This is a very simple Beanie pattern and is very flexible according to how big/small you want the hat to be and want you want to make it with. You can use any type of yarn, any stitch and any size hook and the pattern can be adapted easily once you have made it up and seen how it works out. Different combinations will give varying results. To start with you can follow my pattern and then adapt it to whatever items you have in your stash! I prefer variegated yarn as it’s more interesting working with changing colours and watching how it makes up.
I am using UK crochet terminology all through.
CH – chain
DC – double crochet
I have used worsted weight 100% wool or acrylic doubleknit with a size 5 crochet hook making a double crochet stitch and got a hat to fit me easily – I have also used double knit 100% wool with a size 4 crochet hook making a single crochet stitch and got a hat to fit a child about 5 up to teenage – this does depending on head size of course 🙂
But for a simple first attempt if you use worsted or double knit and a 5 or 5.50 hook you should get a hat to fit you unless your tension is very different to mine. But part of the fun is seeing how the hats work out and making some more!
So to start with either make a magic ring and chain 7 into it or make a chain of 7 single crochet and join with a slip stitch.
Row 1 – Chain 1 and then make 2 double crochet in each stitch, joining at the end to the chain you made at the start. (14 stitches)
Row 2 – Ch 1 then *1 DC in next 1 stitch and 2 DC into next stitch**. Repeat from * to ** joining in the first chain you made.(21 stitches)
Row 3 – Ch 1 then *1 DC in the next 2 stitches and 2DC in the next stitch** Repeat * to** (28 stitches)
Row 4 – Ch 1 then *1DC in the next 3 stitches and 2DC in the next stitch** Repeat *to** (35 stitches)
Now the rest of the hat follows the pattern above – ie with each new round you Ch1 then make 1DC in the next stitches – increasing these by 1 more each round. Eventually you are making Ch 1 and 1DC in 6 stitches before making 2DC into the next stitch. You will now have 56 stitches.
At this point you can stop the increasing and just make Ch1 and then 1DC in every stitch, joining at the end into the chain made at the beginning. Make as many rows as you need till the hat is the size you want. I would suggest trying the hat on after you have made a few rows to get an idea of what it looks like. If you have made some mistakes and ended up with two many stitches your hat may be too big – you can either give it away to a bigger-headed person or undo it and start again! If your hat is slightly too small you could undo the last few straight rows and make another increase row (ie Ch1, work 1DC into next 7 stitches then 2DC in next stitch etc).
If wished you could add a fluted edge to your hat as I have done in the picture at the top of the page. To make the fluted edge Ch1 then make a series of different sized stiches such as *1 single crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 half treble, 1 treble, 1 half treble, 1 double crochet, 1 single crochet then slip stich into next stitch**. Repeat this round the hat and join into chain made at the beginning and fasten off. Weave the tail end of the yarn into a few stitches to hide it.
Now go out in your hat to the craft shop and buy some more yarn to make a matching scarf or cowl, or another hat!!
Here are some of my hats!