Ocean Ombre Pompom Toque: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Ocean Ombre Pompom Toque is a classic crochet beanie that takes you on a gentle dive from deep navy to pale sea-foam blue, finished with a big, fluffy white pompom on top. It's written for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with single and half double crochet and are ready to try a simple color change and crown shaping. The ribbed brim hugs the head snugly while the smooth half double crochet body gives the hat a soft, squishy drape that feels wonderful on cold ears. With three sizes included, it's a perfect gift project for kids and adults alike.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (category 3) acrylic or wool blend, 50 yd each in five shades: A (dark navy), B (deep blue), C (medium blue), D (light blue), E (pale blue). Small amount of white for the pompom.
• Hooks: 4 mm (G-6) for the brim and 5 mm (H-8) for the body.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, pompom maker (4" size) or a piece of cardboard.
• Finished size: Child (18–20" circumference), Teen/Small Adult (20–22"), Large Adult (22–24").

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• hdc — half double crochet
• hdc2tog — half double crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
• sl st — slip stitch
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• rnd(s) — round(s)
• rep — repeat
• BLO — back loop only

Gauge

16 sts and 16 rnds = 4 inches in half double crochet with the 5 mm hook. Work a small swatch in the round and measure it flat before starting to make sure your hat comes out the right size.

Tips Before You Start

• Check your brim length unstretched — it should match the head circumference listed for your size, since the ribbing stretches to fit.
• When joining the brim into a ring, take care not to twist it; the ribbed texture should run vertically up the hat.
• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a round so the new shade starts cleanly at the join.
• Keep your hdc tension relaxed and even; tight stitches make the crown shaping pull and pucker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brim (Shade A)

With the 4 mm hook and shade A, ch 9.

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sts).

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in BLO of each st across (8 sts).

Rows 3–end: rep Row 2 until the piece measures 18 (20, 22)" unstretched. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Join the short ends with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.

Body (Shades A–E)

With the 5 mm hook and shade A, join yarn to the brim edge.

Rnd 1: ch 1, work 72 (80, 88) sc evenly around the brim, join with sl st to first sc (72, 80, 88 sts).

Rnd 2: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join (72, 80, 88 sts).

Rnds 3–6: rep Rnd 2 (72, 80, 88 sts). Change to B.

Rnds 7–10: rep Rnd 2 (72, 80, 88 sts). Change to C.

Rnds 11–14: rep Rnd 2 (72, 80, 88 sts). Change to D.

Rnds 15–18: rep Rnd 2 (72, 80, 88 sts). Change to E.

Rnd 19: rep Rnd 2 (72, 80, 88 sts).

Crown Shaping (Shade E)

Rnd 20: ch 1, [hdc in next 7 sts, hdc2tog] around, join (64, 71, 78 sts).

Rnd 21: ch 1, [hdc in next 6 sts, hdc2tog] around, join (56, 62, 68 sts).

Rnd 22: ch 1, [hdc in next 5 sts, hdc2tog] around, join (48, 53, 58 sts).

Rnd 23: ch 1, [hdc in next 4 sts, hdc2tog] around, join (40, 44, 48 sts).

Rnd 24: ch 1, [hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog] around, join (32, 35, 38 sts).

Rnd 25: ch 1, [hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog] around, join (24, 26, 28 sts).

Rnd 26: ch 1, [hdc in next st, hdc2tog] around, join (16, 17, 18 sts).

Rnd 27: ch 1, hdc2tog around, join (8, 9, 9 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining sts and pull tight to close.

Pompom (White)

Make a pompom 4" in diameter using white yarn. Attach securely to the top of the hat.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side of the hat, working each tail through several stitches to secure it. Gently steam-block the hat over a bowl or hat form to smooth the color bands and even out the crown, taking care not to flatten the ribbed brim. Fluff the pompom with your fingers and trim any uneven strands so it sits round and full.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the white pompom for a faux fur one, or make it in shade E for a tonal look.
• Add a contrasting stripe of white between color bands for a nautical feel.
• Work the body in a single shade for a quick, beginner-friendly version of the same hat.