Crochet hats ALL SIZES (Step by Step)

Hello, handmade lovers! As the temperatures drop and you crave that ultimate cozy feeling, there’s nothing quite like a chunky, ribbed beanie to keep you warm. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share the pattern for this incredibly snuggly and stylish Chunky Ribbed Pom-Pom Beanie! This hat features a wonderfully squishy ribbing and is topped with a generous pom-pom, making it a perfect accessory for chilly days.

What sets this beanie apart is the thick, inviting texture created by working with a larger hook and specific stitches. It’s designed to be a quick and satisfying project, even if you’re relatively new to crochet. Get ready to add a new favorite to your winter wardrobe (or whip up some fantastic gifts!).

Skill Level: Easy (basic stitches, working in back loop only, simple shaping)

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Yarn: Approximately 180-220 grams of Bulky (Chunky / 12-ply) weight yarn. The sample shows vibrant pink, teal, and classic grey, so pick your favorite! A soft acrylic or wool blend will give you the best warmth and drape.
    • Yarn Recommendation: Look for yarns that recommend a 6.0mm to 8.0mm hook.
  • Crochet Hook: 6.5 mm (K/10.5) 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 if you choose that construction method, though this pattern uses flat construction.)
  • Pom-Pom Maker: (Optional, but highly recommended for large, consistent pom-poms) for a large pom-pom (e.g., 3-4 inches / 7.5-10 cm).
  • Small wooden or faux leather tag (Optional, as seen in the inspiration image) and a needle/thread for attaching it.

Gauge:

  • 10 stitches (in HDC BLO) x 7 rows (in HDC BLO) = 4 inches (10 cm) (Achieving correct gauge is crucial for the size and fit of your beanie. Take a moment to make a swatch!)

Abbreviations (US Terms):

  • ch: chain
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • hdc: half double crochet
  • hdc blo: half double 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. This method is incredibly easy and creates beautiful vertical ribbing.
  • 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 the key to that stretchy, textured look!

Pattern Instructions:

Part 1: The Beanie Body (The Ribbed Rectangle)

We will start by chaining the desired height of the hat, from the bottom edge (brim) to the top (crown).

Foundation Chain: Ch 46 (for an adult Medium size, with a folded brim).

  • To adjust height:
    • For a shorter beanie (no fold), chain fewer stitches (e.g., Ch 38-42).
    • For a slouchier beanie or a very deep brim, chain more stitches (e.g., Ch 50+).
    • The first 10-12 chains will form your brim, and the remaining chains will be the body of the hat.

Row 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (45 hdc) Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Hdc blo in each st across. (45 hdc blo)

Repeat Row 2 until your rectangle measures approximately 18-20 inches (45-50 cm) in length, or until it can comfortably wrap around your head with a slight stretch. For an adult Medium, this will be about 35-40 rows.

  • Important Fit Tip: The rectangle should be slightly smaller than your head circumference, as the BLO stitches create a very stretchy and forgiving fabric. When stretched around your head or a head-sized object, it should fit snugly but not be too tight.

Fo, leaving a very long tail (at least 25-30 inches / 60-75 cm) for seaming and gathering the top.


Part 2: Assembly and Shaping

Now, for the magic that transforms our flat rectangle into a beautifully shaped beanie!

High quality
  1. 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, whip stitch or mattress stitch the two side edges together. Work neatly to create an invisible vertical seam.
  2. 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
  3. Weave in All Ends: Don’t forget to weave in any remaining starting tails for a super neat finish.

Part 3: The Pom-Pom!

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  1. Using your pom-pom maker (or by hand), create a large, super fluffy pom-pom. Aim for a size that’s generous, as seen in the inspiration image (e.g., 3.5-4 inches / 9-10 cm in diameter). The chunkier the yarn, the fluffier the pom-pom!
  2. Leave long tails when tying off your pom-pom.
  3. Position the pom-pom directly on top of the gathered crown of the beanie.
  4. 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. Double-knot them for extra security! Trim any excess.

Part 4: Optional Tag (As Seen in Image)

If you have a small wooden, faux leather, or fabric tag, you can attach it to the brim for a professional finish.

  1. Decide where you want to place your tag on the brim.
  2. Using a small needle and matching thread, carefully sew the tag onto the brim, securing it tightly.

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).
  • Fold up the bottom brim of the hat to your desired height. The ribbing will naturally hold its shape.

And there you have it! Your very own wonderfully warm and stylish Chunky Ribbed Pom-Pom Beanie. This hat is perfect for keeping you toasty through the coldest months, and it makes an amazing handmade gift for anyone on your list!

If you make one, please share your creation with me! Tag me on social media using #ChunkyRibbedBeanie – I’d love to see your color choices and how you style them!

Happy hooking!

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