Hello, fellow yarn enthusiasts! As the days get shorter and the air crisper, there’s nothing quite like a handmade beanie to keep you snug and stylish. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share the pattern for this gorgeous Two-Tone Ribbed Pom-Pom Beanie! This hat combines the classic coziness of ribbed crochet with a trendy two-color design, topped off with a fluffy pom-pom for that extra touch of fun.
The beauty of this pattern lies in its simple yet effective construction, primarily using stitches in the back loop only to achieve that wonderful stretchy ribbing. It’s a great project for those looking to expand their skills beyond basic stitches and create a truly eye-catching accessory.
Skill Level: Easy-Intermediate (basic stitches, working in back loop only, color changes, simple shaping)
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted Weight (Aran/10-ply) yarn in two contrasting colors.
- Color A (Brim & Lower Body): Approximately 100-120 grams (e.g., Rust/Orange in the sample)
- Color B (Upper Body): Approximately 80-100 grams (e.g., Cream/White in the sample)
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook. (Adjust hook size if needed to meet gauge.)
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker: (Optional, but helpful for rounds)
- Pom-Pom Maker: (Optional) for making a consistent pom-pom.
- Small amount of Color B yarn for the pom-pom.
Gauge:
- 14 stitches (in HDC BLO) x 10 rows (in HDC BLO) = 4 inches (10 cm) (Getting gauge right is super important for this hat! A slight difference can alter the size and fit significantly.)
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc blo: half double crochet in back loop only
- sc: single crochet
- sc blo: single crochet in back loop only
- st(s): stitch(es)
- fo: fasten off
Notes Before You Start:
- This beanie is constructed by crocheting a flat rectangle in rows, then seaming it together and gathering the top.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of rows does NOT count as a stitch.
- The “ribbing” effect is created by working into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch. This is key!
- You will be changing colors mid-project. Learn how to make a clean color change for the best results!
Pattern Instructions:
Part 1: The Brim and Lower Body (Color A)
We’ll start by chaining the length of the hat, from the brim to the crown, and then work in rows.
Using Color A (e.g., Rust/Orange):
Foundation Chain: Ch 55 (for an adult Medium size, with a folded brim).
- To adjust height: For a shorter beanie (no fold), chain fewer stitches (e.g., Ch 45). For a slouchier beanie or a very deep brim, chain more stitches (e.g., Ch 60+).
Row 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (54 hdc) Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Hdc blo in each st across. (54 hdc blo)
Repeat Row 2 until your piece measures approximately 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) in length. For an adult Medium, this will be about 22-25 rows. This forms the brim and lower half of your beanie.
Part 2: The Upper Body (Color B)
Now, we’ll introduce our second color to create the lovely two-tone effect.
Changing to Color B (e.g., Cream/White):
- At the end of your last row with Color A, when you have 2 loops on your hook for the final hdc blo stitch, drop Color A and pick up Color B. Yarn over with Color B and pull through both loops to complete the stitch. Cut Color A, leaving a small tail to weave in later.
Row 1 (with Color B): Ch 1, turn. Hdc blo in each st across. (54 hdc blo)
Repeat Row 1 (with Color B) until this section measures approximately 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) in length. For an adult Medium, this will be about 22-25 more rows.
- Important Fit Tip: The total length of your rectangle (Color A + Color B) should be slightly smaller than your head circumference, as the BLO stitches create a very stretchy fabric. Don’t make it too loose at this stage, or the hat will be baggy. Try stretching it around your head or a head-sized object to check the fit.
Fo, leaving a very long tail (at least 20 inches/50 cm) of Color B yarn for seaming and gathering the top.
Part 3: Assembly and Shaping
Now, for the exciting part – turning our ribbed rectangle into a beanie!
- Seam the Sides: Fold your crocheted rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Line up the starting chain edge with the last row worked. Using your tapestry needle and the long tail of Color B, whip stitch or mattress stitch the two side edges together. Work neatly to create an invisible seam that flows from the Color A section to the Color B section.
- Gather the Top (Crown): Once the side seam is complete, you’ll have a tube. Keep the seam on the inside (wrong side facing out for now). Thread your tapestry needle with the remaining long tail of Color B.
- Work a running stitch (weaving the needle in and out) all the way around the raw edge of the top opening of the tube. Pass the needle through the tops of the stitches of the last row (which is in Color B).
- Once you’ve gone all the way around, pull the yarn tail tightly to gather the opening closed. Pull it as tight as you can, forming a small, puckered hole.
- Make several small stitches across the gathered hole to securely close it and prevent it from opening up. Pass the needle through the center of the gathered fabric a few times.
- Weave in the remaining yarn end securely on the inside of the hat.
- Weave in All Ends: Don’t forget to weave in any remaining starting tails, especially where you changed colors, for a neat finish.
Part 4: The Pom-Pom!
- Using your pom-pom maker (or by hand), create a super fluffy pom-pom with Color B yarn. Aim for a size that complements your hat (e.g., 3-4 inches / 7.5-10 cm in diameter for an adult hat).
- Leave long tails when tying off your pom-pom.
- Position the pom-pom directly on top of the gathered crown of the beanie.
- Using your tapestry needle, thread the pom-pom tails through the stitches at the very top of the hat and tie them securely on the inside. Trim any excess.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches:
- Gently block your beanie if desired, to help the stitches settle and achieve an even shape. (Simply wet it, gently squeeze out excess water, shape it, and let it air dry flat).
And there you have it! Your very own stylish and cozy Two-Tone Ribbed Pom-Pom Beanie. This hat is perfect for adding a pop of color to your winter wardrobe or making a thoughtful handmade gift.
If you make one, please share your creation with me! Tag me on social media using #TwoToneBeanie – I’d love to see your color combinations!
Happy hooking!
