How to Stitch Crochet a Beanie Hat

A beanie in white cotton yarn makes a bright summer accessory.

When learning to crochet in the round, many crochet instructors recommend a basic beanie hat as a first project. Creating a crocheted beanie only takes a few hours and teaches the basics of crocheting in the round, shaping an item, and marking rows as you work. Use a bulky or chunky weight yarn to complete a warm winter beanie in just a few hours, or a light sport or fingering weight yarn for lightweight, feminine spring looks. This beanie is customizable for all sizes, from baby and toddler to adult.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Yarn
• Aluminum crochet hook
• Scissors

Instructions

Take Accurate Measurements

1. Crochet a gauge swatch in single crochet with your chosen yarn and hook. Measure the number of stitches per inch.

2. Measure the circumference of the head just above the ears.

3. Multiply the number of inches in the circumference of the head by the number of stitches per inch in the gauge swatch.

Crochet Increase Rounds

1. Create a slipknot and slide it onto your crochet hook. Chain three and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Single crochet six times into the center of the ring and join with a slip stitch.

2. Chain one. Single crochet two times into each single crochet around the circle. Join to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.

3. Chain one, and single crochet twice into the first single crochet, then once into the second single crochet. Continue in this pattern around the circle. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.

4. Chain one and single crochet twice into the first single crochet, and once into each of the next two single crochet. Repeat this pattern around the circle and join to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.

5. Chain one and single crochet twice into the first single crochet, and once into each of the next three single crochet. Repeat this pattern around the circle and join to the first single crochet with a slip stitch. Continue to increase each round in this manner, adding one additional stitch, which receives one single crochet in each round, until you reach your circumference length of stitches determined when measuring for size.

Finish the Beanie

1. Work evenly, crocheting once into each single crochet in each row, joining with a slip stitch and chaining one to begin the next row until your beanie reaches your desired length.

2. Clip the yarn, leaving a 3-inch tail. Weave into the last row of stitches.

3. Turn the beanie inside out to locate your starting tail of yarn. Weave into the first round or two of stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the label of your yarn to find the correct size crochet hook to use.

• Change colors in every row to create a horizontally striped hat.

• Create a pom-pom for the top by wrapping yarn evenly around a 3-inch square of cardboard, cutting both sides and tying another piece of yarn securely around the center after removing the cardboard. Sew in place to the top of the beanie.

• Add a row of shells in a contrasting color to the last row of the beanie to add a feminine finish.

References

• Lion Brand Yarn: How to Crochet a Basic Beanie
• Learn-How-To-Crochet.com: Crochet Beanie Hat

Resources

• Crochet Pattern Central: Hats