Rafia from Adriafil Cuba Bucket Hat (Plymouth Yarn B151)
This pattern creates a simple bucket hat worked entirely in single crochet. It’s constructed from the top down, starting with a flat circular crown, then transitioning to the sides, and finishing with the brim. The pattern uses a unique round 12 and 13 to create a defined edge between the crown and sides.
Skill Level: The pattern uses only single crochet and basic increasing, making it suitable for a confident beginner. The skills involved are:
- Magic loop (also called magic ring)
- Single crochet (sc) – The pattern does not specify US or UK terminology, but given the source (Plymouth Yarn, a US company), it’s almost certainly US terminology.
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Increasing (2 sc in one stitch)
- Working in the round
- Joining rounds with a slip stitch
- Placing a stitch marker
Sizing: To Fit Size: Adult. No specific head circumference is given.
Materials:
- Yarn: Rafia from Adriafil (100% cellulose rayon): 4 skeins (25g each). Rafia is a yarn made from plant fibers, giving the hat a structured, straw-like texture.
- Hook: Size 4.5mm (US 7) crochet hook
- Other:
- 1 stitch marker
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Gauge: The pattern doesn’t provide a gauge. This is a significant omission. Because the yarn is unusual (rafia), and fit is important for a hat, making a gauge swatch would be highly recommended, even though it’s not explicitly stated in the pattern.
Construction:
- Crown:
- The hat begins with a magic loop.
- Rounds 1-5 and 7-9, and 11 are worked in increasing rounds of single crochet, creating a flat, circular crown. Each increase round adds 8 stitches.
- Rounds 6 and 10 are worked even (no increases).
- Round 12 is worked in slip stitch on the wrong side (WS). This creates a textured, defined edge.
- Side:
- Round 13 is worked in single crochet, working into the slip stitches of the previous round. This helps to create a sharp transition between the crown and the sides.
- Rounds 14-22 are worked even in single crochet (no increases).
- Brim:
- Rounds 23, 24, 25, and 29 are worked in increasing rounds of single crochet.
- Rounds 26-28 and 30-32 are worked even in single crochet.
- Round 33 is a round of slip stitches, joined to the first single crochet.
Key Features:
- Simple Stitches: Uses only single crochet and slip stitch.
- Rafia Yarn: Creates a structured, straw-like texture.
- Defined Crown/Side Transition: The slip stitch round on the wrong side creates a distinct edge.
- Clear Instructions: The pattern provides detailed, round-by-round instructions.
- US terminology implied.
- No Gauge Provided: This is a significant drawback. Crocheters should create a gauge swatch to ensure proper fit.