This might be the easiest wearable and customizable crochet project that you ever complete, and I hope so because I'd love that for you. Everyone should be able to successfully make at least one piece that they can proudly wear and say "Thanks, I made it!" in this lifetime. That's a creative flex!
I want to preface this by saying that although I have crocheted for over a decade now, I am definitely not a teacher, so I will try my best to be as thorough as possible. I like to get straight to the point because long explanations that add unnecessary details to the project bore me, and I want to spread excitement about crochet!
It only made sense to start here as a first pattern because it's beginner-friendly and can be tailored to your own skill level as well as style.
Project Time: ~1.5 to 3 hours
Materials:
US size I/ 5.5mm hook
#4 medium weight yarn- (1) 7oz skein is more than enough
tapestry needle & scissors
Things to Keep in Mind:
You can use whatever hook size and yarn weight you like, and I encourage you to experiment with that so you can familiarize yourself with gauge, which is stitch size based on thickness of yarn, size of hook, and tightness of stitch because you will organically learn how to adjust a pattern to get your desired fit.
Abbreviations:
ch- chain, sts- stitches, sc- single crochet, hdc- half double crochet, blo- back loop only
Pattern
You're essentially going to crochet a 13" x 20" rectangle, connect the two widths to create a tube, then cinch one side to create the top of the hat. I like to make smaller (sc) stitches on the top end to create less bulk, which also makes it easier to close up tightly. This fits most adult heads, and instructions for size adjustments will be at the end.
Create a slip knot, leaving an 8" tail, and chain 41 with your working yarn.
Hdc into the second chain from hook and across to the last 5 sts, sc to the end. (40 sts)
Ch 1, turn, sc blo the first 5 sts, hdc blo to the end. (40 sts) ***You should have 35 hdc, 5 sc. Only hdc in the hdc's and sc in the sc's.***
Sc blo 5, hdc blo 35. (40 sts)
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have 42 rows total.
Don't fasten off. Fold your piece inside out, align the stitches, and slip stitch together through the back loops. This blends the seam with the ribbed texture so it doesn't stand out when the bottom of the hat is rolled up. Weave in the end.
With your tapestry needle, weave the 8" tail from the beginning in and out through the rows (on the side with the single crochets) and pull tight. I also like to sew around again and across in different directions. This should allow you to fully close the top with no hole. Knot and/or weave in the end.
Turn the hat inside out and you're done! See how easy that was?
For my visual learners, here's some imagery to make sure you're on the right track.
This pattern is my own, so I ask that you please do not sell it, although you are free to sell your creations and save this pictorial for future reference.
Size Adjustments:
This is a basic guideline for adjusting measurements. Of course, add or remove stitches and rows as you see fit. This is just to help you see how to achieve that ballpark. It's important to remember that yarn stretches, so you may want to err on the smaller side to achieve a nicely fitted hat. As long as you stick to these basic measurements, the possibilities for color combinations, patterns, and even various stitches are endless.
(You will, of course, need to chain one extra to achieve stitch count. E.g. for 40 stitches, we chained 41. Still sc 5 sts on one end and hdc the rest. Feel free to adjust number of sc's as well- just be consistent.)
baby/toddler- 6.5" x 12.5" (20 sts, 22 rows)
child- 9" x 14.5" (30 sts, 32 rows)
smaller adult- 12" x 19" (36 sts, 40 rows)
larger adult- 14" x 21" (44 sts, 44 rows)
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