Rainbow Rib Hat Knitting Pattern

This cute rainbow rib hat knitting pattern mixes alternating white and rainbow stitches with a classic 2×2 rib pattern for a fun pop of color!

Updated February, 2025

This pattern has been updated to include additional child and adult sizes. For more information on the changes, what’s included and many other questions, click here.

This cute rainbow rib hat knitting pattern is a marriage of fair isle stripes and a classic 2×2 rib hat knitting pattern. I love how the pop of rainbow color contrasts with the basic white ribbing. This one is super warm and stretchy and get more fun the closer you look at it!

I chose white as the contrasting color because it reminded me of clouds and it makes the rainbow colors pop, but this would be really cute in light blue like the sky or even in black!

This cute rainbow hat knitting patter is knit in the round and does require basic knowledge of stranded Fair Isle knitting techniques to complete the project. You can choose whether to cut the yarn as you change colors or to carrying it up inside the hat (if you can keep it untwisted, it’s a bit of a challenge). It really depend on how much you hate or love weaving in ends!

Have you ever knit a combination of stranded knitting and ribbing before. It’s not something I think I see very often but it’s a fun twist on a classic, don’t you think?

I personally like the way the color changes in the purl sections of the ribbing make the colors change more gradually but you could certainly change the white to the purl stitches and the rainbow to the knit stitches for a bolder hat. I would love to see that if you try it.

And don’t forget to share your Rainbow Rib Hat with me if you knit one, I always love to see your projects!

Rainbow Rib Hat Knitting Pattern

Sizes included: 0-3 months, (6 months, 1-2 years, 3-6 years, Child Large/Adult Small, Adult Large) Read our sizing guidelines post for more information.

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches

• Worsted weight yarn
• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16″ circular knitting needles
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles
• Yarn needle

(If you need help, my favorite knitting reference book for everyone from beginners to advanced knitters is THIS ONE!)

This cute pattern is available for sale only. When you purchase this pattern, you’ll get an instant download PDF pattern in a few nicely formatted easy-to-print pages that includes written instructions and step by step photos. This pattern is available in my Etsy shop or on Ravelry where it will also be permanently stored in your Ravelry pattern library.

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Happy Knitting!

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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