How to Crochet a Textured Hat

I learned how to crochet from my sweet mother when I was a child. Since my childhood, I have slowly improved my technique (and I am still improving ). I enjoy the challenge of learning a new stitch and creating something that has texture. I am also enamored by all the different types of yarn. I literally lose track of time in the yard aisle at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or JOANN Fabrics.

I enjoy crocheting especially in the winter months; I do this while watching television with Neal in the evenings. This also keeps me from snacking.

I recently visited Wisconsin for my education consultant work. This Alabama girl was COLD! However, my new hat kept my head warm!

My Yarn

I really like bulky, textured yarn. It only took me one skein for this hat. I also liked this color because it blends well with other colors.

Hook

I used a hook, which was 8.0 MM. I don’t always follow the recommendation on the yarn wrapper. I like to be creative. ?

CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS

Confession: This is the FIRST crochet pattern I have ever written. I usually watch a video to figure out a pattern (i.e. rarely read a pattern), so using symbols is new to me in writing a pattern. I like pushing myself out of my comfort zone (i.e. love learning). This will be the beginning of more written crochet patterns!

• • ch = chain
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • sc = single crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • st(s)= stitch(es)

Making the Band of the Hat

Start by chaining 6.

Row 1: Starting in the second chain from your hook, single crochet in each of the chains for a total of five.

Row 2: Start by chaining 1. Then single crochet in the back loop, single crochet in the back loop for a total of five. Repeat this for a total of 44 rows.

To Finish The Band: chain 1 and then slip stitch the two end pieces together to make a complete circle (band).

The Pattern for the Main Part of the Hat/Beanie

Rows 1-4: 45 sc in each st going all the way around the band.

Row 5: sc in first st, sc in the second st, 2 dc in the next st and then create a popcorn stitch from these two dc, sc in the next st, sc in the next, st, 2 dc in the next st and then create a popcorn stitch from these two dc, and then repeat all the way around the band. (should have a total of 15 popcorn stitches)

Row 6-9: sc in the first st, sc in the second stitch, skip around the popcorn stitch, sc in the first st, sc in the second stitch, skip around the popcorn stitch, and repeat until the end of this row.

Rows 7 – 9: sc in each st for a total of 30 for each row.

Row 10: sc in first st, sc in the second st, 2 dc in the next st and then create a popcorn stitch from these two dc, sc in the next st, sc in the next, st, 2 dc in the next st and then create a popcorn stitch from these two dc, and then repeat all the way around the band. (should have a total of 10 popcorn stitches)

Row 11: 2 sc in the same hole and then sc in each st until the end of each row.

Rows 12-15: sc in every other st (so gradually closes the top of the hat).

Cinching the Top of the Hat

You will have a very small hole in the top of the hat. Use your yarn (don’t cut yet) and cinch together the top of the hat. Then used a yarn needed to hide the loose ends.

The Final Hat

A few notes:

• • You can use the band portion of the pattern for different types of hats/beanies.
  • You can make the band wider by just chaining more than 6 and then, in turn, more single crochet stitches. For example, if you chain 8, then do 7 single crochet stitches.
  • GET CREATIVE! Play with this pattern and feel free to alter it. I sometimes follow patterns, but typically change them up so it is my own creation. I like the feeling of creating something unique. Be BRAVE!

Thanks for reading my blog post. Please share what you think of this hat pattern by posting below and if you try this, let me know how it goes or how you altered my pattern.

Happy Crocheting!