Crochet Hat Patterns

Alpine Checker Dome Hat with Brim: Free Crochet Pattern

CompatNest: Cozy Knits & Yarn Haven • October 28, 2026

Introduction

This Alpine Checker Dome Hat is a textured, easy-wearing sun hat made for anyone who loves a clean, classic look with a little handmade character. It is written for crocheters who are comfortable with single and double crochet and ready to try the front post double crochet, which creates the raised checkerboard texture. The denim blue dome with cream checker blocks looks crisp and modern, while the straight tube brim keeps the shape simple and unisex. Worked in super bulky yarn, it comes together quickly and feels soft, warm, and sturdy enough for everyday wear.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6) yarn, approx. 120 yd (110 m) total: 80 yd denim blue and 40 yd cream. The sample uses acrylic.
Hook: 8.0 mm (US L-11) crochet hook
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
Finished size: Fits head circumference 22-24" (56-61 cm). Crown height approx. 6.5" (16.5 cm) from base of brim to top of dome. Brim width approx. 2" (5 cm).

Abbreviations

MR: magic ring, an adjustable loop used to start the hat
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
FPdc: front post double crochet, worked around the post of a stitch two rows below
inc: increase, work 2 sc in the same stitch
ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
Rnd: round

Gauge

8 sts and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in alpine stitch pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in the pattern and measure a 4" section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

Keep your tension even on the FPdc stitches so the checkerboard texture stays flat and does not pucker.
Use a stitch marker at the start of each round so you never lose your place, especially when switching colors.
Carry the cream yarn loosely up the inside of the hat between cream rounds rather than cutting it each time.
Try the hat on as you go after Round 12 to confirm the crown fits before starting the alpine stitch section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crown (denim blue and cream)

With denim blue, make a magic ring (MR).

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).

Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts).

Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts).

Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66 sts).

Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] x6 (72 sts).

Do not fasten off. Continue in the alpine stitch pattern for the checkerboard.

Alpine Stitch Pattern (worked in rounds)

Special stitch: FPdc (front post double crochet) worked around the post of the stitch two rows below.

Rnd 13 (denim blue): ch 2, dc in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 14 (cream): ch 2, [FPdc around next st 2 rows below, dc in next st] repeat around (72 sts).

Rnd 15 (denim blue): ch 2, dc in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 16 (cream): ch 2, [dc in next st, FPdc around next st 2 rows below] repeat around (72 sts).

Rnds 17-28: Repeat Rnds 13-16 three more times, maintaining the color sequence: Rnd 17 denim, Rnd 18 cream, Rnd 19 denim, Rnd 20 cream, Rnd 21 denim, Rnd 22 cream, Rnd 23 denim, Rnd 24 cream, Rnd 25 denim, Rnd 26 cream, Rnd 27 denim, Rnd 28 cream (72 sts each round).

Fasten off cream after Rnd 28. Do not fasten off denim blue.

Brim (denim blue)

Rnd 29: With denim blue, ch 1, sc in each st around (72 sts).

Rnds 30-33: sc in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 34: sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off (72 sts).

Top Button (cream)

With cream, make a magic ring.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: sc in each st around (12 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Edging (optional)

With denim blue, join yarn at the back of the brim, sc evenly around the brim edge, join with sl st. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the cream top button to the center of the crown using the long tail, stitching securely through the center. Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping over a bowl or hat form, then let it dry fully to set the dome and brim shape.

Pro Tips and Variations

Swap the cream for a warm mustard or rust to create a different checkerboard contrast.
Add one extra sc round to the brim for a slightly wider sun shade.
Work the top button in denim blue for a subtle, tonal finish instead of a contrasting one.

Also Check Out: We think you'd love this beautiful pattern on our sister site: Whimsical Succulent Garden Free Pattern