Need an accessory for your upcoming holidays? Make your own wide-brim raffia beach hat with this step-by-step crochet sun hat pattern. This summer hat is lightweight, stylish, and practical for beach days, holidays, gardening, or any sunny outdoor moment.
This free crochet hat pattern is worked from the crown down to the brim using basic single crochet stitches. It includes two brim options: a 5″ narrow brim and a 6″ wide brim. The hat also has a hidden drawstring band, so you can adjust the fit for head circumferences from 21″ to 23″.
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About This Crochet Sun Hat
This crochet hat is made with raffia yarn and a 2.5 mm crochet hook. Raffia gives the hat a natural straw-like texture, making it perfect as a handmade beach hat or summer accessory.
The pattern begins at the top crown and continues in a spiral-round toward the brim. A nylon fishing line is added to the final brim rounds to help the edge stay wide, open, and structured. After crocheting, the hat is lightly blocked with steam to shape the crown and brim.
The finished hat can be worn plain or decorated with lace trim and a leather cord. The cord also works as an adjustable hat band, making it easier to fit different head sizes.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Hat Pattern
This crochet sun hat is:
- Made with lightweight raffia yarn for a natural summer look
- Designed with a wide brim to shade the face, ears, and neck
- Adjustable with a leather cord at the band
- Worked mainly with single crochet stitches
- Available in narrow-brim and wide-brim options
- A beautiful handmade accessory for beach trips, vacations, and sunny days
Although the stitches are simple, raffia yarn can feel different from regular cotton or acrylic yarn. If this is your first crochet raffia hat, take your time with the first few rounds and keep your tension even.
Is This Crochet Sun Hat Beginner-Friendly?
Yes, this is an avid-beginner crochet hat pattern. The stitches are basic, but you will need to crochet in continuous rounds, increase evenly, add fishing line to the brim, and block the finished hat.
You should be comfortable with:
- magic ring (MR)
- chain stitch (ch)
- single crochet stitch (sc)
- slip stitch (sl st)
- Increasing stitches in the round
- Reading stitch counts
If you are new to crochet, start with my Beginner’s Guide to Crochet before making this hat.
Finished Size
The pattern fits most adult head sizes from 21″ to 23″, with the help of the adjustable cord around the hat band.
| Finished Measurement | Wide Brim Hat | Narrow Brim Hat |
|---|---|---|
| Top to brim edge | 12.5″ | 11.5″ |
| Brim depth | 6″ | 5″ |
| Band circumference | 23″ | 23″ |
| Fits head circumference | 21″ to 23″ | 21″ to 23″ |
The yellow hat shown in this tutorial has a 6″ wide brim. The blue hat has a 5″ narrow brim.
Yarn and Material Notes
I used crochet raffia yarn (Etsy affiliate link) for this hat because it creates a structured, straw-like finish. Raffia yarn is also light enough for summer wear and gives the finished hat a natural beach style.
You may substitute with another raffia-style yarn, but always make a gauge swatch first. Different raffia yarns can vary in thickness, stiffness, and stretch. If your gauge is different, your finished hat may turn out too small or too large.
For a matching summer set, pair this hat with one of these raffia yarn crochet patterns:
- Crochet Straw Hat Pattern — another raffia sun hat design with a different texture.
- Free Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern — a trendy raffia bucket hat for a beach vibe.
- Giant Shell Stitch Beach Tote — a roomy raffia beach bag that matches the summer hat beautifully.
- Diamond Stitch Oversized Tote — another oversized crochet tote for holidays and sunny-day outings.
- Browse more raffia yarn projects for handmade summer accessories.
The complete crochet pattern is included at the end of this post, where you can save, download, and print it for offline reference.
Crochet Sun Hat FAQs
1. Can I use another yarn for this crochet hat pattern?
Yes, but the finished result may be different. Raffia yarn gives the hat a straw-like texture and helps it hold its shape. Cotton, acrylic, or tape yarn may produce a softer crochet hat.
If you substitute the yarn, make a gauge swatch first and compare it with the pattern gauge.
2. Why is my crochet sun hat too big?
The most common reasons are loose tension, thicker yarn, or using a larger crochet hook. Check your gauge before starting the hat. If your swatch has fewer stitches in 4″ than the pattern gauge, try a smaller hook.
3. Why is my hat brim floppy?
The brim may become floppy if the stitches are too loose, the yarn is too soft, or the fishing line is too thin. For better structure, keep an even tension and use the recommended fishing line in the final brim rounds.
4. Can I make the brim wider?
Yes, you can add more rounds to make a wider brim, but keep the increases balanced so the brim does not ripple too much. You may also need a longer fishing line to support the extra width.
5. Can I omit the fishing line?
You can omit it, but the brim will not hold its shape as well. The fishing line is recommended for a wide-brim beach hat because it helps the edge stay open and structured.
6. Is this a sun-protection hat?
This crochet sun hat gives shade, especially with the wide brim, but it is still a handmade open-stitch accessory. For outdoor sun safety, pair it with sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing, and shade when needed.
What’s Next:
- Start crocheting and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us, @craftpassion, so that we are able to see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for future To-Crochet List
- Share with your crochet groups for a crochet-along event.
- Browse more free crochet patterns to make, particularly for summer-themed crafts.
- Get more free crochet patterns for Raffia Yarn Projects.
Happy crocheting!
Downloadable Crochet Pattern Sheet
Crochet Sun Hat Pattern
Make a stylish crochet sun hat with this free crochet hat pattern. Crocheted with raffia yarn and basic single crochet stitches, this summer beach hat comes with two brim options: a 5″ narrow brim and a 6″ wide brim. The pattern also includes tips for shaping the crown, reinforcing the brim with fishing line, and adding an adjustable cord for a better fit.
Materials
- Crochet raffia yarns (baby/spot weight), 2 rolls.
- Fishing Line, Nylon, size: 100 lbs. Diameter is roughly 1 mm. You need about 2 yards
- Adhesive tape
- Lace trim, 1.5" wide, 1.25 yard
- Leather cord, 3mm, 1.25 yard
Tools
- Crochet hook 2.5 mm
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Iron With Steam Function
Instructions
Finished dimension:
Top to brim edge: 12.5″ (Yellow), 11.5″ (Blue)
Brim Depth: 6″ (Yellow), 5″ (Blue)
Band circumference: 23″
Fit Head circumference 21″ to 23″ (adjust with the leather cord at the band)
Crochet Gauge (4 inches square):
Before-block: 19 sts x 21 rows.
After-block: 17 sts x 21 rows single crochet stitches
Abbreviations:
in American crochet terms
ch = chain
mr = magic ring
Rnd = Round
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
Pattern Notes
- This crochet hat pattern begins at the crown and works toward the brim in continuous rounds.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Do not join at the end of each round unless stated.
- Round 32 creates 8 chain spaces for the leather cord. If you do not want an adjustable band, replace each ch and skipped stitch with a regular single crochet stitch.
- Advice to block the crown before beginning the brim for a smoother hat shape.
- Test the steam iron temperature on a gauge swatch first to avoid damaging the raffia yarn.
- Add the fishing line only when the pattern instructs you to do so.
Crochet Hat Pattern
This pattern begins from the crown and works toward the brim in a continuous round
Crown
Rnd 1: 8sc in mr {8}
Rnd 2: Inc around {16}
Rnd 3: (sc, Inc) around {24}
Rnd 4: (sc 3, Inc) around {30}
Rnd 5: sc 2, (Inc, sc 4) 5 times, Inc, sc 2 {36}
Rnd 6: (sc 5, Inc) around {42}
Rnd 7: sc 3, (Inc, sc 6) 5 times, Inc, sc 3 {48}
Rnd 8: (sc 7, Inc) around {54}
Rnd 9: sc 4, (Inc, sc 8) 5 times, Inc, sc 4 {60}
Rnd 10: (sc 9, Inc) around {66}
Rnd 11: sc 5, (Inc, sc 10) 5 times, Inc, sc 5 {72}
Rnd 12: sc around {72}
Rnd 13: (sc 11, Inc) around {78}
Rnd 14: sc around {78}
Rnd 15: sc 6, (Inc, sc 12) 5 times, Inc, sc 6 {84}
Rnd 16: sc around {84}
Rnd 17: (sc 13, Inc) around {90}
Rnd 18: sc around {90}
Rnd 19: sc 7, (Inc, sc 14) 5 times, Inc, sc 7 {96}
Rnd 20: sc around {96}
Rnd 21: (sc 23, Inc) around {100}
Rnd 22 to Rnd 31: sc around {100}
Rnd 32: sc 11, (ch, skip a st, sc, ch, skip a st, sc 22) 3 times, ch, skip a st, sc, ch, skip a st, sc11 {100}
Continue to work on brim
Brim
Rnd 1: (sc 9, Inc) around {110}
Rnd 2: sc 5, (Inc, sc 10) 9 times, Inc, sc 5 {120}
Rnd 3: sc 4, (Inc, sc 9) 11 times, Inc, sc 5 {132}
Rnd 4: sc around {132}
Rnd 5: (sc 10, Inc) around {144}
Rnd 6: sc around {144}
Rnd 7: sc 5, (Inc, sc 11) 11 times, Inc, sc 6 {156}
Rnd 8: sc around {156}
Rnd 9: (sc 12, Inc) around {168}
Rnd 10: sc around {168}
Rnd 11: sc 6, (Inc, sc 13) 11 times, Inc, sc 7 {180}
Rnd 12: sc around {180}
Rnd 13: (sc 14, Inc) around {192}
Rnd 14: sc around {192}
Rnd 15: sc 7, (Inc, sc 15) 11 times, Inc, sc 8 {204}
Rnd 16: sc around {204}
Rnd 17: (sc 16, Inc) around {216}
Rnd 18 & Rnd 19: sc around {216}
Rnd 20: sc 8, (Inc, sc 17) 11 times, Inc, sc 9 {228}
Continue to crochet for narrow brim or wide brim option
For Narrow Brim
*Add fishing line and carry it along the stitches
Rnd 21 & Rnd 22: sc around {228}
Rnd 23: (sc 18, Inc) around {240}
Rnd 24 & Rnd 25: sc around {240}*
Rnd 26: slst around {240}
Fasten
For Wide Brim
Rnd 21 & Rnd 22: sc around {228}
Rnd 23: (sc 18, Inc) around {240}
Rnd 24 to Rnd 26: sc around {240}
Rnd 27: sc 9, (Inc, sc 19) 11 times, Inc, sc 10 {252}
*Add fishing line and carry it along the stitches
Rnd 28 to Rnd 30: sc around {252}
Rnd 31: (sc 20, Inc) around {264}
Rnd 32 & Rnd 33: sc around {264}*
Rnd 34: slst around {264}
Fasten
More Details On How To Crochet This Sun Hat
- Get ready the materials and tools to begin the Beach Hat crochet project.
For the wider brim hat, you will need roughly 2 rolls of Raffia With Passion yarn, whilst the narrower brim will need around 1.5 rolls. Thereupon, purchasing 2 rolls of raffia yarn is sufficient to make this beach hat.
A fishing line is added in the last few rounds to reinforce the structure of the brim so that it stays wide and open. The pattern calls for 100 lbs fishing line, which is about 1 mm in diameter; however, you may use a slightly bigger size line to make a stiffer brim.
- The crochet pattern begins from the crown and works toward the brim in a continuous round.
Follow the crochet pattern to make the crown and take note of Round 32.
At this stage, the band of your head should measure about 21″ around. Your tension is the same as the given pattern.
There are 8 holes created by chain stitches at round 32 of the crown. The holes are for the purpose of fitting the leather drawstring cord so that the band of the hat can be adjusted smaller to fit on a smaller head. If you do not want this sizing function, please omit the chain stitches in the pattern and replace them with single crochet stitches.
Block the crown with a crown block. {Scroll down for the DIY crown block to make your own with newspaper and tape}
Fit the crown block into the crown of the hat. Just push it in if you find it a bit tight; it is normal that the “unblock” hat is slightly smaller than the crown block. Set your iron to medium heat, with one hand holding your DIY crown lock, and with the other hand holding your iron, press the iron to block the crown. You may introduce some steam if you find it works better in this way.
Leave the hat to cool down on the crown block.
Continue with the brim pattern until the instruction calls for adding the fishing line to the hat.
- Add Fishing Line To Reinforce The Brim
Prepare the fishing line by making a loop-end, bending about 2″ of the line, and taping it securely with adhesive tape.
Draw yarn through the loop when you yarn-over during crocheting a single crochet stitch.
This is how it looks like at the back of the hat. You may continue to draw yarn through the loop if your loop is big enough; otherwise, just carry the fishing line along with the crochet stitches.
By carrying the fishing line along with the stitches, it simply means that you place the line on the top of the previous round and crochet as usual. This will hide the line in the stitches naturally.
Do not bother too much on the tension of the fishing line at the beginning, as long as you can crochet comfortably, just continue the round, otherwise, smooth up a little to ease your way while you crochet.
After you have finished a round or two of crochet with the fishing line, you may notice that the brim will pucker up because the instructions said not to bother the tension of the fishing line. You may smooth out after a few rounds by simply swiping the brim in the same working direction of the round. It is alright if it not 100% smooth, just continue to work till the last 10 stitches before ending the fishing line.
Block the brim by pressing with a warm iron. Since the brim is a little slanted downward, do not try to seat the hat on the iron board to block. Lift the hat up a little and at an angle while you block the brim. If you do it correctly, you will have the brim edge sticks up a little and the hat is placed on a flat surface.
End the fishing line the same way as the beginning by making an end-loop again. Bend the fishing line to make the loop at the last stitch of the round, aka Round 33 for the wide brim and round 25 for the narrow brim.
Continue to carry the line while crocheting until you reach to the end loop of the fishing line.
Draw yarn through the loop when you yarn-over during crocheting a single crochet stitch.
This is how it looks like at the last stitch of the round with the end loop being securely locked in place.
Finish the brim with a slip stitch around. Fasten the yarn end by stitching it to the first slip stitch of the round to mimic a slip stitch loop.
Insert the tapestry needle into the second stitch of the round as shown in the picture.
Insert back to the loop of the last stitch.
Pull the yarn tight to mimic a normal slip stitch. Hide yarn.
- Block the hat again with the warm iron to complete the beach hat.
Leave the hat to cool and set, at an elevated position.
You may leave the beach hat plain or add a decorative hat band that is also functioned as a size adjuster (see below picture).
DIY Crown Block
Before continue to finish up the brim, DIY a crown block by making a ball of 23 to 24″ circumference with newspapers and masking tape. This ball is for blocking the crown of the hat. If you have a commercial wooden crown block, it works the same. 
Wrap the ball or your crown block with an old t-shirt, tie it securely. 
Warning! Always test the temperature of your iron on a test gauge piece before do it on your hat to ensure you don’t burn your hardwork with high temperatures.
Add Cord To The Band For Sizing
Line a lace at the band of the beach hat, you may pin the lace in place so that it is easier for you to work. Draw the leather cord through the holes of the lace and through the hat. Wear the hat on the head and pull the cord until it fits your head, tie the knot to lock the cord. Adjust the lace nicely and tie the knot to the lace as well. Trim the ends. 
Wide Brim Beach Hat with a decorative hat band
Color: Daffodil
This is the narrow-brim beach hat before adding the band.
Color: Arctic
Crochet a matched color beach tote to uplift the style!
Giant Shell Stitch Beach Tote Crochet Pattern
Diamond Stitch Oversized Tote Crochet Pattern
Feel free to try out our other free patterns and tutorials on summer-themed crafts.
Notes
Depending on the speed and hours you are spending on the project, the total time needed is only an approximation.
Get the full article at https://www.craftpassion.com/crochet-sun-hat-free-pattern/
lisa
Monday 29th of June 2026
I need some verification please. the pattern calls for 120 yards of fishing line. That’s like 4320 inches. Is this a typo ? Can you verify how many inches are truly needed please. I’m confused. thanks
Joanne Loh
Wednesday 1st of July 2026
Thank you for pointing out the typo. I have corrected the amount and you need about 2 yards of it.
Jo
Sunday 6th of July 2025
Hello! Thanks so much for this pattern (and the tote bag). The raffia yarn link leads to Ispie raffia, yardage is 270 yards per spool. The yarn you used seems to be another brand (labeled "Raffia with Passion"), and the yellow yarn is out of stock at the moment. I can't seem to find the yardage of the "Raffia with Passion". Is it the same as Ispie? I just want to estimate how many spools I need to buy (of the Ispie) if I make the wide brimmed hat, and the yellow tote bag. Thanks again.
lisa
Sunday 14th of June 2026
@Craft Passionwhere did you find the Rafia with Passion yarn? love that color! and didn’t find that brand on etsy or amazon.
Craft Passion
Friday 25th of July 2025
Both of them are in the same yardage per roll.
Liz
Monday 9th of December 2024
Hi I have nearly finished making this wide brim hat for my daughter and it looks amazing. I have used king Cole raffia with the 2.5 hook and it seems fine. Can't wait to see my daughter wearing it this coming summer. Thanks for the free pattern.
Susanne
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
Hi I really would like to crochet this sun hat in cotton yarn. But I'm not sure how thick the yarn you use is. Can I just replace your yarn with 1 string of cotton 8/4 or do you suggest I use 2 strings?
Craft Passion
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
I am not sure what cotton yarn are you using so I don't have the quick answer for you. However, there is a crochet gauge stated in the pattern as the following
After-block: 17 sts x 21 rows single crochet stitches
Crochet a gauge swatch with you cotton yarn and see if it meets the size.
Glenda
Friday 8th of September 2023
I want to compliment you on the crown of this hat! It has seemed very hard to me to find a hat pattern with a smooth round crown, but yours is perfect. I used Lion Brand Rewind yarn, which is a polyester/rayon raffia yarn and not the same size as the yarn you used but by crocheting very tightly with a smaller hook than the yarn recommended I made it work. To block it, I blew up a balloon to 23" diameter, soaked the hat in cool water, shaped it on the balloon, and left it to dry. *Chef's kiss!* I made the brim much more narrow so the hat would be more of a bucket style. I'm very happy with the result and my daughter says it looks good. Now I want to buy the yarn you made your hat out of and try my hand at making this beautiful wide-brim sun hat. Thank you for this flattering pattern!
lisa
Wednesday 17th of June 2026
@Glenda, I am buying the Rewind yarn to make this hat also! Could you tell me how many skeins you used if you remember? and which hook you used? I know it’s been a while but thought i’d ask. I’ve never made anything like this and am a little worried!
Craft Passion
Friday 8th of September 2023
Thank you for telling us on your success story of the crochet hat using different yarn. We are super excited as well with this feedback.