A crochet bucket hat is the perfect accessory for a sunny day, and this pattern creates a stunning, lightweight version with a beautiful lace-like texture. The open, airy design of the stitch pattern makes it ideal for warmer weather, while the solid crown and brim provide structure. This pattern is written for an average adult size, with tips on how to adjust for a perfect fit.
Materials
- Light Worsted or DK-weight yarn (Category 3 or 4): Approximately 150-200 yards. I recommend a cotton or cotton blend yarn for breathability and shape.
- Crochet hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) or H/8 (5.0 mm), depending on your yarn and desired tension. Use the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.
- Stitch marker: Optional, but very 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 openwork section uses a simple yet elegant variation of the “V-Stitch”.
- V-Stitch (VS): Work 1 single crochet (SC), chain 1, 1 SC into the same stitch or space.
Hat Construction
Part 1: The Crown
- 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 (Lacy Section)
- Round 7: This is the first lace round. *Work a V-Stitch (VS) into the next stitch, skip the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC of the round.
- Round 8: Chain 1. Work a VS into the chain-1 space of the first V-Stitch from the previous round. Continue working a VS into each chain-1 space around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Rounds 9-16 (or until desired length): Repeat Round 8.
Continue working in this V-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
- Round 17: This round will flatten the fabric to create a solid brim. Chain 1. Work 2 single crochet (SC) stitches into each chain-1 space of the previous V-Stitch round. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC. (60 stitches)
- Round 18: Chain 1. Work 1 HDC in each stitch around. Do not increase. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 19: Chain 1. Work 1 HDC in each stitch around. Do not increase. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 20: Chain 1. *1 HDC in the next 9 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 21: Chain 1. Work 1 HDC in each stitch around. Do not increase. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 22: Chain 1. *1 HDC in the next 10 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.
- 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, and perfectly breezy bucket hat!
