How to Crochet Skullcaps

A skullcap is made just like a beanie cap, but it is shorter, covering only the top of the skull. Once you make one of these caps, you will become addicted to the process. However, the crochet skullcap takes meticulous counting. If your count is off, the cap won't turn out properly. So make sure, at least for your first skullcap, that you are without distractions when working on it. Use a thick cotton yarn for a summer cap or a worsted-weight yarn for a winter one. This is an intermediate-level crochet project. If you have forgotten basic crochet procedures, see the link in the Resources section.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 skein of yarn Size K crochet hook Scissors

1. Use a size K crochet hook to make 4 chains. Join to the first chain to form a ring. This will be the very top of the crochet skullcap.

2. Work 6 sc (single crochets) in the ring you have made. Sl (slip stitch) the last sc to the first sc.

3. Crochet 2 sc in each sc, around. You should have 12 single crochets, when counted. This is your first increase row.

4. Work 2 sc in the next sc. Work 1 sc in the next sc. Repeat this pattern around. The count should be 18 sc around your skullcap. This is your first pattern increase row.

5. Work 2 sc in the next sc. Work 1 sc in the next 2 sc. Repeat this pattern around. The count should be 24 sc around your work.

6. Crochet 2 sc in the next sc. Work 1 sc in the next 3 sc. Repeat this pattern around. The count should be 20 sc around the skullcap.

7. Repeat this pattern, increasing the sc (single crochets) by 1 in each crochet round, until you have completed 8 sc. The skullcap is adjusted for size during these previous steps. If you are making a cap for a smaller head, perhaps you will only need to work up to 8 sc and go on to 10 sc for a larger head.

8. Measure across the skullcap. It should be about 7 inches. Everyone crochets differently, some tighter and some looser. Adjust your rows to measure 7 inches to this point. You may need to take off a pattern increase row or add one.

9. Work an sc in each stitch around the skullcap. Work a pattern increase row by working 2 sc in the first sc and 1 sc in the next 9 sc. Repeat the pattern around.

10. Continue rows of sc around, until the skullcap is the proper length for your head, about 5 rows.

11. Cut the yarn. Remove the crochet hook and pull the yarn end through the loop. Work in the yarn end through the stitches at the inside of the skullcap.

Tips & Warnings

• For a tighter fit at the bottom of the skullcap, change over to a size J crochet hook for the last row. To create a beanie cap, simply increase the rows of sc at the bottom of the cap.

Resources

• Basic Crochet