Undyed Tweed Plaid Sun Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Undyed Tweed Plaid Sun Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Scandinavian-inspired sun hat is a gentle, meditative project made almost entirely in one simple stitch: half double crochet through the back loop only. The result is a dense, softly ribbed fabric with a lovely tweedy texture that looks far more complicated than it is. It is designed for advanced beginners and confident new crocheters who can work a magic ring and simple increases, and it suits teens and adults with a 21-inch head circumference. Worked in natural undyed wool with three thin pale cream stripe rounds spaced evenly around the crown, it has a calm, classic plaid feel. The flat crown and short flared brim make it a comfortable, wearable hat that looks beautiful in any season.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Aran weight wool blend (approx. 180 yds / 100 g per skein). Color A (natural undyed): 150 yds. Color B (pale cream): 20 yds.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or the size needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, measuring tape, scissors.
• Finished size: Circumference 21 inches (53 cm), height 7 inches (18 cm) including a 1.5-inch brim.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring — an adjustable loop used to start the crown.
• hdc: Half double crochet — yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• hdc blo: Half double crochet through the back loop only — work the stitch into the loop farthest from you, leaving the front loop unworked to create a ribbed texture.
• sc: Single crochet — insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc: Increase — work 2 stitches into the same stitch.
• sts: Stitches.
• Rnd / R: Round / Row.

Gauge

14 hdc blo x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in hdc blo and measure a 4-inch section; if your stitches are larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.

Tips Before You Start

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place, since the hat is worked in a continuous spiral.
• Keep your tension relaxed and even — hdc blo fabric is dense, and tight stitches will make the hat stiff and hard to work.
• Carry Color A up the inside of the hat when you change to Color B for a single round, then pick it back up; this avoids dozens of ends.
• Check your crown diameter after Round 12: it should measure about 7 inches (18 cm) across for a 21-inch circumference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crown (Color A, with Color B stripes)

Rnd 1: In a magic ring, work 6 hdc (6 sts). Pull ring closed.

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rnds 13-14: hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 15: Change to Color B. hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 16: Change to Color A. hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnds 17-19: hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 20: Change to Color B. hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 21: Change to Color A. hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnds 22-24: hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 25: Change to Color B. hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 26: Change to Color A. hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnds 27-29: hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Brim (Color A)

Rnd 30: hdc blo in each st around (72 sts).

Rnd 31: [hdc, inc] x36 (108 sts).

Rnds 32-33: hdc blo in each st around (108 sts). Fasten off.

Edging (Color B)

Rnd 34: Join Color B to the brim edge. sc evenly around the outer brim edge (108 sc). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

This hat is worked in one piece, so no seaming is required. Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat, taking care to secure the carried Color A strand behind the Color B stripe rounds. Block the hat by misting it lightly and shaping it over a bowl or hat form to the finished measurements (21-inch circumference, 7-inch height); let it dry completely before wearing. Gently steam the brim if you would like it to hold its flare.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For a wider sun brim, add one more increase round: [2 hdc, inc] x36 (144 sts), then work 2 rounds even at 144 sts.
• Swap Color B for a soft sage or dusty blue to change the plaid accent without altering the design.
• Add a simple crochet chain tie in Color B around the crown for a removable, adjustable detail.