How to Crochet Easy Ruffle Hat for Beginners
In this post, learn how to crochet a beautiful and stylish ruffled hat using lime and cream DK yarn following a step-by-step tutorial for beginners. From creating the crown with double crochets to adding rows of ruffles, you will find techniques for everything. Happiness also shares tips like attaching new yarn strands and adjusting for adult sizing. The tutorial is easy to follow and results in a striking handmade hat, perfect for summer!
Ruffled Rocket Hat Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Yarn:
- Main Color: ~200g DK weight yarn (e.g., lime, olive, or chosen shade)
- Accent Color: ~50–60g DK weight yarn (e.g., cream)
- Hooks:
- Crown & first ruffle row: 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Second, third, and trim rows: 4 mm crochet hook
- (Optional) 3 mm crochet hook for weaving in ends
- Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- inc: increase (2 dc in 1 st)
Special Notes
- The hat is worked from the crown down and in joined rounds.
- The turning chain (ch 3) counts as the first double crochet throughout.
- St counts after each increase round are provided for guidance.
- For a firmer brim, you may insert an elastic or add an extra round of single crochet before ruffles.
- Adjust length for child/smaller/larger sizes by working fewer or additional repeats before the ruffles.
Pattern
Crown
With main color and 3.5 mm hook:
Set-up
- Ch 3.
- Round 1: 11 dc into first ch (the one closest to slip knot), join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc including initial ch-3)
Increases
- Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc)
- Round 3: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, (1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. (36 dc)
- Round 4: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, (1 dc in each of next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. (48 dc)
- Round 5: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, (1 dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. (60 dc)
- Round 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, (1 dc in each of next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. (72 dc)
Body
- Rounds 7–15: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (72 dc per round, 9 rounds for adult size)
(Hat body can be adjusted by adding/subtracting rounds as desired for length)
Brim Preparation
- Switch to 4 mm hook.
- Round 16: Ch 1, sc in each dc around. Join with sl st. (72 sc)
(Optional: Repeat this round for wider base)
Ruffles
Switch back to main color, 3.5 mm or 4 mm hook as preferred.
Ruffle Row 1
- Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3.
Ruffle Row 2
- Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in each dc around. Join with sl st.
(Switch to 4 mm hook for fuller ruffles if desired.)
Ruffle Row 3
- Ch 3, (3 dc in same st, 4 dc in each st around). Join with sl st.
- On this row, place 4 dc in each st for extra fullness.
Fasten off and weave in main color ends if not performing cream border.
Optional Ruffle Edge with Cream
- With accent color and 4 mm hook, attach cream color to any st with a sc.
- Sc in each st around. Join with sl st and fasten off.
- Weave in all ends with the tapestry needle.
Stitch Counts Reference
- Round 1: 12 dc
- Round 2: 24 dc
- Round 3: 36 dc
- Round 4: 48 dc
- Round 5: 60 dc
- Rounds 6 and onward: 72 dc in body & brim
Conclusion
You have completed your Ruffled Rocket Hat! The thick, cascading ruffles give this hat its signature playful flair, and the adjustable length and brim make it suitable for many head sizes and styles.
Pattern Corrections
- Ensure that your increases are even throughout the crown to prevent puckering.
- Stitch count at the end of every round helps maintain your pattern accuracy.
- If your ruffles are too tight or too loose, consider adjusting your hook size or the number of double crochets per stitch.
Tips
- Weave ends in neatly to avoid bulk around the ruffles.
- Use soft, bouncy yarn for the best drape.
- For a less dramatic brim, work fewer ruffle rows or use fewer dc per ruffle stitch.
- This hat makes a great statement piece—experiment with color blocking or ombré effects.
Video Guide
https://youtu.be/tfkGyFtCrKo
