This post includes the Free Basic Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern.
When I find a yarn I totally love I want to make EVERYTHING with it – so I’m afraid you will be seeing a number of patterns using this yummy yarn for some time to come! I loved this yarn’s little sister too – Red Heart Soft and now, Red Heart Soft Essentials is my favorite bulky weight yarn. We need some hats – easy hats – hats everyone can make and use with this yarn so here is a Basic Bulky Beanie Crochet Pattern perfect for your embellishing needs. Introducing the BBB!
If you choose to use Red Heart Soft Essentials – it is super soft and holds it’s shape beautifully. It isn’t too heavy either – it has movement – and you will love how it looks and feels.
These hats will make perfect chemo hats and preemie caps. I have included sizes preemie to adult large AND two lengths to allow you to choose if you want it to reach the base of your earlobes or mid ear. I hope you get the chance to try this yarn – I suspect you will love it just as much as I do!
If you want to try my super simple seamless version for the bulky crochet beanie pattern, please visit my Seamless Double Crochet Hat pattern post! Link: Seamless Double Crochet Hat Pattern
PIN the Basic Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern for later, here.
Free Basic Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern
If you are looking for an earflap hat instead, this pattern has been written as a Basic Bulky Ear flap Hat Pattern too!
For any of my hat patterns that I have started with a double magic ring (see this tutorial) you can just as easily crochet a regular magic ring or begin by crocheting a chain-3 and slip stitch to join to the first chain to form a ring and then work your stitches directly into that ring.
Supplies
- Yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials Bulky [5] (5 oz / 141 g; 131 yds / 120 m) (Sample: Adult Medium: Color: Seafoam; less than 1 ball)
- Hook: 6.0 mm (J) Clover Amour
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (optional)
Difficulty Level
BEGINNER
Finished Size
Sizes range from Preemie to Adult Large – remember if you have a head to measure – measure it because the sizes are based on average ranges and not everyone conforms to the ‘average’ sizes.
Gauge
10 dc = 4 inches; 8 rounds = 5 inches (6.4 rounds = 4 inches)
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
R – row/round
rem – remaining
rep – repeat
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
st/sts – stitch/stitches
* – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
() – Repeat the instructions between the parentheses the number of times indicated.
[] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
Helpful Tutorials
Changing Colours on the Last Yarn Over
Notes
- do not count the sl st as a stitch
- do not count the ch 3 at the beginning of a round as a stitch
- the first st of each round is worked in the same st as you sl st to join
- length of hat is to the base of the earlobe; instructions have been included for mid-ear length as well.
Free Basic Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern Instructions
The BBB! Basic Bulky Beanie - a hat perfect for your crocheting needs in sizes preemie to adult!Remember: The first st of each round is worked in the same st as you sl st to join
Preemie
To Fit: 12 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 4.5 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: ch 3, 2 dc in the first st; 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [25]
R4: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [25]
R5-R7: rep R4; finish off with an invisible join and weave in ends. [25]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R6.
Newborn Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern
To Fit: 13.5 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 5 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** 5 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [29]
R4: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [29]
R5-R8: rep R4; finish off with an invisible join and weave in ends. [29]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R7.
Size 0-3 months
To Fit: 16 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 6 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 11 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [35]
R4: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [35]
R5-R10: rep R4 [35]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R9.
Size 3-6 months
To Fit: 17 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 6.25 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 17 sts**. Rep from * to ** 2 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [38]
R5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [38]
R6-R10: rep R5 [38]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R9.
Size: 6-12 months
To Fit: 18 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 6.75 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 8 sts**. Rep from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [40]
R5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [40]
R6-R11: rep R5 [40]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R10.
Size: 12-24 months
To Fit: 19 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 7 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** 7 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [43]
R5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [43]
R6-R11: rep R5 [43]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R10.
Size: 3-6 years
To Fit: 20 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 7.5 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** 9 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [45]
R5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [45]
R6-R12: rep R5 [45]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R11.
Size: 7-10 years Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern
To Fit: 20 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 8 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [48]
R5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [48]
R6-R13: rep R5 [48]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R12.
Size: Adult Small Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern
To Fit: 22 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 8.25 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [48]
R5: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 23 sts**. Rep from * to ** 2 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [50]
R6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [50]
R7-R13: rep R6 [50]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R12.
Size: Adult Medium Bulky Crochet Beanie Pattern
To Fit: 23 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 8.75 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [48]
R5: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** 7 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [55]
R6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [55]
R7-R13: rep R6 [55]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R12.
Size: Adult Large
To Fit: 24 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 9 inches
R1: MR: ch 3, 12 dc, sl st to the top of first dc to join. [12]
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [48]
R5: Ch 3,*2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** 10 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [58]
R6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [58]
R7-R14: rep R6 [58]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R13.
#redheartyarns #joycreators #makeitwithmichaels #michaels #yarnspirations #crochetbeanie #freepattern #crochet
Rhondda says
Hi Valerie, yes of course. Start at round 2 for the 3 year size hat and use a hair elastic. Work the 24 dc around the elastic. Then continue with the pattern. Hope this helps, Rhondda
Valerie says
Can I make this into a messy bun hat for my 3 yr great granddaughter?
Thanks
Valerie
Kate says
Hi Rhonda
Many thanks for the pattern. I, like others in these comments, am a ‘newbie’ and also struggled with too many stitches (the plus side is I’m now good at flat circles!!!). If it helps anyone else, I found that a stitch marker every 10 stitches kept me on track and I am now nearly there 😁
Kate says
Hi Rhonda
Many thanks for the pattern. I, like several others in these comments, am a ‘newbie’ and also struggled with too many stitches (the plus side is I’m now good at flat circles!!!). If it helps anyone else, I found that a stitch marker every 10 stitches kept me on track and I am now nearly there 😁
Rhondda says
Hi Kate 🙂 Yes this hat with 29 stitches will fit an average Newborn Head Size if you are reaching the gauge in the pattern. The pattern gauge is 10 dc in 4 inches. This means each dc stitch measures 0.4 inches. When you have 29 stitches multiplied by 0.4 inches this gives you a finished hat circumference of 11.6 inches around. The hat will also stretch, allowing you a few extra inches (2+ more inches) of wiggle room for the head. The finished hat will fit up to a 14 inch head size. Newborns grow quite quickly though so if you are not going to be able to see the baby straight away, I recommend making the next size up. My son only fit newborn hat size for 2 weeks and then we needed to move up to the next size hat. All the best, Rhondda
Kate says
Do you find this newborn hat @ 29 stitches around actually fits a real baby? It seems so tiny?
Rhondda says
Hi Lorna, If you are ending up with too many stitches you may be working more than 1 stitch in each spot accidentally? Even a couple extra will make the hat much too large. I’d recommend counting your stitches at the end of every round so you can be sure where the extra stitches might be happening and then we can take a look to see what part of the instructions is causing the trouble. Thanks 🙂 Rhondda
lorna says
hi…. i too am new to the crocheting thing…. i absolutely love it!! such good therapy.
i am following the pattern for your basic bulky beanie and am ending up with way too many stitches and too big a hat…. not sure why?? can you explain? thanks too much. love your site
Rhondda says
Hi Amanda, I’ve rewritten the pattern to share the seamless technique I use when making my hats. There is no seam with this method but there is a tiny variation in the final height of the last stitch. This is mostly corrected by working the invisible join when you finish off and once the hat is on the person’s head it is barely detectable and much preferable to the icky back seam. Let me know if you have questions 🙂 Here’s the link: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/seamless-double-crochet-hat/
Amanda B says
Hi there! New to making hats here.. how do I keep from a very obvious seam on this one? I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong !
Rhondda says
Hi Ang, because of the height of the double crochet stitches, the only 2 ways I would work this would be with the sl st join and ch 3 to begin each round OR I would begin the entire pattern with a MR with 1 sc and 11 dc. Then work in continuous rounds with the first ch 3 replaced with 1 dc in each round to the end. For the final three stitches of the round I would work 1 dc, 1 hdc and 1 sc to decrease the height difference between the final stitch in the round and then work an invisible join to finish off. So for an example:
To Fit: 12 inches Head Circumference
Finished Length: 4.5 inches
R1: MR: 1 sc, 11 dc. [12]
R2: 2 dc in each st around. [24]
R3: 2 dc in the first st; 1 dc in each rem st around. [25]
R4: 1 dc in each st around. [25]
R5-R6: rep R4
R7: 1 dc in each of the first 23 sts, 1 hdc in the next st, 1 sc in the last st; finish off with an invisible join and weave in ends. [25]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, work the hat to R5 and then work R7.
Hope this helps!
Rhondda
Ang Price says
Can This also be done continuous skipping the slip stitch?
Lolita sabe says
I Kike so much your explanations
Rhondda says
No. The magic ring – I linked a tutorial for you in the last comment. It is what you make before you work 6 single crochets into the center of it. It is a ring you make with yarn and then work into like a really big stitch. Then you pull the one end to tighten the ring and close it so the top of the hat doesn’t have a hole in the middle. The tutorial will walk you through each step of making one 🙂
Anagha says
Thanks Rhondda – so 6 single crochets to make the magic ring – correct? Sorry for the dumb questions.
Thank you.- Anagha
Rhondda says
Hi Anagha, no – I begin with a MR. A MR is a magic ring and here’s the tutorial if you need it 🙂 https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/how-to-make-a-magic-ring/ All the best, Rhondda
Anagha says
Hi Rhonda, thank you for this pattern. I am a beginner at crocheting, and am a little confused – do I do the Chain 3 and then 12 DC in the magic ring?