): Same as row 13
Row 20 (WS): Same as row 14

After finishing the brim, continue knitting by repeating the full set of 20 rows in the checkerboard stitch pattern until the cap reaches the desired length.

For my beanie, I worked a total of approximately 8 inches in length. This measurement includes 1 inch for the ribbed brim at the bottom and around 7 inches for the main design portion in checkerboard stitch.

To achieve this length, I completed 4 full repeats of the 20-row pattern and then added 10 additional rows.

Step-by-Step Guide: Decreasing a Knitted Hat

To shape the beanie, the stitches will be decreased. After binding off, the length of the beanie will increase by approximately 1 inch. While binding off, the checkerboard stitch pattern has been carefully maintained to ensure that the beanie looks neat and attractive. The complete pattern is given below.

Row 1: SL1(P), * ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P2tog, P4 * repeat from * to * ………………….. last sts P1
There are 101 stitches remaining on the needle.
Row 2: SL1(P), * P4, ( K1 from first block, P1 ) 2 times, K1 from first block * repeat from * to * ……………….. last sts P1
Row 3: SL1(P), ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P2tog, P3 * repeat from * to * ………………….. last sts P1
There are 90 stitches remaining on the needle.
Row 4: SL1(P), * P3, ( K1 from first block, P1 ) 2 times, K1 from first block * repeat from * to * ……………….. last sts P1
Row 5: SL1(P), ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P2tog, P2 * repeat from * to * ………………….. last sts P1
There are 79 stitches remaining on the needle.
Row 6: SL1(P), * P2, ( K1 from first block, P1 ) 2 times, K1 from first block * repeat from * to * ……………….. last sts P1
Row 7: SL1(P), ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P2tog, P1 * repeat from * to * ………………….. last sts P1
There are 68 stitches remaining on the needle.
Row 8: SL1(P), * ( P1, K1 from first block ) 3 time * repeat from * to * ………………… last sts P1
Row 9: SL1(P), ( P1, K1 from first block ) 2 times, P2tog * repeat from * to * ……………….. last sts P1
There are 57 stitches remaining on the needle.
Row 10: SL1 , * ( K1 from first block, P1 ) 2 times, K1 from first block repeat from * to *
Row 11: SL1(P), P1,* P3tog, P2tog * repeat from * to *
There are 24 stitches remaining on the needle.
Row 12: Purl all sts

Finally, pick up the remaining 24 stitches onto a sewing needle, secure them tightly, and then seam the hat.

Checkerboard Hat Pattern – Final Notes

I hope you enjoyed knitting this Checkerboard Stitch Beanie Pattern! I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback, feel free to share them in the comments. Don’t forget to join our knitting group and share your latest handmade hat or beanie projects!

Frequently Asked Questions – Checkerboard Hat Pattern