A cozy beanie is a must-have for any season, and this pattern creates a striking, textured version that’s both warm and stylish. The main body of the hat features the unique waffle stitch, which creates a beautiful, grid-like pattern with incredible depth. The ribbed brim adds a classic touch and ensures a comfortable, snug fit. This pattern is written for an average adult size, with notes on how to adjust for a custom fit.
Materials
- Worsted-weight yarn (Category 4): Approximately 150-200 yards. The yarn in the image appears to be a vibrant, medium-weight acrylic or wool.
- Crochet hook: US size I/9 (5.5 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.
- Pom-pom maker: Optional, but it makes creating a fluffy pom-pom much easier.
- Stitch marker: Optional but helpful for marking the beginning of the round.
Gauge
Checking your gauge is crucial for a hat that fits well.
- In half-double crochet (HDC): 4 rows of 5 HDC should measure 1 inch by 1 inch.
If your swatch is too small, use a larger hook. If it’s too big, use a smaller hook.
Pattern Notes
- This hat is worked from the bottom up.
- The brim is created using half-double crochet in the back loop only (HDC BLO).
- The body of the hat is worked in a continuous round, so you will not join with a slip stitch at the end of each round unless otherwise stated.
- The beginning chain of each round does not count as a stitch unless specified.
- Waffle Stitch Tutorial: This stitch is created using a combination of front-post double crochet (FPDC) and double crochet (DC).
- Row 1: Double crochet in each stitch around.
- Row 2: *1 FPDC in the next stitch, DC in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around.
- Row 3: *DC in the next stitch, FPDC in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around.
Hat Construction
Part 1: The Ribbed Brim
- Row 1: Chain 14. Skip the first chain. Half-double crochet (HDC) into the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (13 stitches)
- Row 2: Chain 1. Turn your work. HDC in the back loop only (HDC BLO) of each of the 13 stitches. (13 stitches)
- Repeat Row 2 until the brim measures approximately 20-22 inches in length when slightly stretched. For a custom fit, wrap it around your head—it should be snug but comfortable.
- Joining the brim: Fold the brim in half, bringing the short ends together. Slip stitch the ends together to form a tube. Turn the brim so the seam is on the inside.
Part 2: The Hat Body (Waffle Stitch)
- Round 1: Now we will work around the edge of the brim. Join the yarn at the seam. Chain 2. Work 72 double crochet (DC) stitches evenly around the top edge of the brim. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC. Place a stitch marker here to mark the beginning of the round. (72 stitches)
- Round 2: Chain 2. *1 front-post double crochet (FPDC) in the next stitch, DC in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 3: Chain 2. *DC in the next stitch, FPDC in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 4: Chain 2. *1 FPDC in the next stitch, DC in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Rounds 5-18 (or until desired height): Repeat Rounds 3 and 4. Continue alternating these two rounds to create the waffle texture.
Continue with this pattern until the hat measures approximately 7-8 inches from the brim, or until it covers the top of your head.
Part 3: Decreasing the Crown
Now it’s time to start decreasing to shape the top of the hat.
- Round 19: We will now decrease by half. Chain 2. *Work a DC in the next stitch, skip the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (36 stitches)
- Round 20: Chain 2. Work 1 DC in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 21: Chain 2. Work a DC2tog (double crochet 2 together) around. Join with a slip stitch. (18 stitches)
- Round 22: Chain 2. Work a DC2tog around. Join with a slip stitch. (9 stitches)
- Finishing: Cut a long tail of yarn and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Weave the needle in and out of the remaining stitches, pull tight to cinch the top of the hat closed, and knot the yarn to secure it. Weave in all remaining ends.
Part 4: The Pom-Pom
- Making the Pom-Pom: Using your pom-pom maker, wrap the yarn around each arm of the maker until it’s very full and dense. Close the maker and cut the yarn along the middle. Use another piece of yarn to tie it securely in the center.
- Attaching the Pom-Pom: Use the long yarn tails from your pom-pom to tie it securely to the top of the beanie. Weave in the ends.
Your waffle-stitch beanie is now complete! Put it on and get ready to face the cold in style.
