Deep burgundy wool creates a heavy, warm fabric that feels like a cozy blanket draped over your shoulders. This garment features a relaxed fit with wide sleeves, making it a comfortable choice for chilly autumn evenings or layering under a coat in the dead of winter. If you are new to garment construction, this piece simplifies the process by using basic rows that build up quickly into a structural shape. You will practice managing gauge and sewing panels together to understand how flat shapes transform into wearable clothing. It is a rewarding project for makers who want to complete a functional item in just a few days of steady work.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet ribbed beanie offers a classic, fitted silhouette that relies on simple half double crochet stitches worked in the back loops. The construction uses a flat rectangle worked back and forth in rows, which is then seamed into a tube to create a squishy, stretchy fabric perfect for winter wear. Because it is worked sideways, you can customize the height of the brim instantly by adjusting your starting chain length. It is a quick project that requires minimal counting, making it an excellent choice for a weekend gift or for using up a single skein of premium wool.

I finished this hat in one evening while watching a movie. The ribbed texture looks professional and the fit is much better than the store-bought versions I have tried in the past.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Worked flat in rows to create a rectangle, then seamed vertically
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 20 inches circumference (unstretched) x 9 inches tall, fits an average adult head

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), approximately 200 yards of wool or acrylic blend
Hook Size: 5.5 mm (US I-9)
Notions: Tapestry needle, locking stitch marker, scissors
Safe yarn substitutions: Use any worsted weight yarn with a medium twist. Cotton blends will result in a heavier, less stretchy hat, while acrylic provides the most “bounce” and memory for the ribbing. If you use a lighter DK weight yarn, increase your hook size to 5.0 mm and add more rows to compensate for the smaller gauge.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain
hdc: Half double crochet
BLO: Back loop only. Insert hook only under the back loop of the stitch from the previous row.
st(s): Stitch(es)
sl st: Slip stitch
RS: Right side of the fabric

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Hat Body

The hat is worked in rows. You will be chaining a length that determines the height of the hat. To make the hat longer (slouchier), increase the starting chain count.

Row 1: Ch 36. Starting in the 3rd ch from the hook, work 1 hdc in each ch across. Turn. (34 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc here and throughout). Working in BLO, 1 hdc in each st across. Turn. (34 sts)
Rows 3 to 60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 20 inches wide when slightly stretched.

Assembly and Finishing

Once you have finished your rows, fold the rectangle in half so the short ends meet. You will now seam the piece to create the tube of the hat.

Seaming: With the RS facing in, sl st through the BLO of the foundation chain edge and the corresponding loop of the final row across the entire length. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Closing the Crown: Thread your tapestry needle with the yarn tail. Weave the yarn in and out of every other row end along the top edge of the tube. Pull the yarn tail tight to cinch the top of the hat closed like a drawstring. Secure with a knot on the inside.
Final Step: Turn the hat right side out and weave in all remaining ends securely.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your finished hat in cool water using a gentle wool detergent to preserve the shape and fiber integrity.
Lay the item flat on a clean towel and roll it to remove excess moisture; never wring or twist the fabric.
Reshape the hat while damp and allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining consistent tension is the most important factor in this project. Because the half double crochet stitches are worked in the back loops, they can naturally tighten up; try to keep your hook movements relaxed to ensure the fabric remains stretchy. Use a stitch marker at the very first and last stitch of every row to avoid accidentally dropping stitches, which is a common error that leads to a tapered or uneven hat edge. When seaming, ensure you catch both loops of the edges to prevent unsightly gaps in your seam. If you want a tighter fit, simply reduce the number of rows worked to decrease the overall circumference of the hat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

While possible, changing the yarn weight will change the gauge and the physical size of the hat. If using a thinner yarn, you will need to add more rows to reach the 20-inch width. Using a thicker yarn will make the hat feel bulky, so adjust your starting chain to be shorter if you want to avoid a massive brim.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, this pattern is designed for those who have mastered the basic chain and half double crochet stitch. The repetitive nature of the rows helps you practice your tension and stitch placement without needing to learn complex increases or decreases.

How do I resize the hat for a child?

To make the hat smaller, work fewer foundation chains for the height. To make the circumference smaller, work fewer total rows until the piece fits the head circumference of the intended wearer.

Can I sell the finished items made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished hats made using this pattern at small-scale craft markets or local boutiques. Please credit the design to this tutorial, but do not mass-produce or sell the pattern document itself.

Pin for later!

Your finished cardigan now provides a soft, structured layer that stays comfortable through many hours of wear. You might try working this in a lighter linen blend if you want a version that functions as a breezy summer cover-up. Sharing a photo of your progress helps other makers see how these stitches look in different lighting or yarn types. Please visit the rest of the blog archive to find more free projects for your next afternoon session with your crochet hook and a fresh skein of yarn.