If you’re looking to make a cosy beanie for the cold winter months and have a couple of hours to spare of an evening then continue reading to get my Free Crochet Hat Pattern!
There’s also a VIDEO TUTORIAL to accompany this pattern… just scroll down to view it.
GREAT BEGINNER PROJECT
This free crochet hat pattern for the Caitlin beanie is a great beginner project as the pattern uses a super chunky yarn and size O (12mm) crochet hook.
The construction of the hat is simple; you’ll begin by crocheting a rectangle, fold it over in half and seam both sides together.
The top of the hat will then be shaped by working four quick rounds of single crochet two together (sc2tog) stitches.
KNITTED EFFECT
The main body of the hat is worked up using only one stitch – the yarn over slip stitch (yo slst). This stitch is also known as the half double crochet slip stitch (hdc slst).
By working this stitch into the back loops only (BLO), it creates a ribbing effect and looks similar to knitting.
I’ve also got a free pattern for the Caitlin Cowl. This is even simpler to make as you only crochet a rectangle then seam the two sides together!
YARN USED FOR CAITLIN FREE CROCHET HAT PATTERN
I decided to use Crazy Sexy Wool by Wool and the Gang.
This super bulky weight yarn is so easy to use and has great stitch definition.
Using a super chunky yarn will also ensure that your beanie works up in no time, making it a very satisfying crochet project indeed!
The wool used in Crazy Sexy Wool is 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable.
I really enjoy wearing my Caitlin beanie as it’s cosy yet breathable at the same time. It feels lovely against my skin.
For this free crochet hat pattern I chose the gorgeous pastel colour of Lilac Powder.
However, there are over 30 colours to choose from, ranging from soft pastel and neutral shades to bright, modern jewel colours. Have fun selecting the colour that most appeals to you!
SUBSTITUTE YARN
You can substitute the recommended yarn with any size 6 super bulky / chunky yarn.
Just do a gauge swatch and make sure that it matches the specified gauge detailed below.
Alternatively, make your foundation chain so that it is 11 ¾ “ (30 cm) in length.
Then continue by following the pattern for the main body of the hat below and work until your rectangle measures 18” (45.5cm). Be careful not to stretch your rectangle out when measuring it.
You will then follow the instructions for shaping the crown of the hat. If you have an odd number of stitches, just work your sc2tog stitches around the hat until you get to the end of the round where you will work one single crochet into the last stitch.
THE CAITLIN BEANIE – A FREE CROCHET HAT PATTERN
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Before you begin, please carefully read all the information below… I’ve included useful points that will aid you in making this beanie.
LEVEL
Beginner (see details of project levels at the Craft Yarn Council).
SUPPLIES
- Yarn: Category 6 (super bulky / chunky). I used 2 skeins of Crazy Sexy Wool by Wool and the Gang in the colour Lilac Powder, 7.1oz / 87 yds (80m / 200g).
- Crochet Hook: Size O (12mm)
- Stitch marker x 1
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- (Optional) Clover Extra Large Pom Pom Maker
GAUGE
8 sts and 7 rows = 4” (10cm)
FINISHED SIZE
Width – 9″ (22.5cm)
Length – 10 ½ “″ (26.5cm) (8” with the brim rolled up).
STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US CROCHET TERMS)
BLO – back loop only: Insert your hook and work the stitch into the back loop only.
ch(s) – chain(s)
fasten off – To fasten off securely, work one chain, then cut the yarn leaving a 5 – 6” tail. Pull the tail through the loop that is on your hook. Tighten gently.
RS – right side: The side of your work that you want to have on display – the ‘pretty’ side.
sc – single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Yo, pull through both loops on hook. 1 single crochet completed.
sc2tog – single crochet two together: Insert your hook into stitch, yarn over (yo) pull up a loop (2 loops on your hook). Insert your hook into the following stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops. One sc2tog complete.
sl st – slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop, you will have 2 loops on your hook. Pull the first loop through the second loop. 1 slip stitch completed.
yo slst – yarn over slip stich: yarn over (yo), insert hook into the back loop only (BLO) of the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Pull the first loop through the next two loops on your hook.
( ) – Sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch or space.
[ ] – The total number of stitches you should have at the end of a row / round.
PATTERN NOTES
- US crochet terms used throughout.
- The ch1 at the beginning of rows does not count as your first stitch.
- You will make a rectangle to form the main body of the hat.
- The rectangle will then be seamed together.
- To shape the crown of the hat, you will work 4 quick rounds (three of these will be decreasing rounds using sc2tog stitches).
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
MAIN BODY OF HAT
Ch 20
Row 1. Yo slst in the BLO of the 2nd ch from hook, yo slst in the BLO of each ch until end of row, TURN [19 sts].
Row 2. Ch1 (does not count as your first st here and throughout), yo slst in the BLO of same st, yo slst in the BLO of the next and each st until end of row, TURN [19 sts].
Repeat row 2 until your work measures 18” / 45.5cm (unstretched).
SEAM BOTH ENDS
Make sure that your work is positioned so that the tail of your foundation chain is sitting in the top left hand corner; the working yarn should be lying at the bottom right hand corner (see photo below):
Fold your rectangle over and seam the two sides together using the slip stitch seam:
Once you’ve finished seaming, turn your work inside out so that the RS of the hat is facing you (and the seam is now in the inside of the hat).
Re-attach your hook to the working yarn loop so that you can begin working on the crown of the hat:
CROWN OF HAT
You’ll now work in rounds.
If you’re a beginner, you might like to place a stitch marker into the first stitch of the round so you know exactly where to slip stitch into in order to join the round:
Round 1. Ch1 (does not count as your first st here and throughout), 1sc in same st, 1sc in each st around, sl st to 1st sc to join round, DO NOT TURN [36 sts].
Round 2. Ch1, 1sc2tog (18 times), sl st to 1st sc2tog to join round, DO NOT TURN [18 sts].
Round 3. Ch1, 1sc2tog (9 times), sl st to 1st sc2tog to join round, DO NOT TURN [9 sts].
Round 4. Ch1, 1sc2tog (4 times), 1sc in last st, [5 sts].
Cut yarn, fasten off and pull the yarn tail through to the inside of the hat.
Weave in both ends.
OPTIONAL: Add a large fluffy pom pom onto the top of your new super squishy, chunky hat!
VIDEO TUTORIAL
You can view the video for the Caitlin Beanie below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss out on any new videos I upload!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
I hope that you enjoyed this free crochet hat pattern for the Caitlin Beanie!
I love to see your finished projects… if you share the Caitlin Beanie or any of my other items on Instagram, tag me using @maisieandruth
Happy crocheting,
