Half Double Crochet Cotton Hat Pattern
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Yarn categories are very diverse. When a yarn is listed as a Medium Weight Yarn (Worsted Weight) it does not necessarily mean it will produce the same crocheted result as another Yarn in the same category. Both yarns can even have the same wraps per inch (wpi) and still crochet differently due to the density and elasticity of the yarn. I designed this Half Double Crochet Cotton Hat Pattern to be used with Cotton yarns – which have less stretch and elasticity than acrylic or natural fiber yarns. Please continue to the full written pattern below if you are looking for a free pattern to use with your medium weight cotton yarn.
Before writing this pattern for use with cotton yarns, I designed the Free Crochet Pattern – Half Double Crochet Hat Pattern using a soft worsted weight (medium weight) yarn with wraps per inch of 10. The gauge for the yarn, using a 5.50 mm hook is: 14 stitches in 4 inches; 12 rows in 4 inches. The gauge for the cotton yarn though is different which is why I designed a hat pattern specifically to use with kitchen weight cotton yarn..
Half Double Crochet Cotton Hat Pattern
This pattern is designed to use with Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. This is a worsted weight (medium weight) yarn and it gives us 10 wraps per inch BUT the gauge for the yarn, using a 5.50 mm hook is: 12 stitches in 4 inches; 10 rows in 4 inches.
If you are looking for a pattern to use with heavier Medium Weight Acrylic yarn like Red Heart with Love, or Red Heart Super Saver please try this free pattern:
Mid-ear length half double crochet cotton hat pattern
This is a basic crochet hat pattern – this design uses worsted weight (medium weight) yarn – with wraps per inch of 10 (10 wpi). Similar weight yarn can be substituted (like Lily Sugar n’ Creme).
Please check your gauge as it is easy to allow your hdc stitches to become more relaxed as you crochet the repeat steps (rounds).
This hat is crocheted in continuous rounds/spirals – you do not need to slip stitch to join or chain-1. You can use a stitch marker (safety pin, bobby pin, bit of scrap yarn, twist tie, etc. ) to mark the first (or last) stitch of the round and move the stitch marker up each round as you progress, to mark your place.
There is no seam in this hat – it is neat and tidy.
If you prefer using the slip stitch to join and chain-1 (or 2) and working in regular rounds – you can – just try to keep those slip stitches small. This will add a seam to the hat (from the slip stitch and chain stitches) and make the hat a little bit larger, but it will still work.
Supplies
Recommended Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. Medium Weight Cotton Yarn [4]. 100% Cotton.
Crochet Hook: 5.50 mm (I)
Gauge: 12 stitches in 4 inches; 10 rows in 4 inches
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
- beg – beginning
- ch – chain
- F/O – finish off and weave in your ends with an invisible join
- hdc – half double crochet
- MR – Magic Ring / Double Magic Ring (adjustable loop)
- R – row/round
- rem – remaining
- rep – repeat
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- x – times (repeat this many times)
- * – 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
- Adjustable Loop / Magic Ring Tutorial
- Half Double Crochet abbreviated hdc
Yarn over the hook, insert your hook into the specified stitch, yarn over and pull up one loop. You have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and draw the yarn through all three loops on the hook to complete the stitch.
Extra Crochet Goodies
- US Version
- UK Version
- Crochet Cheat Sheet
- Crochet Translation Project – Crochet Terms in Swahili, Finnish, UK, US, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch and German
Helpful Video Tutorials
- Beginner Crochet Stitches
- Double Magic Ring – I have included this video at the end of the post for you 🙂 This is the MOST secure way to start our hats.
- Invisible Join – I have included the video at the end of the post. When you click play it starts right at the spot where I demonstrate how to do the invisible join. It takes less than 1 minute to show you how to do this and it is the BEST way to finish off your hats.
Helpful Photo Tutorials
Notes
- When you see the x (for example 6x) this means to repeat the instructions in the brackets 6 times
- this project is worked in rounds and you do not turn your work
- do not slip stitch to join at the end of the rounds
Half Double Crochet Cotton Hat Pattern Instructions
Preemie (fits 12″ circumference, 4″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 6x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [30]
R5: 1 hdc in each st around [30]
R6-10: repeat R5 [30]
R11: 1 sl st (loosely) in each st around [30]
Newborn (fits 13.5″ circumference, 4.5″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 3x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [35]
R6: 1 hdc in each st around [35]
R7-12: repeat R6 [35]
R13: sl st (loosely) in each st around [35]
0-3 months (fits 16″ circumference, 5.25″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the 4 sts) 2x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [42]
R7: 1 hdc in each st around [42]
R8-13: repeat R7 [42]
R14: sl st (loosely) in each st around [42]
3-6 months (fits 17″ circumference, 5.5″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 5x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [45]
R7: 1 hdc in each st around [45]
R8-14: repeat R7 [45]
R15: sl st in each st around [45]
6-12 months (fits 18″ circumference, 5.75″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: 1 hdc in each st around [48]
R8-15 : repeat R7 [48]
R16: 1 sl st (loosely) in each st around [48]
12-24 months (fits 19″ circumference, 6.25″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts) 3x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [51]
R8: 1 hdc in each st around [51]
R9-16: repeat R8 [51]
R17: 1 sl st (loosely) in each st around [51]
3-5 years (fits 20″ circumference, 6.5″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in next 5 sts) 6x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [54]
R8: 1 hdc in each st around [54]
R9-16: repeat R8 [54]
R17: 1 sl st (loosely) in each st around [54]
6-10 years (fits 21″ circumference, 7″ height)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts) 8x [56]
R8: 1 hdc in each st around [56]
R9-17: repeat R8 [56]
R18: 1 sl st (loosely) in each st around, F/O [56]
Adult Small (fits circumference 22″, height 7.25″)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts) 8x [56]
R8: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts) 4x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [60]
R9: 1 hdc in each st around [60]
R10-18: repeat R9 [60]
R19: 1 sl st (loosely) in each st around, F/O [60]
Medium (fits circumference 23″ height 7.5″)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts) 8x [56]
R8: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts) 7x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [63]
R9: 1 hdc in each st around [63]
R10-19: repeat R9 [63]
R20: 1 sl st in each st around, F/O [63]
Adult Large (fits circumference 24″, height 7.75″)
R1: 8 hdc in adjustable loop [8]
R2: 2 hdc in each st around [16]
R3: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st) 8 x [24]
R4: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts) 8x [32]
R5: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts) 8x [40]
R6: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts) 8x [48]
R7: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts) 8x [56]
R8: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts) 8x [64]
R9: (2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 7sts) 2x, 1 hdc in each remaining st around [66]
R10: 1 hdc in each st around [66]
R11-20: repeat R10 [66]
R21: 1 sl st in each st around, F/O [66]
Any questions or comments, please let me know!
I have tested the Preemie, Newborn, 0-3 months and Adult Medium sized hats in this pattern.
Finishing Instructions for all sizes
- TIP: if your hat is not stretching remove the final slip stitch round. You can replace it with one round of single crochet instead!
- Weave in any remaining ends.
This video will show you how to do the invisible join method. It begins right at the spot in the video where I demonstrate the technique and takes less than one minute to watch.
This is the video for the Double Magic Ring. This is by far the best way to begin any project you are working in the round.
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I enjoyed trying this pattern!
I really appreciated the modification and the explanations for making your hat using cotton yarn as opposed to making a hat with acrylic yarn. I’ve made some of your other patterns and knew this one would be great too.
Happy crocheting!
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Hi Donna, there should be a small blip but where the stitches spiral and increase height slightly in the first round. That small step can be followed on the diagonal by one stitch to the right if you place the hat with the top of the hat facing downwards on a flat surface. When we work in spirals it offsets the stitch one to the right for every round. That might be too difficult though if this is one of your first projects so what I suggest is to check the hat height for the hat you are making (I wasn’t sure what size you were making?) and measure the hat from the middle at the top to the base. Then when you reach the right height, following the finishing instructions to complete the hat.
All the best,
Rhondda
Help please! I forgot my stitch marker on the 13th round and I’m not sure where the round begins. I can see the spirals on the outside of the hat. Should I count my round complete following where the spiral begins round 2out to the round I’m on? Thanks for your help! This is my first hat pattern and I appreciate how there’s no seam. I think it’ll be better for donating chemo caps.
Hi Mindy, I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. It is a wonderful way to honor him by making hats for those in need.
To make the finishing less visible I have 2 quick tricks – one is to work the pattern up to the second last hdc, then in place of the last hdc, work 1 sc and then finish the hat with an invisible join. The invisible join will mimic the look of the other stitches and the staggered finish (using that sc) will decrease the slant from the last hdc to the first st of the round where you are joining.
I’m not sure if I linked the invisible join tutorial in this post – here’s the link just in case: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/invisible-join-technique/
Wishing you the very best,
Rhondda
I love this pattern! My aunt found this pattern when she started making hat donations, and now that I’m crocheting in honor of my brother who lost his fight last year, she’s shared this pattern with me. I love how you can make different-sized hats based on how big your head is.
I recently made one as a gift for a friend who lives in the UK. Because it’s really cold there, I used two skeins of yarn simultaneously instead of just one to make the hat denser; he said that it feels very cozy and that it feels like his head is constantly getting a hug. (D’awww…)
I have one question, though. When I finish a hat with the last round of hdc’s followed by the row of sl st’s, I end up with a bump at the end. Do you have any tips on how to make it a bit smoother so it looks straight?
Hi Anna! You are very welcome 🙂 Have a great week, Rhondda
I love this pattern. It is perfect for what I needed as my first crochet hat. I am 4 or 5 rows from being finished with the beanie. I am using Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (50% cotton/50% polyester) which is a light weight (3) yarn. Therefore, since it is working up at just under 3.75 stitches to the inch, I just kept following the increase progression until I got to a 21 inch circumference (10th row with 78 stiches) before switching to the consistent stich count rows. This hat will eventually be a costume wig with matching yarn beard for my husband as Merlin. Then I will be using this pattern for my wig for my costume as Mad Madam Mim. Thanks for publishing this pattern with a clear progression of sizes so that I could adapt for the yarn. 🙂
Anna
You are so welcome Charlotte 🙂 I love the hdc stitch too – it is my favorite of all the stitches because of how versatile it is! I’m happy you like the pattern and have been able to put it to such great use! Have a lovely week, Rhondda
Rhonda, thanks so much for this comprehensive pattern. I am using it to make what I call hospice hats. These are donated for those individuals whose internal thermometer is out of whack and/or they suffer from the AC.
I read all the other posts and do not think the versatility of this pattern has been addressed. The half double crochet stitch can be worked in the front two loops at the top of the prior round as shown in your pics, it can be worked in the back two loops of the stitch in the prior round to create a spiral ridge on the outside of the hat, or it can be worked in the back loop only to create a spiral chain on the outside of the hat. I just made a chemo hat by using your pattern, using the back two loops so I had a spiral ridge and then slip stitching eyelash yarn to each stitch of the spiral ridge, starting from the crown and following the ridge. Turned out beautifully! The ONLY change I make when using your pattern is in transitioning from the last row of hdc to the finishing slip stitch row, I add one single crochet to decrease the row height. I even change colors but make sure all color changes are in a row down the length of the hat so they can be worn in the back. Again, thank you!
Hi Tae, No I do not slip stitch to join. I work in continuous spirals and do not join at the end of the rounds either. I use a stitch marker to mark my place. This makes the hat seamless 🙂 Hope this helps! Rhondda
Hello I’m new to crocheting. Do you slip stich to complete the magic circle and then work Continually around ? The instruction abbreviations mention slip stich but i only see it in the edging at the end.