Soft yarn squash sitting on your mantel bring a cozy, handmade touch to your home when the leaves start falling outside. These small decor pieces are quick to assemble, making them an excellent choice for using up leftover yarn scraps from previous hobby projects. Beginners enjoy working these up because the main technique involves simple rounds and basic increases that build into a rounded shape quite fast. Whether you fill your home with a display of various sizes or gift a few to neighbors, these projects provide a relaxing way to spend a chilly afternoon creating something charming.

Pin for later!

Why This Project Is Worth Making

This beginner-friendly project creates a classic crochet beanie using simple stitches that work up quickly even for those new to the craft. The pattern relies on basic single crochet stitches worked in the back loops, which provides a stretchy, ribbed texture similar to store-bought knit hats. Because it uses a medium-weight yarn, it is an ideal weekend project that you can finish in a single sitting. Its unisex design and adjustable sizing make it a practical handmade gift for friends or family members.

I finished this hat in just two evenings while watching television. The instructions were very easy to follow and the final fit is perfect for winter wear.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Worked in a flat rectangle which is then seamed to form a tube, followed by a running stitch at the top to cinch the hat closed.
Finished Dimensions: 20 inches circumference by 9 inches tall, fits an average adult head.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers to keep track of row edges, and scissors.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use cotton yarn, but note that it will result in a heavier hat with less natural elasticity. Avoid bulky yarns as they will change the gauge and require you to reduce the total starting chain length.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st/sts = stitch/stitches
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the V-stitch instead of both loops)
sl st = slip stitch
FO = fasten off

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Hat Body

Row 1: Ch 40. Sc in the second ch from hook and in every ch across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Row 2: Sc in BLO of each st across to the end. Ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Rows 3-60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 20 inches wide when slightly stretched. Do not FO. (39 sts)

Assembly

Fold the rectangular piece in half so the short ends meet.
Sl st or sew the two short sides together through both layers to form a tube.
FO, leaving a 12-inch long yarn tail.
Thread the yarn tail onto your tapestry needle.
Weave the needle in and out along the top edge of the tube. Pull the yarn tight to cinch the opening closed.
Secure the yarn with a knot on the inside of the hat and weave in all remaining ends.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your finished hat in cool water using a mild wool detergent to maintain the integrity of the fibers.
Lay the item flat on a clean towel to air dry away from direct sunlight, which prevents stretching and fading.
Reshape the hat while damp if it appears slightly misshapen, as this helps the ribbing return to its original form.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your tension consistent throughout the rows, especially when working in BLO, as loose stitches can create unintended gaps in the fabric.
Use a stitch marker at the first and last stitch of every row to ensure you do not accidentally skip stitches, which prevents the edges from becoming uneven.
Weave your yarn tails in a zigzag pattern through the finished fabric to ensure they stay secure through repeated washing and wearing.
If you wish to adjust the size, add or subtract foundation chains in the beginning; note that adding 5 chains will increase the height of the hat by approximately 1 inch, requiring roughly 10 extra yards of yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the yarn for a lighter weight?

Yes, but you will need to increase the number of foundation chains to match the desired height and work more rows to achieve the correct head circumference, as lighter yarn produces a thinner fabric.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, this project only requires knowledge of the chain stitch and the single crochet stitch, making it an excellent starting point for learning how to build fabric rows.

How do I resize this for a child?

Simply start with a shorter foundation chain to decrease the height of the hat and work fewer total rows to reduce the circumference until it fits the child’s head measurement.

Am I allowed to sell hats made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this design, provided you credit the designer and use your own photographs for your product listings.

Pin for later!

A pile of these squishy handmade gourds adds warmth to any corner of your living room. You might try using thick velvet yarn if you want a softer, more modern texture that stands out in a seasonal centerpiece. Once you finish your set, upload a photo to your social media feed to show others how your colors turned out. Feel free to browse our main archives for more free patterns that you can complete in just a few hours during your next quiet weekend at home.