Welcome, crocheters, to a perfect summer project! There’s nothing better than a handmade accessory that’s both beautiful and functional. This “Lacy Summer” sun hat is a delight to crochet, featuring a solid crown for sun protection and a delicate, open-mesh body that is both lightweight and stylish. The flared brim gives it a lovely, classic silhouette, making it an ideal accessory for sunny days at the beach, in the garden, or out for a stroll.
This pattern is designed to be detailed and comprehensive, guiding you through each section: the crown, the lacy body, and the beautifully flared brim. Get ready to create a hat that will be your new favorite go-to for all your warm-weather adventures!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 200-250 yards of sport or worsted weight (Category 3 or 4) cotton or cotton blend yarn. Cotton is recommended for its breathability and structure, which helps the hat hold its shape. A bright, solid color works best to show off the lacy stitch.
- Crochet Hook: A size G/6 (4.00 mm) hook.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- Rnd: round
- V-st: V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch/space
- V-st-2: V-stitch with 2 chains (dc, ch 2, dc) in the same stitch/space
Gauge:
- For the Crown: After Rnd 4, the diameter should be approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm).
- The finished hat should have a circumference of about 21-22 inches, which fits most adult heads.
Part 1: The Crown
The crown is worked in the round, from the top down.
Starting with your yarn and G/6 hook:
- Rnd 1: Create a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Work 11 more dc into the ring. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (12 dc)
- Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Work 1 dc in the same st. Work 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (24 dc)
- Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Work 1 dc in the same st. Dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (36 dc)
- Rnd 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Work 1 dc in the same st. Dc in the next 2 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (48 dc)
- Rnd 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Work 1 dc in the same st. Dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (60 dc)
- Rnd 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Work 1 dc in the same st. Dc in the next 4 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (72 dc)
- Rnd 7: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. (72 dc)
The crown is now complete. The diameter should be about 5-6 inches. If you need a larger hat, continue increasing for one or two more rounds before beginning the body.
Part 2: The Body (Lacy Mesh)
Now we will transition to the beautiful lacy stitch, working without increases for the next several rounds to form the straight sides of the hat.
- Rnd 8 (Transition): Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1). Dc in the same st. Sk 2 sts, V-st in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join. (24 V-sts)
- Rnd 9: Sl st into the ch-1 sp of the first V-st. Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1). Dc in the same ch-1 sp. V-st in the ch-1 sp of the next V-st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join. (24 V-sts)
- Repeat Rnd 9 for a total of 6-8 rounds, or until the hat is about 6 inches from the center of the crown. This will form the body of the hat.
Part 3: The Brim
Now we will create the flared brim by increasing the number of chains in our V-stitch.
- Rnd 1 (Brim Increase): Sl st into the ch-1 sp of the first V-st. Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1). Dc in the same ch-1 sp. V-st-2 in the ch-1 sp of the next V-st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join. (24 V-st-2s)
- Rnd 2: Sl st into the ch-2 sp of the first V-st. Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1). Dc in the same ch-2 sp. V-st-2 in the ch-2 sp of the next V-st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join. (24 V-st-2s)
- Rnd 3: Sl st into the ch-2 sp of the first V-st. Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1). Dc in the same ch-2 sp. V-st-2 in the ch-2 sp of the next V-st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join. (24 V-st-2s)
- Rnd 4: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Work 2 sc in the first ch-2 sp. 3 sc in the next ch-2 sp. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Fasten off and weave in all loose ends. Your beautiful sun hat is now complete!
Video tutorial
Final Thoughts:
This hat is a truly wonderful project for a summer day. The lacy design is both elegant and practical, keeping you cool while still offering protection from the sun. The cotton yarn gives it a nice drape and feel, and the finished piece is a testament to your hard work. Enjoy your new “Lacy Summer” sun hat!
