Welcome, crochet enthusiasts, to a fun and fashionable project! There’s nothing quite as satisfying as creating a cozy, stylish beanie from scratch. This “Two-Tone Puff” beanie is the perfect project to practice some classic techniques and add a unique, textured piece to your wardrobe. The design features a stretchy ribbed brim, a beautiful body made with the puff stitch, and a fluffy pom-pom on top for that perfect finishing touch.
This pattern is designed to be comprehensive and easy to follow, even if you are new to working with puff stitches or color changes. The finished result is a thick, warm, and comfortable hat that looks great and is a pleasure to wear.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 150-200 yards of worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. You will need two contrasting colors:
- Color A (e.g., Tan/Beige): Approximately 100-120 yards.
- Color B (e.g., Cream/Off-white): Approximately 50-80 yards.
- Crochet Hook: A size H/8 (5.00 mm) hook, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
- Pom-Pom Maker: A medium to large size for a fluffy pom-pom.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and attaching the pom-pom.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- hdc: half double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BLO: back loop only
- rep: repeat
- Rnd: round
- Puff st: puff stitch (explained below)
Special Stitch: Puff Stitch
This is the main stitch used for the body of the hat and creates the beautiful texture.
- To make a Puff Stitch (Puff st): Yarn over, insert hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Repeat from * to * two more times (7 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. Ch 1 to close the stitch.
Gauge:
- For the Brim: 10 sts and 10 rows of hdc BLO = 4 inches (10 cm).
- For the Body: 16 hdc and 8 hdc rows = 4 inches (10 cm).
- The finished hat should have a circumference of approximately 20-22 inches and a height of about 9 inches.
Part 1: The Ribbed Brim (Color A)
We’ll create the brim first, working in rows to create a ribbed texture, and then join it to form a circle.
Starting with Color A and your H/8 hook:
- Row 1: Ch 12. Hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (11 hdc)
- Row 2: Hdc in the BLO of the first st and in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (11 hdc)
- Repeat Row 2 until the brim measures approximately 20-21 inches in length when slightly stretched. This should be about 50-55 rows.
- Joining: Fold the brim in half, bringing the two short ends together. Sl st through the BLO of the last row and the beginning chain of the first row to join them. Do not fasten off.
Part 2: The Body of the Hat (Color A)
Now we will build the first section of the body, working in the round.
- Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st). Work 70 hdc evenly around the top edge of the brim. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (70 hdc)
- Round 2 (Puff Stitch Round): Ch 1. Puff st in the first st. Sk 1 st, Puff st in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first Puff st. (35 Puff sts)
- Round 3: Ch 2. Hdc in the first st. Hdc in each ch-1 sp and Puff st from the previous round. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (70 hdc)
- Round 4 (Puff Stitch Round): Ch 1. Puff st in the first st. Sk 1 st, Puff st in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first Puff st. (35 Puff sts)
- Round 5: Ch 2. Hdc in the first st. Hdc in each ch-1 sp and Puff st from the previous round. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (70 hdc)
At the end of Round 5, fasten off Color A and join Color B.
Part 3: The Body (Color B)
Now we will continue the body of the hat with your second color.
- Round 6: With Color B, ch 2. Hdc in the first st. Hdc in each ch-1 sp and Puff st from the previous round. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (70 hdc)
- Round 7 (Puff Stitch Round): Ch 1. Puff st in the first st. Sk 1 st, Puff st in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first Puff st. (35 Puff sts)
- Round 8: Ch 2. Hdc in the first st. Hdc in each ch-1 sp and Puff st from the previous round. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (70 hdc)
The hat should now be about 7-8 inches high from the brim. If you want a taller hat, repeat Rounds 7 and 8 one or two more times.
Part 4: Shaping and Closing the Crown
Now we will decrease to close the top of the hat.
- Round 1 (Decrease): Ch 2. Hdc2tog across the entire round. (35 hdc)
- Round 2 (Decrease): Ch 2. Hdc2tog across the entire round. (18 hdc)
- Round 3 (Final Decrease): Ch 2. Hdc2tog across the entire round. (9 hdc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Part 5: Finishing Touches
- Thread your yarn needle with the long tail.
- Weave the needle in and out of the last 9 stitches.
- Pull the tail tightly to cinch the top of the hat closed.
- Create a secure knot on the inside of the hat and weave in all remaining ends.
- Make and attach your pom-pom: Using the pom-pom maker and Color B, create a large, fluffy pom-pom. Use the long tails from the pom-pom to securely tie it to the top of the hat. Weave the tails to the inside and tie a double knot to ensure it is secure.
Video tutorial
Your beautiful “Two-Tone Puff” beanie is now complete! It’s a fantastic gift and a cozy addition to any winter outfit. Enjoy the warmth and the compliments!
