Free Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat.
This pattern creates a bucket hat with a unique construction: a flat, circular base, a body made of eight joined granny squares, and a brim worked around the bottom edge of the granny squares. It uses primarily double crochet stitches and features color changes for a vibrant look.
Skill Level: This pattern is likely best suited for an intermediate crocheter. The skills involved are:
- Magic ring
- Chain (ch)
- Double crochet (dc) – The pattern uses US terminology.
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Increasing (inc) – working two double crochets in one stitch
- Working in the round
- Working in rows (for the granny squares)
- Joining granny squares with slip stitches (seaming)
- Changing colors
- Reading a chart (for the granny squares)
While the individual stitches are basic, the construction (combining a circular base, granny squares, and a brim) and the color changes make it more complex than a beginner project.
Sizing: The pattern doesn’t explicitly state a size, but given the stitch counts and typical bucket hat dimensions, it’s likely designed for an adult size.
Materials:
- Yarn: Katia Capri (100% cotton), 1 ball of each of five colors (A, B, C, D, E). Katia Capri is a sport weight yarn.
- Hook: US C-2 / 2.5 mm crochet hook
- Other:
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Gauge: 23 sts x 14 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) in double crochet.
Construction:
- Base:
- The hat begins with a magic ring.
- Rounds 1-11 are worked in increasing rounds of double crochet, creating a flat, circular base.
- The pattern uses a combination of colors A, D, E, and C for the base.
- Round 7 is worked in single crochet, not double crochet. This is a key detail.
- Body (Granny Squares):
- Eight granny squares are made, each using four rounds and a different combination of colors A, B, C, D, and E.
- The granny squares are made following a chart (provided separately, presumably). The chart uses standard crochet symbols.
- The granny squares are joined together along their sides using slip stitches (in color E) to form a strip.
- The strip of granny squares is then joined to the last round of the base using slip stitches (in color E).
- The first and last granny squares are joined to complete the circular body.
- Brim:
- The brim is worked around the bottom edge of the joined granny squares.
- Round 1 is worked in double crochet (in color E), working into both the double crochets and chain spaces of the granny squares.
- Rounds 2-7 are worked in increasing rounds of double crochet, using colors B and A. The pattern notes to vary the placement of increases to avoid stacking them directly on top of each other.
Key Features:
- Granny Square Construction: The body of the hat is made of joined granny squares, creating a unique and visually interesting design.
- Color Changes: The pattern uses multiple colors, creating a vibrant and customizable look.
- Mixed Construction: Combines a circular base, granny squares worked in rows, and a brim worked in rounds.
- US Terminology: The pattern uses US crochet terms.
- Chart for Granny Squares: The granny square pattern is provided in a chart, requiring chart-reading skills.
This comprehensive summary breaks down the construction process, clarifies the terminology, and highlights the key features of the pattern. The combination of techniques makes this an intermediate-level project.