Learn how to add ribbing to a crochet hat! This technique will also work great for adding ribbing to a crochet sweater or cardigan, or even a blanket.
This tutorial uses a “join-as-you-go” method to attach ribbing to pretty much any crochet project. It is a very easy technique, perfect for newer and more advanced crocheters.
You can use any yarn and suitable hook that you have on hand, as well as a crochet project in need of some ribbing!

What you’ll need
This tutorial assumes you have already crocheted a hat or beanie, and you just need to add the ribbing. The beanie that I use in the tutorial below is the Jasmine Beanie (which is available as a free pattern in sizes Baby – Adult).

Materials
Yarn: Any! For my beanie I used a #4/Medium/Worsted weight yarn, and the same yarn for the ribbing.
Hook: For crochet ribbing, you generally want a nice, snug fit. For this reason, I like to go down a hook size or two when crocheting ribbing.
For my Jasmine Beanie, for example, I used a 5.5mm (I-9) hook, but then switched to a 4mm (G-6) hook for the ribbing.

General Notes
- You will crochet the ribbing and attach it to the hat body as you go. This ribbing is quite stretchy, so even though it will ‘pull in’ the circumference of your hat a little, it should still fit great.
- Stitch counts are given in brackets [] at the end of each row.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sc = single crochet
- blo = back loop only
VIDEO: How to add ribbing to crochet
PHOTO TUTORIAL: How to add ribbing to crochet

How to add ribbing to a crochet hat
This tutorial will show you how to add ribbing to a top-down crochet hat.
Materials
- Yarn: any! I used Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran, which is a #4/worsted weight yarn.
Tools
- Hook: choose a smaller hook that the one you used for the body of your hat.
- For my hat, I used a 5.5mm (I-9) hook, but then went down to a 4mm (G-6) hook for the ribbing.
Instructions
- Begin at the back of your hat at the “seam”. If you are using the same color for the ribbing, you can continue on with your working yarn. Otherwise, attach your new yarn at the seam.
- Ch required number (in this case, ch 5), work a single crochet into the back loop of each ch across. [4 sc] Note: for the rest of the tutorial this stitch will be abbreviated as sc (blo).
- When you reach the hat body, sl st into the first st.
- Sl st into the next st (this sl st is inplace of a turning chain). Turn.
- Skip both sl sts, sc (blo) in each st across. Turn. [4 sc]
- Ch 1, sc (blo) in each st across. Work a sl st in each of the next 2 body sts. Turn.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 and you will see the ribbing begin to form.
- Continue to work ribbing around the rest of the hat. Cut yarn and fasten off. Whip stitch the ribbing edges together.
- All done!
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!
I love seeing all of your projects; be sure to tag me on Instagram (you can find me here: @nedandmimi), and use #nedandmimi to show off your Tunisian crochet 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Sarah