The Principle of a Crocheted Hat
A crocheted hat is worked from the top down — you start with a magic ring at the crown and increase until you have the correct circumference. Then you work straight (without increasing) to the desired length and finish with a brim.
What You Will Need
Yarn: Worsted weight (medium), approximately 80–100 g. Acrylic for washability, merino for softness.
Hook: 5 mm (or as indicated by the yarn).
Tools: Stitch marker, scissors, needle.
Pattern (Adult S/M, Half Double Crochet)
Round 1: Magic Ring
Make a magic ring. Work 8 half double crochets into the ring. Join with a slip stitch. Pull the ring closed. (8 stitches)
Round 2: Doubling
2 half double crochets into each stitch. (16 stitches)
Round 3: Every Other
*1 half double crochet, 2 half double crochets into one stitch* — repeat. (24 stitches)
Rounds 4–7: Continued Increases
Add 8 stitches in each round — evenly spaced. Round 4: every 2nd (32 stitches). Round 5: every 3rd (40 stitches). Round 6: every 4th (48 stitches). Round 7: every 5th (56 stitches).
After Round 7, measure the diameter of the circle. For an adult S/M it should be 17–18 cm (circumference 54–56 cm ÷ π).
Rounds 8–20: Straight Tube
Without increasing — 1 half double crochet into each stitch. Work in the round until the total length from the crown is 20–22 cm.
Brim
For the last 2–3 rounds, crochet with a ribbed texture — half double crochets through the back loop only (BLO). This creates horizontal ribbing that mimics a knitted brim. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Size Chart
| Size | Head Circumference (cm) | Crown Diameter (cm) | Total Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 35–38 | 11–12 | 13–14 |
| Toddler (1–3) | 43–48 | 14–15 | 16–18 |
| Child (4–10) | 48–52 | 15–17 | 18–20 |
| Adult S/M | 54–56 | 17–18 | 20–22 |
| Adult L/XL | 58–62 | 18–20 | 22–24 |
Variations
Single crochet (sc) — a denser, warmer hat. It grows more slowly, but the texture is firmer.
Puff stitch — a textured hat with three-dimensional "puff" clusters.
With earflaps — once finished, add crocheted triangles on the sides and ties.
