Crochet Beanie for Beginners: One Hat, Every Size

The pattern

Written for the adult size (84 stitches). For another size, increase until you reach that size's stitch count, then stop increasing.

Gauge

14 hdc and 10 rounds = 4 in (10 cm).

Crown

Worked in continuous rounds. Mark the first stitch of each round.

1. Rnd 1: 12 hdc in a magic ring. (12)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (24)
3. Rnd 3: (Hdc 1, inc) 12 times. (36)
4. Rnd 4: (Hdc 2, inc) 12 times. (48)
5. Rnd 5: (Hdc 3, inc) 12 times. (60)
6. Rnd 6: (Hdc 4, inc) 12 times. (72)
7. Rnd 7: (Hdc 11, inc) 6 times. (78)
8. Rnd 8: (Hdc 12, inc) 6 times. (84)

The flat circle should now measure about 6½ in (16.5 cm) across — roughly a third of the head measurement. Stop increasing here.

Body

1. Rnds 9–26: Hdc in each st around. (84)

Keep going until the hat measures 7½ in from the crown — the ribbed brim will add the last inch. Try it on as you go.

Ribbed brim

Worked sideways onto the bottom edge, which gives real stretch.

1. Set-up: Ch 9.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across (8), then sl st into the next 2 sts of the hat edge. Turn.
3. Row 2: Skip the 2 sl sts, sc in back loops only across. Ch 1, turn. (8)
4. Row 3: Sc in back loops only across, then sl st into the next 2 sts of the hat edge. Turn. (8)
5. Repeat Rows 2–3 all the way around the hat.

Fasten off leaving a long tail, and whip stitch the first and last rows of the brim together.

Make it your own

• Pom-pom: wrap yarn 80 times around a 4 in card, tie the middle tightly, cut the loops and trim into a ball.
• Stripes: change colour every four rounds; see the colour-change method in our team scarf.
• Slouchy: add four more body rounds before the brim.
• Matching set: hat and scarf in the same two colours.

Common questions

How do I know how big to make a crochet hat?

Measure the head and make the hat 1–2 in smaller, so it stretches to fit. The flat crown circle should measure about a third of the head circumference before you stop increasing.

Why does my hat come out like a bowl?

You increased for too many rounds. Stop as soon as the flat circle reaches a third of the head measurement, then work straight.

Why is my hat cone-shaped?

The opposite problem: too few increase rounds, so the crown pulls in. Add an increase round and try again.

How much yarn for an adult beanie?

About 180 yd (165 m) of worsted — one 100 g ball with some left over.

Can I make it without the ribbed brim?

Yes — just work six more body rounds and finish with a round of slip stitches. The ribbed brim grips better, which matters in wind.

Make one for every head in the house. 🧶