Get ready to create a cozy, stylish beanie with a unique texture. This pattern uses the Mini Bean Stitch to create a dense, squishy fabric that’s perfect for keeping you warm. We’ll work the hat in the round from the bottom up to create a seamless finish.
What You’ll Need
- Yarn:
- Approximately 100 grams (about 180-200 yards) of worsted-weight yarn. A smooth, non-fuzzy acrylic or wool blend works best to showcase the stitch definition.
- Hook: A 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
- Tools:
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch marker
- Pom-pom maker (optional, but a great addition!)
Key Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- ch (chain): Yarn over, pull yarn through the loop on your hook.
- sl st (slip stitch): Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sc (single crochet): Insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops.
- Mini Bean Stitch (MBS): This is the star of our pattern!
- Insert hook into the indicated stitch.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Yarn over.
- Insert hook into the same stitch again.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, and pull through all 4 loops on your hook.
- Chain 1 to close the stitch. This chain is crucial for the stitch definition and creates the little “bean.”
The Pattern: Let’s Get Started!
The Ribbed Brim
We’ll start with a ribbed brim that is worked flat in rows and then joined. This method gives the brim a great, stretchy fit.
- Row 1: Chain 9.
- Row 2: Single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (8 stitches)
- Row 3: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn your work. Single crochet in the back loop only of each sc across. (8 stitches)
- Rows 4-60: Repeat Row 3. Continue until your brim measures approximately 18-20 inches long when slightly stretched, or until it fits snugly around your head.
- Joining the Brim: Fold your brim in half so the first row and the last row are aligned. Slip stitch through the back loop of the last row and the front loop of the starting chain to join the two sides together. This creates a seamless join. Turn your work so the seam is on the inside.
The Hat Body
Now, we’ll work the main part of the hat in the round, using the Mini Bean Stitch.
- Round 1: Chain 1. Work 60 single crochet stitches evenly around the top edge of the brim. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (60 stitches)
- Round 2 (Start of Mini Bean Stitch): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work your first Mini Bean Stitch (MBS) into the same stitch as your join. *Skip the next stitch, then work one MBS into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. The last stitch of the round will be a skip. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the very first MBS (the top is the “bean” stitch you created, not the closing chain). (30 Mini Bean Stitches, 30 closing chains)
- Round 3: Chain 1. Work your first MBS into the first Mini Bean Stitch from the previous row (you’ll be working into the “bean” created by the closing chain of the stitch below). *Skip the next stitch, then work one MBS into the top of the next Mini Bean Stitch from the previous row.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the very first MBS. (30 Mini Bean Stitches)
- Rounds 4-20: Repeat Round 3. Continue this pattern until your hat measures approximately 7 inches from the top of the brim, or until your desired length before decreasing.
Shaping the Crown (Decreasing)
To close the top of the hat, we’ll decrease by simply changing our stitch.
- Round 21: Chain 1. Work one single crochet into each Mini Bean Stitch and into each closing chain stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (60 stitches)
- Round 22 (Decrease Round): Chain 1. *Single crochet in the next 8 stitches, then single crochet two together (sc2tog) over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (54 stitches)
- Round 23: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (54 stitches)
- Round 24: Chain 1. *Single crochet in the next 7 stitches, then sc2tog over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (48 stitches)
- Round 25: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (48 stitches)
- Round 26: Chain 1. *Single crochet in the next 6 stitches, then sc2tog over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (42 stitches)
- Round 27: Chain 1. *Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, then sc2tog over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (36 stitches)
- Round 28: Chain 1. *Single crochet in the next 4 stitches, then sc2tog over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (30 stitches)
- Round 29: Chain 1. *Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, then sc2tog over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (24 stitches)
- Round 30: Chain 1. *Sc2tog over the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (12 stitches)
Video tutorial
Finishing Your Beanie
- Close the Crown: Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through your tapestry needle. Weave the needle through the back loop of each of the remaining 12 stitches. Pull the yarn tight to cinch the hole closed. Secure with a knot on the inside of the hat.
- Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends.
- Make and Attach the Pom-Pom: Use your pom-pom maker to create a fluffy pom-pom. The image shows a pom-pom in the same color as the hat, which is a classic choice. Tie it securely to the top of your beanie and trim it to your desired shape.
Congratulations! You’ve just created a beautiful, textured beanie. This Mini Bean Stitch is a real showstopper. What’s your favorite part of a handmade hat? Is it the yarn, the stitch, or the final pom-pom?
