If you want a first wearable project that does not involve shaping, this ribbed beanie is a comfortable place to start. The hat is made as one rectangle, seamed along the short edge, then gathered at the top.
Quick pattern notes
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted weight, about 180–220 yards
- Hook: 5.5 mm
- Time: About 2–3 hours
Materials
- Worsted-weight yarn
- 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Instructions
- Chain 36 loosely.
- Half-double crochet in the second chain from the hook and across.
- Chain 1 and turn. Work half-double crochet in the back loop only across each row.
- Repeat until the rectangle wraps around your head comfortably without stretching hard.
- Fold the rectangle with the short edges together and slip stitch or sew the seam closed.
- Thread a long yarn tail around one open edge, pull firmly to gather, knot securely, and weave in the ends.
Maker note: If your starting chain feels much tighter than the rest of the fabric, make the chain with a hook one size larger and switch back for Row 1.
How to adjust the size
For a taller hat, add more chains at the beginning. For a wider hat, crochet more rows before joining the rectangle. The ribbing is stretchy, so aim for a rectangle that is slightly smaller than the head circumference.
Frequently asked question
Can I use chunky yarn? Yes, but the finished dimensions will change. Use the hook recommended for your yarn and make the rectangle to your actual head measurements rather than relying on the chain count above.