The Pop Rock Winter Crochet Hat Pattern (7 sizes!) Child to Adult

If you have been hunting for a free adult crochet hat pattern that also covers sizes for the rest of the family, this is it! Plus it’s a great stash buster for that bright skein of yarn you’ve been putting off using too.

We all know the struggle: you fall in love with a really bright, varieagated at the store, but when you get it home, you just don’t know what to do with it, and nothing seams to be right for it.

Enter the Pop Rock Winter Hat.

Designed as a matching companion to it’s sister the Pop Rock Twisted Headband, this pattern uses a specific ribbed texture to make crazy yarn look chic and intentional. With instructions for 7 different sizes, from Child all the way to Large Adult, you can use this crochet hat pattern to make matching sets for everyone.

Save this Pattern For Later!

Love this pattern, but no time to make it now! Pin this hat to your favorite crochet board on Pinterest and make it later!

Why You’ll Love This Project

While there are thousands of beanie and hat patterns out there, this one solves the two biggest problems crocheters face: fitting and texture.

Here is why this project belongs in your library:

• 7 Sizes Included: I’ve done the math for you. The pattern ranges from Size 1 (Child/18″) to Size 7 (Large Adult/24″), so you can get the perfect fit for anyone 
• It’s the Perfect “Set”: It matches the Pop Rock Headband perfectly, making it a great option for gift sets or market prep. Plus a new matching pattern coming soon!
• Better Brim Construction: Unlike top down hats, this pattern is worked sideways in rows. This allows for a stretchy, ribbed fabric that bounces back and stays snug. For this reason, your finished hat will be about 4-5″ less than your actual head measurement. This hat has a LOT of stretch!
• A “Knit-Look” Texture: Starting Row 2, this crochet pattern works in the back loops only, and in result, you get a squishy, ribbed fabric that looks intricate but is actually just a simple repeat.

The Features

One of the best features of this design is the construction. It is worked flat, back and forth in rows, which means you don’t have to worry about increasing in the round or losing count of your circle. We’re essentially making a simple rectangle.

The pattern is designed with about 4–5 inches of negative ease, meaning it looks smaller off the head but stretches perfectly to hug you for a warm, cozy fit. The extra-long brim is designed to be folded up for that classic winter beanie look.

The Details

For the samples shown, I used I Love This Yarn! Print, specifically in the colorways Bloomtique, Orange Zest, and Lollipop Love . This is a medium #4 worsted weight acrylic yarn that is soft, washable, and affordable.

However, this adult crochet hat pattern is a fantastic stash buster. And in my opinion sometimes the best yarn for a project is yarn we already have! You can grab almost any worsted weight yarn from your stash. The key is the hook swap: the pattern uses a larger hook (5.5mm) for the body to keep it airy and a smaller hook (4.5mm) for the crown to shape it without decreases.

The hat is then finished off with a faux fur pom pom! I think that this adds that wow factor at the end of the project but if you prefer, you could totally DIY an old fashioned yarn pom pom instead. However if you go that route, I’d add on an extra ball of yarn just in case! (Running out of yarn is the absolute worst!)

Skill Level: Intermediate

This is an Intermediate project. If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you can make this hat. However beginners can totally do this too! I consider this an intermediate pattern due to the structure of the pattern itself. 

This pattern covers 7 different sizes, and are listed as follows: 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7). So pattern instructions will be listed as: Ch 40 (40, 44, 44)(50, 54, 54). To help with this, once you’ve picked your size, circle or highlight it whenever see instructions for your size. This makes it so much easier to follow along with instructions! Make it easy and upgrade to the printable version here!

Below are the skills utilized in this pattern: 

• Chaining – click here for a tutorial!
• Single Crochet Stitches – click here for a tutorial!
• Double Crochet Stitches – click here for a tutorial!
• Working into the Back Loop Only (BLO)

Video Help

I made a video tutorial to help walk you through this pattern step by step. To make your hat right along with me click on the play button below!

Ready to make your new favorite beanie? Scroll down for the free pattern!

Sizes

• Sizes listed as follows: 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)
• See Finished Measurements & Sizing for fit details.

Disclosure

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see my disclosures page for more information.

All patterns on this blog are for personal use only and may not be redistributed, copied, blogged, or sold as your own.  You may sell items made by my patterns as long as the item is made by you personally (not mass produced) and that proper credit is given back to me and my site, Just Be Crafty. You may not use my photos for your online sales listings. 

Materials

To get started here’s what you’ll need:

Yarn

• Medium #4-weight yarn
  • 180 (200, 225, 240)(270, 300, 320) yds
  • 100 (110, 125, 135)(150, 170, 180) g
  • 165 (185, 205, 220) (250, 275, 295) m

Suggested Yarn

• 1 (1, 1, 1)(2, 2, 2) balls I Love This Yarn! Print (pictured in Bloomtique, Orange Zest and Lollipop Love), medium #4-weight, 100% acrylic yarn
  • Each ball is 252 yds / 142 g / 230 m

Suggested Hook

This project requires two crochet hook sizes.

• Larger Hook: 5.5 mm hook (mine’s from this set)
  • Or size needed to obtain gauge
• Smaller Hook: 4.5 mm (also from set linked above)
  • Or two sizes down from Larger Hook.

Notions + More

• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Measuring Tape
• 2 stitch markers
• Button (1″ / 2.5 cm)
• Sewing Needle
• Thread
• 2″ Faux Fur Pom Pom (with elastic loop)

Gauge

• 17.5 stitches over 15 rows = about 4″ with larger hook in main Body stitch.
  • Be sure to check your gauge!

Finished Measurements & Sizing

This hat is designed to have about 4-5″ (10-13 cm) negative ease. This means that the finished hat circumference should be about 4-5″ (10-13 cm) less than your actual head measurement to ensure a snug fit.

How to Pick Your Size

Measure the circumference of the recipient’s head (either you or the person you’re making it for), and pick the “Assembled Finished Circumference” size that is 4-5″ (10-13 cm) smaller than that measurement.

Example: The model has a 22″ head circumference and is wearing a Size 5 (17″ / 43 cm assembled circumference).

How to Measure Your Head

Take a flexible measuring tape and measure around your head starting at your forehead and around the back of your head. This measurement is your head circumference.

Note: If the hat is for a gift or you simply do not have the head measurement of the recipient, use the common measurements on the following page to help select the best size.

Common Head Measurements

Below are ranges for common head sizes. Each group has a bit of overlap.

• Toddler / Child: 18-20″ (46-51 cm)
• Tween: 20-22″ (51-56 cm)
• Woman: 21-23″ (53-58 cm)
• Man: 22-24″ (56-61 cm)

Sizes in the pattern are listed as: 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)

To Fit Head Circumference:

• 18,(19, 20, 21)(22, 23, 24)”
• 46 (48, 51, 54)(56, 59, 61) cm

Project Measurements

Assembled (Brim not folded):

Finished Hat Circumference:

• 13 (14, 15, 16)(17, 18, 19)”
• 33 (35.5, 38, 40.5)(43, 46, 48) cm

Finished Hat Depth:

Measured from top of crown to bottom edge (not including pom pom).

• 8.75 (8.75, 9.75, 9.75)(11, 12, 12)”
• 22 (22, 25, 25)(28, 30.5, 30.5) cm

Assumes a fold of about 2″ (5 cm) for sizes 1-2, 2.5″ (6 cm) for sizes 3-4, and 2.75″ (7 cm) for sizes 5-7.

• 6.5 (6.5, 7.25, 7.25)(8, 9, 9)”
• 16.5 (16.5, 18.5, 18.5)(20.5, 23, 23) cm

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch(s) chain(s)
• dc double crochet
• dcblo double crochet in back loop only
• MM move marker
• PM place marker
• rep repeat
• RM replace marker
• RS right side (front of work)
• sc single crochet
• scblo single crochet in back loop only
• sk skip
• st(s) stitch(es)
• WS wrong side (back of work)

Notes

Below are important notes to this pattern. This

Construction

This hat is worked in a sideways construction and the pattern is worked flat back and forth in rows. Each row is divided into three sections: the Brim, Body, and Crown. The hat circumference is determined by the number of rows and the hat height is determined by the number of stitches in each row. The hat features an extra long brim designed to be folded about 2-2.75″ (5-7 cm).

Working the Pattern

• Switching hook size: To shape the top of the hat without decreasing, you will switch to the smaller hook for the crown section of every row.
• Stitch Placement: The body and crown of the hat is worked in a single crochet/double crochet combination stitch. These stitches are always worked into the single crochets of the previous row. You will always skip the double crochet stitches for the entirety of the project.

Special Techniques

From Row 2 onwards, all stitches will be worked into the back loops only.

Stitch Markers

• Crown Marker (indicates hook switch): This marker moves every row. On Row 2 repeats, place the marker in the last stitch of the Crown (made with the smaller hook). On Row 3 repeats, place the marker in the last stitch of the Body (made with the larger hook).
  • The stitch holding this marker will always be a double crochet. Because we skip dc’s in this pattern, you will never work into the stitch holding the Crown Marker. It simply acts as a visual reminder to switch between hooks.
• Brim Marker: This stitch marker indicates the last stitch of the Brim, separating it from the body. Unlike the Crown Marker, this stitch is always worked into.

Written Pattern: Pop Rock Winter Crochet Hat Pattern – Starts Here

Read complete pattern and NOTES before beginning. (Be sure to check your gauge!)

With larger hook ch 40 (40, 44, 44)(50, 54, 54)

Row 1 (Setup):

This row will act as a setup row for the foundation of the hat. We will be working along the foundation chain as we usually would, but because this hat is worked sideways, each row will be sectioned into the brim, body and crown. Row 1 establishes these sections.

Step 1 – Brim: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 11 (11, 13, 13)(15, 15, 15) chs. PM in last st made.

Step 2 – Body: *Sc in next ch, dc in next ch; rep from * 9 (9, 10, 10)(12, 14, 14) more times. PM in last st made (this stitch should be a dc).

Step 3 – Crown: Switch to smaller hook. *Sc in next ch, dc in next ch; rep from * two more times. Sc in last 2 chs. Turn.

Total stitch count:

39 (39, 43, 43)(49, 53, 53)

Stitch count breakdown:

• Brim: 11 (11, 13, 13)(15, 15, 15) sts
• Body: 20 (20, 22, 22)(26, 30, 30) sts
• Crown: 8 sts (all sizes)

Row 2:

Step 1 – Crown: With smaller hook, ch 1, scblo in first two sts. *Sk next st, (scblo and dcblo) in next st; rep from * two more times. MM into last st made (your dc st).

Step 2 – Body: Switch to larger hook. *Sk next st, (scblo and dcblo) in next st; rep from * up to next marker.

Step 3 – Brim: Scblo in marked st. RM. Scblo in each remaining st to end; turn.

Row 3:

Step 1 – Brim: Ch 1, scblo across to the next marked st. Scblo in marked stitch. RM.

Step 2 – Body: *Sk next st, (scblo and dcblo) in next st; rep from * 9 (9, 10, 10)(12, 14, 14) more times. MM into last st made (your dc st).

Step 3 – Crown: Switch to smaller hook. *sk next st, (scblo and dcblo) in next st; rep from * two more times. Scblo in last two sts; turn.

Repeat Rows 2-3, until you have reached the row count for your size: 48 (52, 56, 60) (64, 68, 72) total rows. (Ending on a Row 2 repeat.)

OR until you have reached the “Unassembled (flat and unstretched) Width” measurement listed for your size (ending on a Row 2 repeat):

Unassembled (flat and unstretched) Measurements:

• Width about:
  • 13 (14, 15, 16) (17, 18, 19)”
  • 33 (35.5, 38, 40.5) (43, 46, 48) cm
• Height about:
  • 9 (9, 10, 10)(11.25, 12.25, 12.25)”
  • 23 (23, 25.5, 25.5)(28.5, 31, 31) cm

ASSEMBLY

Seam

Fold piece in half so that the starting and ending rows are touching. Line up your stitches. 

Ch 1, and working through the outer loops only, slip stitch the edges together starting from the Brim and working up toward the Crown. Fasten off, leaving a long 20″ / 51 cm tail.

Hat will now be RS facing out with the seam on the RS.

Cinch

Thread tail onto yarn needle. Weave a running stitch along the very top edge of the crown rows (weaving needle through the protruding rib of each row). Pull tight to cinch the hole closed.

Secure with a knot and stitch remaining gaps closed. 

Turn hat wrong side out, stitch any remaining gaps closed. Secure with another knot and weave in ends.

Removable Faux Fur Pom Pom Attachment

With hat still turned wrong side out, use a sewing needle and thread to sew a button securely to the top center of the hat. Turn hat RS out.

Place pom pom centered over the top of the hat. With smaller crochet hook, insert it from the inside of the hat out as close to the top center as possible. Use hook to pull elastic through to the inside of the hat. Turn hat WS out and wrap elastic around button until it is secured in place.

The pom pom can be easily removed for washing the hat or switched out if desired.

Enjoy!

Complete The Set

To complete the set, crochet the Pop Rock Twisted Headband too! Plus a new pattern is releasing to this collection on Friday, February 13th!