If you’ve been enjoying your crochet journey and feel pretty confident with those basic crochet hook stitches, then it’s a hint for leveling up. Let’s expand our stitch glossary and create something super fun today, such as an adorable hat for toddlers!

Why toddlers, you may ask? Well, besides being incredibly cute recipients, making a hat for them is perfect for us as we continue to grow our crochet skills. Additionally, it’s beginner-friendly – no need for heaps of yarn, tons of time, or super advanced techniques. However, we’ll sprinkle in slightly more advanced stitches to keep things interesting since we’re progressing.

So, are you ready? Grab your crochet hooks, and let’s begin!

Required Materials:

Crochet Hook: Choose any comfortable crochet hook, such as aluminum or wooden crochet hooks.

Yarn: The choice is wide open. Choose any vibrant or subtle color of your choice.

Crochet Accessories: Using accessories, such as marking the beginning and end of the row with stitch markers, yarn needles to weave in the loose ends, and scissors to cut or trim the excess yarn, can greatly benefit you.

Pattern: 1-2 Years (fits 19″ circumference, 6.25″ height)

Row 1: Start by making 8 half double crochets in a special loop called a “Magic Ring“. This will give you 8 stitches.

Row 2: Now, let’s increase our stitches. Make 2 half-double crochets in each stitch around. You’ll end up with 16 stitches.

Half Double Crochet (hdc):

  • Wrap your yarn around the hook.
  • Push the hook into the stitch.
  • Wrap the yarn around the hook again and pull it through the stitch. There are three loops on the hook.
  • Wrap the yarn around the hook once more and pull it through all 3 loops. That’s one half double crochet made!

Row 3: Make 2 half double crochets in the first stitch, then 1 half double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this cozy pattern 8 times. You’ll have 24 stitches now.

Row 4: Make 2 half double crochets in the first stitch, then 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat this snug pattern 8 times. You’ll have 32 stitches.

Row 5: Make 2 half double crochets in the first stitch, then 1 half double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches. Repeat this cuddly pattern 8 times. You’ll have 40 stitches.

Row 6: Make 2 half double crochets in the first stitch, then 1 half double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat this toasty pattern 8 times. You’ll have 48 stitches.

Row 7: Make 2 half double crochets in the first stitch, then 1 half double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. Repeat this pattern 3 times, then make 1 half double crochet in each remaining stitch around. You’ll end up with 51 stitches.

Row 8: Now, just 1 half double crochet in each stitch around. Keep it nice and even with 51 stitches.

Rows 9-16: Repeat Row 8. You should have 51 stitches in each row.

Row 17: Finally, gently slip the stitch into each stitch around. This gives a neat finish with 51 stitches.

You’ve effectively completed the hat. To finish off the hat, you’ll need to cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Then, carefully pull the tail through the loop on your hook to secure it. Next, using a yarn needle, weave in the loose ends of yarn into the finished stitches of the hat to hide them and prevent unraveling. Once all ends are woven in securely, trim any excess yarn. Your hat is now complete and ready to be worn or gifted. Hurrah!

Keep expanding your learning curve by working with different crochet hook sizes, styles, or projects.