Crochet Hats: Patterns and Supplies

Ranked #9,098 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #120,658 overall

Crochet Hats: Patterns, tips and supplies

A collection of the best links, inspirational pictures, tips, tricks, materials and patterns for anyone who enjoys the instant gratification of sitting down and hooking out a crocheted hat lickety-split!
You'll learn about find the right resource books for you, how to choose yarn, hooks and supplies the right way, and view some of the most inspirational Flickr pictures of some outrageous and outrageously gorgeous crocheted hats.
Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of my first lens.

Here's My take on Crocheted Hats

This is why we came here today, right?

In my opinion, hats are probably one of the 2 easiest projects to start out with when you first start to crochet. The other is scarves, but that's a lens for another day. When I first learned to crochet, my favorite Aunt Doris tried to teach me to make granny squares so I could make a baby blanket for my near-ripened offspring. But I never finished more than one or two squares before I got bored with it. Too much to deal with, changing colors, finishing off, color coordination. I wish she would have started me off with a hat or something, maybe I would have stuck with it back then.

Anywho...we're here now and I'm "hooked" on crochet. (get it?) I want to share my obsession with you and hopefully save you some very long Google hours by providing you with everything you need to know to quickly become a crocheted hat expert in no time flat.

First: Yarn

Don't be like me and walk up and down the aisles at Michaels and Joanne Fabrics or Hobby Lobby looking for something that strikes your fancy and then buy it with hopes of finding a hat you want to make that will work in that yarn. That is what we call putting the cart before the horse, kids. Instead, start with a pattern that you like and buy the yarn required for the hat you want to make. Now, don't take that as me saying you're chained to the color choices of the writer of the pattern. Just stay consistent with the weight and material the yarn calls for.

Second: Hooks

My problem is that I don't like to take the time to make my gauge swatch before I start. I don't want to waste the yarn and I want my instant crochet-ifaction. The problem with that is that almost every time I make a hat it turns out to be about half the diameter it was supposed to be. Check which size hook is called for (given in mm), make a gauge swatch and adjust the size of the hook accordingly. If your stitches are too tight, use a bigger hook. If your stitches are too loose and hangy like that jiggle of fat that hangs off the back of forearms, use a smaller hook.

Third: Good quality patterns

This is where I really like to spend a lot of time. Too much time if I'm being honest. I spend so much time Googling free patterns for crochet and perusing Half Price Books, Barnes and Noble, Michaels, Joanne Fabrics and Hobby Lobby for new patterns and books, that I don't spend the time I have on actually crocheting. I'm working on it. And hey, admitting you have a problem is the first step, right?

Fourth: Good reference material

I'll tell you right off the bat...Aunt Doris gave me my training wheels, but I give my props to the Happy Hooker. Debbie Stoller's book, Stitch n Bitch Crochet with the Happy Hooker gave me the confidence and reference materials I needed to start back into this incredible hobby.

Take the time to peruse the many books available and see what inspires you. If you're excited about the project, you're more likely to stick with it.

The Queen's English Vs. The Good Ole USA English

Like, did you know that British pattern abbreviations are written differently than English variations. Here's a chart:

Symbols UK USA
chain stitch (ch) chain stitch (ch)
double crochet (dc) single crochet (sc)
half treble (htr) half double crochet (hdc)
treble (tr) double crochet (dc)
double treble (dtr) treble (trc)
triple treble (trtr) double treble (dtrc)
quadruple treble (quad tr) triple triple crochet (tr trc)
slip stitch (ss) slip stitch (sl st)
skip / miss skip (sk)
tension gauge

Punny Stuff from CafePress

Show the world that you love crochet!

The best t-shirts and other imprintables on the net!
Loading

Where is your favorite place to shop for crocheting supplies?

Yarn, books, hooks, needles, embroidery floss, pompom makers

There are so many things I never even knew existed...

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Cuteness Rules! 

Best reference books for crochet hat patterns

At least in my opinion.

Do you agree or Mais non? Let the world know!

100 Hats to Knit & Crochet by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss

100 Hats to Knit & Crochet by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss

It's hat heaven for those who knit or crochet, wit more...1 point

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller

Lacy, sexy summer tops. Chic, cozy sweaters. Chunk more...0 points

Lion Brand Yarn: Just Hats: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet by Lion Brand

Lion Brand Yarn: Just Hats: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet by Lion Brand

Write a quick note to a friend and share a knitting more...0 points

Freeform Crochet and Beyond: Bags, Cushions, Hats, Scarves and More (Milner Craft Series) by Renate Kirkpatrick

Freeform Crochet and Beyond: Bags, Cushions, Hats, Scarves and More (Milner Craft Series) by Renate Kirkpatrick

Most crochet books have you follow a pattern, make more...0 points

Crochet Hats! by Candi Jensen

Crochet Hats! by Candi Jensen

Fast, fun, and relaxing, crocheting a hat is a rewarding more...0 points

Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps by Afya Ibomu

Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps by Afya Ibomu

Celebrities such as Erykah Badu, Dennis Rodman, Common, more...0 points

Hooked Hats: 20 Easy Crochet Projects by Margaret Hubert

Hooked Hats: 20 Easy Crochet Projects by Margaret Hubert

Crocheted hats are in style on everyone from sophisticated more...0 points

Learn-to-Crochet Granny Square Scarf and Hat Kit

Learn-to-Crochet Granny Square Scarf and Hat Kit

Learn the basics of crochet to create colorful fas more...0 points

Hip Hats to Crochet (Leisure Arts #3908) by Leisure Arts Mary E. Nolfi

Hip Hats to Crochet (Leisure Arts #3908) by Leisure Arts Mary E. Nolfi

Beat the summer heat with a selection of chic chap more...0 points

Freeform Crochet and Beyond: Bags, Cushions, Hats, Scarves and More (Milner Craft Series) by Renate Kirkpatrick

Freeform Crochet and Beyond: Bags, Cushions, Hats, Scarves and More (Milner Craft Series) by Renate Kirkpatrick

Most crochet books have you follow a pattern, make more...0 points

Too Cute Crochet for Babies & Toddlers: A Whimsical Collection of Hats, Scarves, Mittens & Booties by Cynthia Preston

Too Cute Crochet for Babies & Toddlers: A Whimsical Collection of Hats, Scarves, Mittens & Booties by Cynthia Preston

From a little black kitten cap with pointed ears t more...0 points

Crochet Chic: Haute Crochet Scarves, Hats & Bags by Francine Toukou

Crochet Chic: Haute Crochet Scarves, Hats & Bags by Francine Toukou

Crocheting accessories can be a quick, simple, and more...0 points

Crocheted Hats for the Beginner (Leisure Arts #4672)

Crocheted Hats for the Beginner (Leisure Arts #4672)

You know you look marvelous in a hat. And these he more...0 points

Cutest, Coolest, Craziest Crochet Cloches (and other assorted varieties of hats)

I was going for illiteration there ;)

Images that truly inspire me to create

curated content from Flickr

More Amazing Crocheted Hats

Loading

More hats - get your hooks ready

Loading

My Etsy Crochet Hat Shop

Buy one of my original creations

You need to select some items to show.

Fabulous and FREE crochet hat patterns

Save yourself time, use my links

Only fabulous hats need apply!
Cool, classic, striped pompom ski cap
Cool Stripes Hat
Design by Karen Sherman
Materials:Worsted yarn -- 3 1/2 oz. blue,
1 oz. each white and green;
3"-square cardboard;
tapestry needle;
hook needed to obtain gauge for size.Sizes:
Small, fits 13" to
Adorable Baby Bonnet - Frog Style
Hat fits 12-36 months.
MODA DEA® "Cheerio%u2122": 1 Ball 8625 Peridot CA.
TLC® "Essentials%u2122": Small amounts each 2112 Black CB and 2316 Winter White CC.
Crochet Hook: 4mm [US G-6].
Small amount polyester fiberfill; yarn needle.
Grown Up Heart Shaped Earflap hat
If you don't already have a FREE account with Lion Brand, you'll need to set one up to view the pattern. But don't worry. It really is free and it's worth taking the time to fill out the registration, because they are a great source of free patterns. And I LOVE free. Did I mention that?
Another Lion Brand hat that I've already made - LOVED IT
This hat was so quick to crochet up. I did it in one sitting in front of the tv. Gave it to a friend of mine at work the next morning for her grandbaby. I recommend this one. It's super cute and chunky which is why it works up so fast.
Divine hat = love! - CROCHET
Divine hat = love! - Craftster.org is a crafting community that includes craft forums, diy craft projects, and craft ideas for members and casual viewers.
premie baby beanie
For a doll or a newborn
Cake Sachets by Norma Lynn Hood - Hats are at the bottom of the page.
Cake Sachets crocheted for charity
Spreading love in a tangible way.
(C)2006-2009 Norma Lynn Cake Sachets. All rights reserved.

Crochet Caps for Chemo

Use your powers for good ;)

What a nice way to enjoy crochet and help a child or adult feel better with a spiffy crocheted hat to cover up what chemotherapy has taken away. Cheer someone up with your talents today!

Money is nice and always welcome. But you can also donate your hats directly to your local cancer hospital.

Made purely of content submitted by these young women, Alive strives to encourage women to create the positive media they want to see by publishing their artwork, stories, photography and poetry.

Holla!

Let me know what's up!

I'd love to hear from you.

  • Lemming13 Mar 11, 2011 @ 4:54 am | delete
    Super lens, blessed it.
  • MomwithAHook Jan 25, 2009 @ 1:24 pm | delete
    Excellent Crochet Hats lens. Thanks for joining the Crochehats group.
  • kristenuhess Jan 25, 2009 @ 1:23 am | in reply to Tonya Fabianek | delete
    You rock! Thanks :)
  • Tonya Fabianek Jan 24, 2009 @ 9:07 am | delete
    This is great Kristen. Congrats!

For those of you who need to see it for themselves

A how-to crochet a hat video

By Threadbangers
powered by Youtube

Whaddaya think?

Is this information useful?

Drop me a note and let me know if my idea of what's cute jives with yours.

  • Lemming13 Mar 11, 2011 @ 4:54 am | delete
    Both cute and useful. Brilliant, in fact.

Tools of the trade

Giving hookers a good name

One set of 13 PCs bamboo crochet hooks US 2/C (2.75 mm)-US 15/N (10 mm)

Amazon Price: $38.00 (as of 05/26/2012)Buy Now

Don't go with the plastic hooks. They don't glide well through the yarn, and I like to go fast. (like Ricky Bobby)

Aluminum Hooks=Good

Boye Aluminum Crochet Hook Set, Sizes D-K

Amazon Price: $4.50 (as of 05/26/2012)Buy Now

This is the set I bought and they are the ones I use most frequently. I'm really pleased with the ease with which they pass through the yarn, even 100% acrylic.

Knitting vs Crochet

Which is better?

Do you prefer to knit or crochet?

Loading

Knit

Crochet

mizrae says:

I have to say crochet. It's faster and just as versatile as knitting.

Fitzcharming says:

Cheers for crochet. I used to make crochet baby booties and hats. I need to start again. Your lens is squid angel blessed.

kristenuhess says:

I crochet now, but I have to admit I'm having knitting envy. Some of those hats are just so involved and neat and tight. I can't explain it well, but I think it's time I learn both.

 

Get your bid on...

things you may be interested in.

Loading

by

kristenuhess

Mother, Wife, eMarketing Empress and Crafter Supreme!

I've tried them all - from polymer clay, cross stitch, scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking,...
more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!