How do you crochet a bucket hat step by step?
Are you wondering how to crochet a bucket hat? My video tutorial and free written pattern are just what you need! We go over every step you need to do to make your very own version. Best of all, this project is suitable for beginners!
My version of this hat is unique because it is seamless. We achieve this by working the hat using the spiral method. Are you ready to make your own? Let's get started!
The yarn
This hat uses one skein of "24/7 Cotton" by Lion Brand Yarns. This yarn is perfect for summer projects! It is a medium weight, mercerized cotton. It has just the right amount of drape to create the floppiness of the brim. Another thing that I love about this yarn is that it's not too stiff. Some cotton yarns are manufactured to, erm, withstand the test of time. And so they're not suitable for any kind of garment or accessory. That is not the case with "24/7 Cotton"!
Whatever you do, don't use acrylic yarn to crochet your bucket hat. It's going to be too hot and it will pill over time. Which will not look, or feel, good.
My video and photo tutorials feature the color "Ecru". This is so that the stitches are easy to see for any beginners that are out there. I prefer to wear the black version that I made because I think it looks better with my darker hair. I also just prefer to wear black though. Lion Brand has a ton of color options available so you can choose what feels right for you!
Is a bucket hat easy to crochet?
Yes! This pattern is suitable for beginners. However, if you're brand new to crochet, and haven't finished a pattern before, please read this post. I've tried my best to be as clear as possible. Be sure to use the video tutorial. Learning a new skill can be challenging at first so please be kind with yourself! If you're really struggling, YouTube has playback settings that allow you to the slow the video down. My first project (after an 8 year hiatus away from crochet) was a very lopsided blanket. I will always keep it to remind myself of how much I struggled in the beginning.
Let's dive in!
How long does it take to crochet a bucket hat?
It took me about two and half hours to crochet my bucket hat. This was while working at a leisurely pace with the T.V. on in the background. If you're just starting out, give yourself grace and expect it take an entire afternoon.
Difficulty:
Terms:
U.S. Terms
Gauge:
- Crown diameter - 6 ½"
- Crown height - 3.5"
- Brim width 2 ⅝"
Supplies:
- 24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarns, (186 yds/170 m ; 100 g/ 3.5 oz)
- Hook — G-6 (4 mm)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- st(s) - stitch(es)
- mc - magic circle
- ch – chain
- hdc - half double crochet
- inc - two hdc in one st space
- FLO - front loop only
- BLO - back loop only
Notes:
This project is worked in the spiral method. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep track of your rounds.
Crochet Bucket Hat
Gauge:
Crown diameter - 6 ½"
Crown height - 3.5"
Brim width 2 ⅝"
Size:
Head circumference: about 22"
Materials
- 24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarns, (186 yds/170 m ; 100 g/ 3.5 oz)
- Black, 1 skein
Tools
- Hook — G-6 (4 mm)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Instructions
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep track of your rounds.
- Mc, ch 1 (doesn't count as a stitch)
- Work pattern:
Round 1: 8 hdc into magic circle (8 sts)
Rounds 2: inc in each st around (16 sts)
Round 3: *1 hdc, inc, repeat * around (24 sts)
Rounds 4: *1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, inc, repeat * around (32 sts)
Round 5: *1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts, inc, repeat * around (40 sts)
Round 6: *1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts, inc, repeat * around (48 sts)
Round 7: *1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts, inc, repeat * around (56 sts)
Round 8: *1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts, inc, repeat * around (64 sts)
Round 9: *1 hdc in each of the next 7 sts, inc, repeat * around (72 sts)
Round 10: *1 hdc in each of the next 8 sts, inc, repeat * around (80 sts)
Round 11: Working into BLO, 1 hdc in each around (80 sts)
Rounds 12-22: 1 hdc in each around (80 sts)
Round 23: Working into FLO, *1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts, inc, repeat * around (96 sts)
Round 24: *1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts, inc, repeat * around (112 sts)
Round 25: *1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts, inc repeat * around (128 sts)
Rounds 26-29: 1 hdc in each st around (128 sts)
Round 30: 1 hdc in each st around, sl st to join (128 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Notes
The time listed is an estimate. Actual results vary.
Do you have any questions about this pattern? Comment below because I am always here to help!
If you've made this pattern, I would love to see your finished version! Please be sure to tag me on social media @yarndrasil ♡
Anna says
Can this pattern be adjusted for a child (6 year old) size hat?
Elissa Jenkins says
Hi Anna! You sure can! You'd want to adjust the pattern by working fewer rows to make the crown diameter about 5 3/4 inches. If possible have the kiddo try on the hat to see how long the crown height and brim should be. Hope this helps!
Laurie Cortes says
We are making this hat is a beginner crochet class. Since I am a beginner, I have some general questions:
1) are you turning the work around and working the front for a row and then the back or just continuing on to each row on one side forming complete circles ?
2) At the end of each cirucliar row in the crown do you join with a slip stitch to have a full uninterrupted circle, then begin the next row?
3) my initial rows draw up a bit so my work appears to look like a tiny hat early on. Am I working to tightly? Should all the intial rows in the crown lay down flat for the diameter of the crown area?
thank you
Elissa Jenkins says
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for reaching out.
1.) Do not turn your work as you go.
2.)This hat is worked in the spiral method so there's no need to slip stitch to join. Instead, use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of the round and just keep working in the round. This creates a seamless finish
3.) Be sure to check your gauge. For this pattern it's as follows: Crown diameter - 6 ½", Crown height - 3.5", Brim width 2 ⅝". And be sure to use the yarn that is recommended, as using a different yarn will result in a different size.
Hope this helps!
Penguin says
If I were to use DK yarn for this hat instead of the recommended worsted, how should I adjust this pattern? I'm guessing I'll have to do several more increase rows to get the right crown diameter, but what about the height and brim?
Elissa Jenkins says
Hey there! To compensate for smaller yarn you'll want to evenly space your increases. Use the gauges listed as a guide and work each section to that gauge. They are as follows: Crown diameter - 6 ½", Crown height - 3.5", Brim width 2 ⅝".
This should work out just fine but I can't guarantee anything because I've only tested this pattern with "24/7 Cotton". Hope this helps!
Tara Lindsey says
Do you have to end each round with an incease?
Elissa Jenkins says
Hi Tara! Yes, every round that has an increase ends with one. This ensures that the hat increases evenly. Happy crocheting!
Lisa Auch says
Very nice love a bucket hat ❤️
Elissa Jenkins says
Thank you, Lisa! 🙂
Sylvia says
Best bucket hat pattern on the internet. I've attempted several unsuccessfully. The instructions are very clear and simple to understand. Completed in a couple of hours. I love it, about to start another ❣️
Elissa Jenkins says
I'm so happy to hear this, Sylvia! Happy crocheting ♡
Vivian White says
Made this for my friend, and it turned out super cute!! Also the pattern was really well explained and easy to understand, so I finished it in a few hours. Thanks so much for this wonderful pattern Alissa! ❤️❤️
Melissa says
Love this pattern! Just started crocheting earlier this year and have finally been able to go off of written pattern only. Made this with 3 alternating colors for upcoming st. Patrick's day! Thanks again 🙂