About This Pattern
This hat is a small, steady project. I like it for an evening on the porch, hook in hand, nothing urgent. The crown builds fast with a magic circle and quick increases. Then the sides settle into calm, even rounds. It needs worsted yarn, a 5.0 mm hook, and a little patience through the brim shaping. By the end, you have something to wear to the beach or hang by the door for next time.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- st
- stitch
- sl st
- slip stitch
- sc
- single crochet
- hdc
- half double crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- inc
- increase
- dec
- decrease
- mr
- magic ring
- fo
- finish off
A simple crochet bucket hat for summer beach days
Crown of the Hat
- Round 1Begin with a magic circle and chain 2 Work 12 double crochets into the magic circlePull the circle closed and join with a slip stitch
- Round 2Chain 2 Work 2 double crochets into each stitch around (total: 24 stitches) Slip stitch to joinFor Round 3 Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in first stitch, 2 double crochets in the next Repeat the pattern around (total: 36 stitches)Slip stitch to join
- Round 4Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in the third stitchRepeat around (total: 48 stitches)Slip stitch to join Optional: Weave in the yarn tail now
- Round 5Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 double crochets in the fourthRepeat around (total: 60 stitches)Slip stitch to join
- Round 6Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 double crochets in the fifthRepeat around (total: 72 stitches)Slip stitch to join For Round 7 Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 double crochets in the sixthRepeat around (total: 84 stitches)Slip stitch to join
- Round 8Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 double crochets in the seventhRepeat around (total: 96 stitches)Slip stitch to join
- Round 9Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 7 stitches, 2 double crochets in the eighthRepeat around (total: 108 stitches)Slip stitch to join
Note: This creates an 8-inch diameter crown suitable for a large hat. Adjust the number of rounds to fit your head size.
Sides of the Hat
- Rounds 10–18Chain 2 at the start of each round Work 1 double crochet into each stitch aroundSlip stitch to join each round
Brim of the Hat
- Brim Round 1Chain 2 Work 1 double crochet into the front loop only of each stitch aroundSlip stitch to join
- Brim Round 2Chain 2 Pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 double crochets in the ninthRepeat around (total: 120 stitches)Slip stitch to join
- Brim Rounds 3-5Continue increasing using the same method as in Brim Round 2 Add 1 more stitch between increases in each new roundExample for Brim Round 3: 1 dc in next 9 stitches, 2 dc in 10thSlip stitch to join each round
- Brim Round 6Chain 2 Work 1 double crochet into each stitch aroundSlip stitch to join
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check you have enough worsted yarn for both crown and sides before starting.
- Read through the brim increase rounds once, so the shifting pattern makes sense.
- Place a marker at the start of each round, since increases can blur the count.
Minutes per piece
- Crown of the Hat about 1 to 2 hours, because of seven rounds of shifting increases
- Sides of the Hat about 1 hour, because rounds 10 through 18 are simple, even double crochet
Other yarns that work
- cotton, worsted weight gives more structure and a firmer brim, good for holding the hat's shape in sun
- acrylic blend, worsted weight softer drape and lighter feel, same 5.0 mm hook still works well
Where it ends up
- A beach day hat, paired with a light cotton tote.
- Garden work in bright sun, paired with canvas gloves.
- Everyday walks outdoors, paired with a simple linen shirt.
Joining up
- Step 1 Slip stitch to close the final round
- Step 2 Chain 1 and fasten off
- Step 3 Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle
Small notes
- Use a 5.0 mm hook throughout, since it matches medium weight yarn well.
- The first brim round works into the front loop only, which raises a small ridge. Keep your tension even there, so the ridge sits flat.
- Each later brim round adds one more stitch between increases. Watch the stitch count closely, or the shaping will drift.
Little questions
How many stitches should the brim have at the end?
The brim finishes at 120 stitches, after the last increase round. Count carefully through each round to confirm you land there.
Why does the first brim round use front loop only?
Working into the front loop only raises a subtle ridge line. It marks a clean edge between the crown and the brim.
How do I keep the increases from stacking in a line?
Each new brim round adds one more stitch between increases. This staggers the increase points, so the hat stays round, not peaked.
What stitch count should I see after the magic circle round?
After round 1, the magic circle should hold 12 double crochets. That number doubles to 24 by round 2.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/must-have-summer-crochet-bucket-hat-pattern-for-beach-days/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
