A little twist on a basic pattern, the simple double crochet bulky hat is worked with bulky weight yarn and by varying which loop of the stitch you crochet into. It is a beginner level pattern and super easy to crochet.
If you are looking for a basic bulky beanie using double crochet done in the regular way, this hat pattern will not work. Instead, please visit this post: The BBB (Basic Bulky Beanie Crochet Pattern). It uses the same yarn and hook.
Simple Double Crochet Bulky Hat Pattern
Supplies
- Yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials Yarn [5] Bulky (5 oz / 141 g; 131 yds / 120 m; 100% acrylic yarn)
- Hook 6.0 mm (J) Clover Amour
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (optional)
Difficulty Level
BEGINNER
Finished Sizes
Please see each of the sizes listed below in the Pattern Instructions for measurements.
Be sure to check which head size you wish to crochet as these hats are designed to fit very specific sizes. All people have different head sizes so if your 6 month old baby is tiny for her age, you may want to move down to the 0-3 month hat which is sized to fit a baby with a 16″ head circumference.
Each finished hat will be approximately 2 inches smaller than the head size it is meant to fit. The hats will stretch approximately 2 inches in size to fit the head size specified. The design term we use for this is “negative ease”. If you were to crochet a hat measuring the same size as your head exactly, it would be much too large for you after you wore it a few times.
Gauge
11 dc = approximately 4 inches
6 rows = approximately 4 inches
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
beg – beginning
bl – back loop
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
fl – front loop
MR – Magic Ring
R – row/round
rem – remaining
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
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
Invisible Join / Invisible Finish
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.
Pattern Instructions
You will be crocheting your hats from the crown to the bottom edge in rounds. To make the texture for these hats we will be alternating which loops of the stitch (front loop and back loop) we are crocheting into. During the increase rounds (when we are adding more stitches to each round to make the hat reach the correct number of stitches for the head size) the stitches we would normally work 2 in; we will be working 1 in each loop instead. So for example, you would first work 1 dc in the front loop of the stitch and then work the 2nd dc in the back loop of the very same stitch. The loop changes create the pretty fabric.
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times; sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 4 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥ Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [28]
R4: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [28]
R5-R8: rep R4; finish off with an invisible join and weave in ends. [28]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R7.
Newborn
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 8 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [32]
R4: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [32]
R5-R9: rep R4; finish off with an invisible join and weave in ends. [32]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R8.
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 4 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [40]
R5: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [40]
R6-R9: rep R5 [40]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R8.
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [42]
R5: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [42]
R6-R9: rep R5 [42]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R8.
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 10 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [46]
R5: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [46]
R6-R10: rep R5 [46]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R9.
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
R5: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [48]
R6-R11: rep R5 [48]
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
R5: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st, 1 dc in the fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 2 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [50]
R6: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [50]
R7-R12: rep R6 [50]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R11.
Size: 7-10 years
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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
R5: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st, 1 dc in the fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [54]
R6: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [54]
R7-R13: rep R6 [54]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R12.
Size: Adult Small
To Fit: 21 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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
R5: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st, 1 dc in the fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 8 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [56]
R6: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [56]
R7-R13: rep R6 [56]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R12.
Size: Adult Medium
To Fit: 22 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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
R5: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st, 1 dc in the fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 8 times. ♥1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st♥♥. Rep from ♥ to ♥♥ for the rem sts. Sl st to the first dc to join. [56]
R6: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [56]
R7-R14: rep R6 [56]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R13.
Size: Adult Large
To Fit: 23 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, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times sl st to the first dc to join. [24]
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
R5: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st, 1 dc in the fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [60]
R6: Ch 3, *1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [60]
R7-R15: rep R6 [60]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop after R14.
Rhondda says
Hi LJ,
You are only working 2 in each stitch around (1 in the FL and 1 in the BL) for R2.
R3 we will be working 2 in the first stitch (1 in the FL and 1 in the BL) and then 1 in the FL of the next st. Depending on which size hat you are making you will repeat this sequence of 2 in the first st (1 in the FL and 1 in the BL) and 1 in the next st (FL only) around the hat. Using the size 3-6 years as an example:
R3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
This adds 12 stitches (from where we work 2 in the first st) around.
For R4 we work 2 in the first st (1 in FL and 1 in the BL) and then 1 in the next st (FL) and 1 in the next st (BL) around. We still only increase by 12 stitches for this round because only the first st in our repeat section has 2 stitches being worked into it.
R4: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. [48]
I hope this helps a bit to explain the logic 🙂 All the best, Rhondda
lj says
If you are doing a stitch in the front loop of a stitch and the back loop of each loop… then you are making 2 stitches… one in front of the other instead of 2 stitches in the same hole. On round 2 for example you had 24 stitches… round 3 you would do 2 stitches in each would make 48 stitches not 36. Doubled again would be 96 . Please help!
Rhondda says
Hi Carolyn, Thank you so much for your kind comment! I’m so happy you find it easy to follow my patterns 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful week, Rhondda
Carolyn says
Rhondda,
I love this pattern! It works up so easily and quickly. I use it as my “go to” hat pattern now. Your patterns are so easy to follow that I always search through your site first for ideas on my next project(s). Thank you!
Sincerely,
Carolyn from OKC
Rhondda says
Hi Kendra, The first st has both 1 dc in the fl and 1 dc in the bl (so you work in both loops of one stitch). The next stitch has 1 dc in the fl of the stitch only. Then the stitch after has 1 fl and 1 bl again. So yes they will have 2 side by side 🙂 it allows us to create a little bit of texture instead of just working regularly for the first few increase rounds of the hat 🙂 Hope this helps! Rhondda
Kendra says
Hello!! Can you confirm for me that there will be two fl stitches side by side in this row?
3: Ch 3, *(1 dc in the fl of the next st, 1 dc in the bl of the same st), 1 dc in fl of the next st**. Rep from * to ** 12 times. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
Robbie says
Love the look of this, I am going to make this hat in several sizes for the homeless in Salt lake city Utah. Thank you