A crochet bucket hat is a fun and stylish accessory, and this two-tone design adds a pop of color and a beautiful texture that’s perfect for sunny days. This pattern is worked from the top down and features a unique, textured stitch for the body and a smooth, contrasting brim. It’s written for an average adult size, with tips on how to adjust for a perfect fit.
Materials
- Worsted-weight yarn (Category 4): Approximately 150-200 yards in total.
- Color A (darker color): About 100-150 yards for the main hat body.
- Color B (lighter, contrasting color): About 50-75 yards for the brim.
- Crochet hook: US size I/9 (5.5 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.
- Stitch marker: Optional but helpful for marking the beginning of the round.
Gauge
Getting the right gauge is important to ensure your hat fits correctly.
- In half-double crochet (HDC): 4 rows of 5 HDC should measure 1 inch by 1 inch.
Adjust your hook size if your gauge is off. 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 top down in continuous rounds. 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.
- The main hat body uses the Puff Stitch.
- Puff Stitch (PS): *Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, pull up a loop.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times in the same stitch (7 loops on your hook). Yarn over, and pull through all 7 loops on your hook. Chain 1 to close the stitch.
Hat Construction
Part 1: The Crown (Using Color A)
- Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 2. Work 10 half-double crochet (HDC) into the magic ring. Pull the ring tight. Do not join. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch. (10 stitches)
- Round 2: 2 HDC in each stitch around. (20 stitches)
- Round 3: *1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
- Round 4: *1 HDC in the next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. (40 stitches)
- Round 5: *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. (50 stitches)
- Round 6: *1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. (60 stitches)
Continue increasing in this manner (adding one HDC between increases each round) until the diameter of the circle is approximately 6-7 inches. For a custom fit, you can measure the crown of your head and increase until the circle is the same size. For an average adult, this is typically around 60-70 stitches.
Part 2: The Hat Body (Puff Stitch Section)
- Round 7: This is the first puff stitch round. *Work a Puff Stitch (PS) in the next stitch, skip the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (30 puff stitches)
- Round 8: Chain 2. *Work a PS into the space between the puff stitches of the previous round.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (30 puff stitches)
- Rounds 9-14 (or until desired length): Repeat Round 8.
Continue working in this puff stitch pattern until the hat body measures approximately 4-5 inches from the last increase round. Try the hat on to check the fit. It should sit comfortably on your head, reaching just above your ears before the brim begins.
Part 3: The Brim (Changing to Color B)
- Round 15: Change to Color B. This round will flatten the fabric to create a smooth brim. Chain 1. Work 2 HDC into the space between the puff stitches of the previous round. Continue working 2 HDC into each space between the puff stitches around. Join with a slip stitch to the first HDC. (60 stitches)
- Round 16: Chain 1. *1 HDC in the next 9 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (66 stitches)
- Round 17: Chain 1. *1 HDC in the next 10 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (72 stitches)
- Round 18: Chain 1. *1 HDC in the next 11 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (78 stitches)
- Round 19: Chain 1. HDC in each stitch around. Do not increase. Join with a slip stitch. (78 stitches)
- Final Round: Chain 1. Work a single crochet (SC) in each stitch around to create a clean, finished edge. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC.
Video Tutorial:
Finishing
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle, ensuring they are secure.
- Give your hat a gentle steam or block it to help the stitches settle and the brim to lay flat.
Enjoy your new, handmade bucket hat!
