Apricot Brim Sun Hat with Leaf Embellishment - Free Crochet Pattern
Apricot Brim Sun Hat with Leaf Embellishment - Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Apricot Brim Sun Hat is a warm, beginner-friendly project that anyone can make, even if you have only just learned half double crochet. It is special because the whole hat is worked in half double crochet through the back loop only, which gives a soft ribbed texture that looks far more complicated than it is. The apricot crown and peach brim create a gentle two-tone autumn look, finished with one small crocheted leaf for a minimalist touch. It feels light and flexible on the head, with a shallow rounded crown and a wide flat brim that keeps the sun off your face.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic. Color A (apricot): 150 yd. Color B (peach): 100 yd.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8), or the size needed to match gauge.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure.
- Finished size: Crown circumference 22 in (56 cm), crown height 4 in (10 cm), brim width 3 in (7.5 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch - chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- MR - magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into, then pull closed.
- sc - single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- hdc - half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
- dc - double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
- sl st - slip stitch: insert hook, pull up a loop and pull it straight through the loop on your hook.
- blo - back loop only: work into the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops.
- inc - increase: work two stitches into the same stitch.
- sts - stitches.
Gauge
14 hdc x 12 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in hdc blo. To check it, crochet a small flat swatch in hdc blo and measure a 4 in (10 cm) section in both directions before starting the hat.
Tips Before You Start
- Always work into the back loop only as written. This is what creates the ribbed texture, so check each stitch as you go.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the continuous spiral.
- Keep your tension even, especially on the brim increase round, so the brim stays flat instead of ruffling.
- Leave a long tail when you change to peach at Round 16 so you can weave it in securely later.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crown (Color A)
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, work 8 hdc into the ring, pull closed (8 sts).
Rnd 2: hdc blo inc in each st around (16 sts).
Rnd 3: [hdc blo, inc] x8 (24 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 hdc blo, inc] x8 (32 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 hdc blo, inc] x8 (40 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 hdc blo, inc] x8 (48 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 hdc blo, inc] x8 (56 sts).
Rnds 8-15: hdc blo in each st around (56 sts).
Change to Color B (peach) at the end of Round 15.
Brim (Color B)
Rnd 16: hdc blo inc in each st around (112 sts).
Rnds 17-22: hdc blo in each st around (112 sts).
Edging (Color B)
Rnd 23: sc in each st around the outer edge of the brim (112 sts). Fasten off.
Leaf (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st (6 sts).
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the leaf onto the brim at the position you like best, using the long tail and a tapestry needle; the pattern does not fix its location, so place it where it looks good to you. Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat, working the color-change tails in opposite directions so they stay secure. Block the hat lightly by misting it with water and shaping the crown and brim flat with your hands, then let it dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make the leaf in a contrasting color such as mustard or deep green for a bolder autumn accent.
- Add a second leaf or a small cluster of three leaves along the brim for a fuller embellishment.
- Work the brim in a slightly larger hook size to make it a little wider and floppier for extra sun coverage.
