Beginner Crochet Beanie Pattern

Materials for Your Basic Beanie

To crochet this cozy and stylish basic beanie, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn: Approximately 65 yds (59 m) of super bulky #6 weight yarn. The pictured beanie was made using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 106 yds/97 m per skein).
• Hook: One US Size N (9.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Scissors and a yarn needle for finishing.

Abbreviations and Crochet Stitches

This beginner-friendly crochet pattern uses standard American crochet terms. Familiarize yourself with these essential stitches and techniques:

• ch: Chain
• dc: double crochet – Yarn over, insert hook under both top loops of stitch, yarn over, draw yarn through stitch, yarn over, draw yarn through first 2 loops on hook, yarn over, draw yarn thru next 2 stitches on hook.
• scblo: single crochet in back loop only – Insert hook under back loop of stitch, yarn over, draw yarn through stitch, yarn over, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook.
• sl st: slip stitch – Insert hook into stitch and draw yarn through this stitch and existing stitch on hook in one motion.
• magic adjustable ring: To begin, loop yarn around the 4 fingers of your left hand with the working yarn on the right (knuckle side) and the tail on the left (palm side). Draw up a loop of working yarn from the knuckle side of your fingers from back to front. Place your thumb in that loop and chain 2. Insert your crochet hook into that chain loop and begin Round 1. Once Round 1 is complete, gently tug the tail yarn to close the hole, creating a neat center.

Crochet Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for your basic beanie to match the intended size. This pattern’s gauge is:

• 7.5 stitches x 5 rows in double crochet (dc) pattern = 4 inches (10 cm) square.

Finished Size

Once completed, your basic beanie will have the following measurements:

• Circumference at brim band: 18 inches (46 cm) unstretched.
• Length: 7.5 inches (19 cm) from the brim edge to the crown.
• Fit: This comfortable hat is designed to fit a head circumference of 20 to 23 inches (50.5 cm to 58 cm).

Basic Beanie Crochet Pattern Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own cozy crochet beanie. This pattern is worked in rounds from the crown down to the brim.

Important Notes for Crocheters:

• The Chain 2 at the beginning of each round DOES NOT count as a stitch.
• While many double crochet patterns use a Chain 3 at the start of each round, a Chain 2 is preferred here for a snugger fit. Feel free to use a Chain 3 if you prefer.
• Always join the end of each round with a slip stitch into the first stitch of that round.

Pattern Rounds:

Round 1: Make 12 double crochet (dc) stitches in a magic adjustable ring. Join the last stitch and first stitch with a slip stitch (sl st).
(12 stitches)

Round 2: Chain 2, then work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join the last stitch and first stitch with a sl st.
(24 stitches)

Round 3: Chain 2, then *1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the following stitch; repeat from * around. Join the last stitch and first stitch with a sl st.
(36 stitches)

Rounds 4 – 8: Chain 2, then *1 dc in each stitch; repeat from * around. Join the last stitch and first stitch with a sl st.
(36 stitches per round)

Rounds 9 – 10: Chain 1, then *1 single crochet in the back loop only (scblo) in each stitch; repeat from * around. Join the last stitch and first stitch with a sl st.
(36 stitches per round)

Assembly and Finishing Your Beanie

Once you’ve completed all the pattern rounds, it’s time to finish your basic crochet beanie:

1. Cut your yarn, leaving an approximately 8-inch (20.5 cm) tail.
2. Thread your yarn needle with this ending yarn tail.
3. Weave the ending yarn tail into the inside of the hat to secure it and hide it neatly.
4. Repeat the process with the beginning yarn tail (from the magic ring) to ensure all loose ends are securely woven in.
5. Trim off any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut the main stitches.

Tips for Beginners

This basic beanie pattern is a fantastic project for those new to crochet. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Practice the Magic Ring: If the magic adjustable ring feels tricky at first, don’t worry! It takes a little practice. There are many video tutorials available online if you need a visual guide. Alternatively, you can start with a chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring, then work your 12 dc into that ring.
• Keep Track of Stitches: Especially in the increase rounds (Rounds 2 and 3), use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each round. This helps ensure you have the correct stitch count and don’t accidentally add or miss a stitch.
• Check Your Gauge: Before you get too far, crochet a small swatch (about 5×5 inches) using the dc stitch and the recommended hook and yarn. Measure it to see if it matches the gauge provided. If your swatch is too big, try a smaller hook; if it’s too small, use a larger hook. This prevents your beanie from being too large or too small.
• Consistent Tension: Try to maintain an even tension throughout your work. This will result in a more uniform and attractive fabric for your beanie.

Enjoy making your quick and easy basic beanie!