Thank you to Cascade Yarns for providing the yarn for this sample!
If you follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my e-newsletter, you probably already know my good news: we’re adding another little monkey to our family in December! Our baby boy will join us right around Christmastime, and we are beyond excited.
Believe it or not, I didn’t even know how to crochet when my other two boys (now 6 and 4) were born. Luckily, some of the wonderful women in our church made beautiful crocheted items for both of them when they were born. Now, it’s my turn!
Oh, and – side note – that’s my oldest monkey up there in the photo holding his future baby brother’s hat. How adorable is that!?
–
About the Yarn
For this hat pattern, I used Cascade Longwood, one of my all-time favorite #4 worsted weight yarns. (It also has a thinner version, Longwood Sport, which just so happens to be one of my all-time favorite #3 light yarns.) It is soooo soft, and works up soooo beautifully. I had a few balls of it from another pattern project, so I used what was left to work up baby hats in newborn – 1 year sizes. I’ve turned my business focus so much to adult patterns over the last couple of years that sitting down to make baby hats for a few days was refreshing (they work up so quick!) and Cascade Longwood makes it all that much more enjoyable.
–
About the Herringbone Stitch
This pattern uses a beautiful stitch called the Herringbone Half Double Crochet. I tend to get fixated on a certain stitch each season (last year was the SC+HDC combo), and this year, you’ll be seeing the Herringbone in a lot of my pattern releases. There are so many variations of this stitch that change its look drastically. In this pattern, we’ll be using the Herringbone HDC variation in a continuous, unturned spiral, resulting in a great texture that is a welcome change from the typical HDC hat.
–
Prefer a PDF?
This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)
HERRINGBONE BABY HAT
Difficulty: Easy
Hook: I (5.50mm)
Yarn: Cascade Longwood (a #4 medium yarn). Yardage will be listed under individual pattern sizes.
Gauge: Upon completion of Round 5 (in all sizes), your flat circle should measure 3.75″ across. For best results, adjust your hook size to match this gauge.
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, stitch marker
Abbreviations Used:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST (stitch)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
HHDC (herringbone half double crochet; see “special stitch” below)
SC2TOG (single crochet two together)
BLO (back loop only)
Special Stitch:
HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Here’s how you do it:
HHDC: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. Yarn over, pull loop through stitch AND through first loop on hook (this is similar to a slip stitch motion). Two loops remain on hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops.
(If you need additional help, Moogly has an excellent video tutorial here.)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) Pattern is worked in a continuous, seamless round until the band. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds and do not join unless instructed to do so.
(3) Measurements and yarn totals are included on individual sizes and do not include the optional pom pom.
(4) Several people have noted that the pattern comes out too large; however, I stand by it. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GAUGE.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
NEWBORN
Measurements: 5″ tall x 6″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 55
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 8 STS) around. (50)
Rounds 7-11: HHDC in each ST around. (50)
Round 12: HHDC in each of the first 48 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (50)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 13: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (50)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH5. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. (4)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (50 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
0-3 MONTHS
Measurements: 5.5″ tall x 6.5″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 65
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) 8 times; 5 STS remain unworked. HHDC in each of the remaining STS. (53)
Rounds 7-14: HHDC in each ST around. (53)
Round 15: HHDC in each of the first 51 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (53)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 16: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (53)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH5. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. (4)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (53 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
3-6 MONTHS
Measurements: 6.25″ tall x 7″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 90
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (54)
Round 7: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 26 STS) around. (56)
Rounds 8-16: HHDC in each ST around. (56)
Round 17: HHDC in each of the first 54 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (56)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 18: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (56)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH6. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (5)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (56 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
6-9 MONTHS
Measurements: 6.5″ tall x 7.5″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 105
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (54)
Round 7: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 8 STS) around. (60)
Rounds 8-17: HHDC in each ST around. (60)
Round 18: HHDC in each of the first 58 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (60)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 19: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (60)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH6. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (5)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (60 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
9-12 MONTHS
Measurements: 6.5″ tall x 7.75″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 110
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (54)
Round 7: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 5 STS) around. (63)
Round 8: 2 HHDC in next ST. HHDC in next 62 STS. (64)
Rounds 9-17: HHDC in each ST around. (64)
Round 18: HHDC in each of the first 62 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (64)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 19: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (64)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH6. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (5)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (64 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
Good Morning Rebecca & Family! I also want to Thank you so very much for your Sweet and Beautiful Baby Designs and your Adult Hats. I Love them so much! I’m about to make to make this Cute little Hat too. But I will be using the Bernat Softee Baby Yarn that I Love to use a lot. This is a Light weight yarn, #3. So should I use the Hook that this yarn advises, a G Hook or a H Hook? I
Appreciate your help and advice. Thank you, Renee
Hi Renee! You will need to do a gauge check to determine what hook size to use. (That also applies even if you’re using the same yarn as me.)