Make a warm and cozy hat for the fall and winter season with this free chunky beanie crochet pattern!

“Friends make the world beautiful.”

quotediary.me

“I saw this crochet beanie online, and afterwards I was wondering if you could make me one similar to it?”

It was cold and snowy outside when I was first embarking on my maker journey. After eleven years of teaching, I had recently made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom and pursue my side-hustle full-time.

Meanwhile, a friend of mine had been shopping some after-Christmas sales. Unfortunately, a crochet beanie that she really liked had sold out of a popular retail store.

As a result, she sent me a picture of it and asked if I could make something similar. Because I love creating, I replied with an enthusiastic, “YESSS!” I especially love the daunting task of figuring out to recreate something all on my own.

Soon, I got to work designing this crochet beanie pattern. I went through numerous trials and lots of error, and finally, my first crochet beanie design emerged.

Obviously, I named it after my friend. After all, I wouldn’t have created it without her requesting it. When I showed her my masterpiece, her excitement was evident to say the least. “You should post that! I think it will sell big without a doubt!” she exclaimed.

That’s when I realized, “Hey…I made this up! I can publish this as MY VERY OWN pattern!” The rest is obviously history! As a result, I am so excited to bring you this crochet beanie pattern as it will always hold a very special place in my heart as the pattern that opened the door…

…to my maker journey.

Skill Level – Intermediate

Gauge

  • Band (SC in BLO) – 4 in = 10 sc x 10 rows

Materials

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to the products used in this project. If you make a purchase through any of these links, then we will get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Abbreviations

  • YO – yarn over
  • CH – Chain
  • SL ST – Slip stitch
  • SC – Single crochet
  • BERRY – Berry stitch

Notes

  • The hat is worked from bottom up.  First, the band is crocheted in rows equal to the circumference of the hat and then seamed.  The body of the hat is then worked in the round following the brim.  The band is meant to be folded up when finished.  
  • The sizing of this pattern fits teens as well as small adults.
  • I use a smaller hook size for the band of the hat in order to ensure a snug fit.  If you wish to have a looser fit, then the USM13/9.00mm crochet hook can be used for the entire project.
  • Beginning chains DO NOT count as a stitch.
  • Although this is a free crochet pattern, you may purchase the ad-free PDF version in my Etsy and Ravelry shops at the links below.

Special Stitch

Berry Stitch

  • Complete the Berry Stitch as follows:
    • 1) YO, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop
    • 2) YO, pull through one loop on hook
    • 3) YO, insert hook back into the same stitch, pull up a loop
    • 4) YO, pull through one loop on hook
    • 5) Lastly, YO, pull through all five loops on hook
  • While you work the Berry Stitch, use your finger to push the “berry” to the front of the work.
A chunky crochet beanie made with The Heather Beanie pattern, a free crochet pattern by Sarah | The Plush Pineapple

Pattern

Band

Use US L11/8.00mm Crochet Hook

Row 1:  CH 13, SC in second CH from hook and in each remaining SC (12)

Row 2:  CH 1, turn, SC in the back loop of each SC (12)

Rows 3-36:  Repeat Row 2 (12)

NOTE: The band should measure 19″ in length (stretched slightly). If your band is not long enough, repeat Row 2 in increments of four until your measurement is correct. The number of rows should be a multiple of four.

Band complete

Seaming

After completing Row 36, you should then have a ribbed, rectangular strip.  At this time, fold the strip with right sides together. (You will know you are looking at the right side when the crochet hook is at the top right corner).  Once the piece is folded, turn your work so that the working side is closest to you and the beginning chain is furthest from you.  The crochet hook should be on the right end.  CH 1 and SL ST through the back loop of the stitch closest to you and the corresponding beginning chain.  Continue joining each stitch in this manner until the band is completely joined.  Turn the band right side out before beginning the hat portion.

Right sides facing each other; hook on the top right corner
Insert through back loop of side closest to you.
Insert hook into the first chain of the opposite side.
First SL ST complete.
Continue seaming the sides of the band together.
Band seamed

Hat

Use US M13/9.00mm Crochet Hook

The remaining portion of the hat will now be worked in the round.

Round 1:  CH 1, SC in the end of each row of the band, then SL ST to the beginning SC to join.  (36)

Work the SC in to the end of each row.
First SC completed.
2nd SC placement
2nd SC made
Continue working SC down the band.
Round 1 completed

Round 2:  CH 1, SC in the same stitch as the beginning CH and in the next two stitches, BERRY, * SC in the next three stitches, BERRY, repeat from * to complete the round. SL ST to the beginning SC to join. (36)

Remember to push each Berry forward with your finger once it is completed.

Progress photo of The Heather Beanie pattern, a free crochet pattern by Sarah | The Plush Pineapple
Round 2 complete
Progress photo of The Heather Beanie pattern, a free crochet pattern by Sarah | The Plush Pineapple
Round 2 complete

Round 3:  CH 1, SC in the same stitch as the beginning CH, BERRY, * SC in the next three stitches, BERRY, repeat from * until the you reach the last two stitches, SC in the remaining two stitches to complete the round, then SL ST to the beginning SC to join.  (36)

Round 4-15:  Repeat Rounds 2-3. (36)

Progress photo of The Heather Beanie pattern, a free crochet pattern by Sarah | The Plush Pineapple
Progress photo of The Heather Beanie pattern, a free crochet pattern by Sarah | The Plush Pineapple

Rounds 1-15 should measure approx. 7” in height.  Tie off. Then leaving a long tail, cut yarn.  Using a yarn needle, thread the yarn through each SC of the last round and pull to cinch the top together.  Weave the yarn through the opposite sides of the remaining hole in order to tighten the opening.  Weave in ends. 

Finishing

You may choose to attach a fur pom or a yarn pom. If you prefer a yarn pom, and you do not have a pom-pom maker, then you can try the cardboard method described below.

Step One

First, using your cardboard piece (I actually used my phone!), cut a piece of yarn longer than the cardboard and lay it across the length of it leaving about two inches on either end.  

Step Two

Secondly, with your working yarn, begin wrapping the yarn around the width of the cardboard.  Wrap the yarn a total of 150 times. (If you want a pompom that is denser, then wrap it around more.)  Be sure not to wrap too tightly or it will then be difficult to slide the yarn off.  Cut the yarn. 

Step Three

Thirdly, slide the wrapped yarn off of the cardboard. Then tie the beginning piece of yarn that was lain lengthwise with a double knot.  Be sure to tie the knot TIGHTLY.  If the knot is too loose, then pieces of the pompom will fall out later. 

Step Four

Holding the ends from the tied yarn, then cut the loops that were made from the wrapped yarn.  Once all of the loops are cut, then trim the pom-pom to desired length and shape. 

Step Five

Lastly, using the yarn ends from the piece that is tied together, thread one end through the top of the beanie and leave the tail on the inside. Then repeat this step with the other end.  Inside the beanie, tie the two ends together and then weave in the ends.

A chunky crochet beanie made with The Heather Beanie pattern, a free crochet pattern by Sarah | The Plush Pineapple

I hope you enjoyed this crochet beanie pattern! Also for more cozy fall/winter accessories, check out The Kelsi Headband and The Kelsi Scarf!

If you make this hat, please share it afterwards! I would love to see your work! You can tag me on Instagram and Facebook @aplushpineapple. Use the tags #aplushpineapple and #heatherbeanie.

“Much love, sunshine, and pineapples”

Sarah

The photographs and pattern contained in this document are the property of The Plush Pineapple.  Unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, or distribution of this pattern or content is prohibited. ALL FINISHED PRODUCTS created using this pattern may be sold locally or online.  If selling finished products online, please give my blog credit for the pattern by posting a link to my website.

Written by

Sarah

Sarah is the maker and designer behind A Plush Pineapple. She is a wife of thirteen years to her college sweetheart and momma to two awesome kiddos. When she is not crocheting, designing, or blogging, you can probably find her soaking up the sun or eating seafood. Her goal as a designer is that love, sunshine, and pineapples make their way into the hearts and homes of all who make her designs.