Need an accessory for your upcoming holidays? Learn how to crochet a hat for summer or sunny days with this free pattern. This free crochet hat pattern is designed with you in mind. Through this easy pattern, I share some helpful tips on how to make a beach hat that fits snugly for various head circumferences, how to maintain the structure of the brim to stay wide and open, how to make the crown round and smooth, etc. Do let us know on our social media page if the tips have worked for you too.
Hello Summer and hello sun rays! Thank you for the warmth and brightness you have brought us, but no thank you to the harmful rays that you are bringing along with!
Hello Beach & Hello Sea! You are the best place to relax the mind, body and soul.
CROCHET HAT FOR BETTER SKIN
While we enjoy the warm hugs from the sun, it is pertinent to realize that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun are pretty harmful to our body. According to the American Cancer Society, being exposed to UV radiation for an extensive amount of time increases the risk of having skin cancers. UVA and UVB rays from the sun do not only contribute to the development of skin cancer, they too damage our skin by disrupting our cellular DNA, cause sunburns, premature aging, wrinkled skin and formation of dark spots. However, the list of effects does not end there as studies have also shown possible links to a rare form of cancer in the eye.
Despite all the above, there are still ways to enjoy the sun and reap the benefits of UV rays as it aids in the formation of vitamin D, contributing to healthy bones, teeth and muscles. One of the many ways to protect ourselves from the harmful effect of these rays is to be under the shade. If there is no shade to hide from the sun, we ought to wear a proper outfit or apply sunblock on the exposed areas of our skin.
SHADE YOURSELF FROM THE SUN
For head covering, wear a hat with a wide brim that will shade your face, ears, the back of your neck, and shoulders. This crochet summer hat is my best companion during the last summer vacation. Not only did the crochet hat provide protection from the sun, it has also enabled me to have a vacation with a touch of fashion. I would say that’s a win-win situation!
CROCHET HAT PATTERN FOR BEGINNERS
Crochet a hat? Me? An absolute crochet beginner?? That was me reacting in disbelief, initially, when I first started getting into crochet. Look how far we have come now, as I write this easy crochet hat pattern for all of you, I am also here to reassure you that it is definitely possible for crocheters of all skill level to recreate this beautiful wide brim sun hat.
For a beginner crocheter, it would be a good idea to go through my guide to crochet to obtain a better understanding of how crochet works. Besides that, I included many photo tutorials on crochet hook anatomy, different yarn weights, hook size and additional crochet supplies such as tapestry needle, stitch marker and crochet hook organizers.
Moreover, I have complied a list of basic stitches with step-by-step explanation for beginners to master before starting on crochet projects. I too mentioned about the magic ring and slip knot method as means of starting a crochet piece in the guide. You may also check out helpful video tutorials online on basic crochet stitches such as this and this to aid in visualising the stitch pattern.
CROCHET STITCHES IN CROCHET HAT PATTERN
Some basic crochet knowledge applied in this crochet hat pattern are chain, round, single crochet, slip stitch (sl st) and stitch. Last but not least, I have also incorporated a couple of free crochet patterns such as African flower, Granny square, Easy flower brooch and many more in the crochet guide.
CROCHET BEACH HAT PATTERN
scroll ⬇️ to get the free pattern & tutorial
HOW TO CROCHET A HAT
Before we begin crocheting a hat, first, we ought to prepare the materials and tools. This easy project requires crochet raffia yarns, nylon fishing line, adhesive tape, lace trim and leather cord. As for the tools, do prepare a crochet hook, stitch marker, tapestry needle and a warm iron to shape the finished hat. I used approximately 2 rolls of Raffia with Passion yarn of solid colors coupled with a 2.5 mm crochet hook in single crochet stitches, working from crown to brim edge.
For my trip to the Maldives with my family last year, I made 2 hats in adult sizes with different color yarns. I made a yellow hat for myself to match the sunny vibes and another blue hat for my daughter to match the color of the ocean. I was so happy with the products of this simple design that I was very eager to share it with all of you.
CROCHET HAT PATTERN SIZES
The complete pattern comes in two brim sizes: 6” wide brim for the yellow hat and 5” wide brim for the blue hat. The amount of raffia yarn to use will depend on the hat sizes as I used 2 rolls of yarn for the blue hat and 1.5 rolls of yarn for the yellow one. Do refer to the crochet hat size chart in the pattern section for the detailed finished dimensions which includes hat height, brim depth, fit head circumference and band circumference.
BEACH HAT VARIETIES
Since this crochet hat pattern is crocheted with raffia yarn, some call it a crochet hat, raffia hat, or straw hat. I guess you could even call it a beach hat, as a wide-brim sun hat is mostly worn at the beach at holiday resorts. Or even a floppy hat as the wide brim gives it a slouchy appearance.
Speaking of slouchy hat, do you still remember the free crochet straw hat pattern I shared many years ago? It is also made out of one of my favorite yarns to work with. Yup! You guessed it, it is raffia yarn.
A BEACH BAG TO GO WITH THE HAT?
In addition, I have updated 2 oversized beach tote bag crochet patterns that you can pair with this crochet hat pattern. Both of which are featured in the photos here. The Giant Shell Stitch Beach Tote is the one in yellow whereas the blue one is the Diamond Stitch Oversized Tote. Feel free to use the free patterns to crochet it as a gift or for personal use. If someone compliments your lovely hat and tote, please do mention that they are the Craft Passion’s patterns. That’s all I ask as a favor and happy crocheting dear friends.
Sun Hat Crochet Pattern
The free crochet hat pattern comes in 2 brim sizes, 6″ wide brim (the yellow hat) and 5″ brim (the blue hat). The Sun Hat pattern is crochet from raffia yarn, Raffia With Passion, with a 2.5 mm crochet hook in single crochet stitches, work from crown to brim edge.
Apart from sharing the free crochet pattern of this crochet hat, the pattern section also includes some helpful tips, for example: how to make the beach hat nicely fitted for different head sizes, how to maintain the structure of the brim to stay wide and open, how to make the crown round and smooth.
Materials
- Crochet raffia yarns, Raffia With Passion, 2 rolls.
- Fishing Line, Nylon, size: 100 lbs. Diameter is roughly 1 mm, 120 yards
- Adhesive tape
- Lace trim, 1.5" wide, 1.25 yard
- Leather cord, 3mm, 1.25 yard
Tools
- Crochet hook 2.5mm
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Warm iron
Instructions
Finished dimension:
Top to brim edge: 12.5″ (11.5″ for the narrow brim blue hat)
Brim Depth: 6″ (5″ for the narrow brim blue hat)
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
Rnd = Round
sc = single crochet
slst = slip stitch
st = stitch
Crochet Pattern
This pattern begins from the crown and works toward the brim in the continuous round
CROWN
Rnd 1: 8sc in magic ring {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}
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 THE 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 at 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 the stage, the band of your head should measure about 21″ around of 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 tapes}
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 one hand with 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, bend about 2″ of the line, and tape 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 instruction 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
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
Yarn: Raffia With Passion, Color: Daffodil, 7965
This is the narrow brim beach hat before adding the band.
Yarn: Raffia With Passion, Color: Arctic, 7903
Put the hat on and enjoy your vacation with a style
Daffodil, or, Arctic, or, other colors? There are 31 colors to choose from.
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.
Recommended Products
Purchase the exact same material used in this pattern from Craft Passion Shop.
Sombrero playero [Nivel Intermedio] > Tejidos Crochet
Wednesday 16th of March 2022
[…] DESCARGAR DONAR […]
Leah
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
Where can I find the fish line? My husband's fishing line is very thin, will not hold the brim wide like yours. I am in Vancouver Canada, thanks, Leah
Craft Passion
Monday 6th of December 2021
Please try the hardware or DIY store, they should carry these fishing lines.
Sombrero playero [Nivel Intermedio] > Tejidos Crochet
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
[…] VER PATRON […]
10 Free Sun Hat Crochet Pattern – Free Crochet link blast – Meladora's Creations
Sunday 10th of October 2021
[…] Sun Hat with a Wide Brim […]
Jeni Beck
Sunday 15th of August 2021
I am making the Wide Brim version of this hat, & I have LOVED every minute of it! I am using JOANN brand Rafia yarn, a size E crochet hook, leather craft cord & 18 gauge craft wire from Walmart. The pattern is so easy to follow & I appreciate you making this a free pattern! I am going to Florida on vacation with my family next month, there are 4 of us girls going, & I wanted a sunhat for all of us. I will be using this pattern for all of them. I will be posting a pic of my finished hat(s) on Instagram & I will be sure to tag you (for credit as the designer, obviously). Again, I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing your talents & creativity with the rest of us. This Sun Hat is gorgeous & I am thrilled to have found it!!! :)