Introducing the “Jazzed Beanie”!
I love the simplicity of a beanie hat and how quickly it works up when you have that last-minute gift to make, but I do admit that I bore easily and get tired of making the same thing over and over. So, I sat down the other day and started playing around with some stitches and came up with this hat.
The stitch is slightly different from the regular double crochet, but it still has the great simplicity of a beanie hat and worked up really quickly. The stitching is actually thicker too which of course, is perfect for those really cold days.
As I always do, I tried out several different yarns to figure out which one worked best and seemed to fit the stitches the best. I tried Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand, and Red Heart Soft and actually was very pleased with all the variations. The best as far as the join goes, is Caron Simply Soft.
I configured the hat to fit 22″. When I completed my increase rounds, my hat measured approximately 7″.
Written Instructions:
Supplies:
- Any worsted weight yarn should be fine. I used Caron Simply Soft, Red Heart Soft, and Lion Brand for my projects.
- Crochet Hook – I/9 5.5m
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in the ends.
Gauge:
5-6 stitches and 4 rows = 2 inches.
Abbreviations:
adc – aligned double cluster
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
Special Stitch:
Aligned Double Cluster – YO, insert hook into ring/st, YO, (3 loops on the hook), pull through 2 loops, (2 loops remain on hook), YO insert hook into ring/st, YO, (3 loops on the hook), pull through 2 loops, pull through remaining 3 loops on hook.
Hint: If you have ever worked a dc2tog, it’s basically the same thing but you are working in the same stitch instead of working over 2 stitches. Some of you may also may try to skip the ch 2 at the beginning, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You won’t like the amount of space it will leave between your stitches.
Pattern:
Ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Ch 2 does not count as first dc throughout the pattern.
Round 1: ch 2, work ADC in ring 10 times. sl st to first ADC (10 ADC)
Round 2: ch 2 and work 2 ADC in same st, 2 ADC in next st and around, sl st to first ADC (20 ADC)
Round 3: ch 2 and ADC in same st, 2 ADC in next st, *ADC in next st, 2 ADC in next st*, repeat from *to* around, sl st to first ADC (30 ADC)
Round 4: ch 2 and ADC in same st, ADC in next st, 2 ADC in next st, *ADC in next 2 st, 2 ADC in next st*, repeat from *to* around, sl st to first ADC (40 ADC)
Round 5: ch 2 and ADC in same st, ADC in next 2 st, 2 ADC in next st, *ADC in next 3 st, 2 ADC in next st*, repeat from *to* around, sl st to first ADC (50 ADC)
Round 6: ch 2 and ADC in same st, ADC in next st and around, sl st to first ADC (50 ADC)
Rounds 7-13: Repeat Round 6
Round 14: ch 1 and hdc in first st, hdc in next st and around, sl st to first hdc (50 st)
Round 15: ch 1 and sc in first hdc, sc in next hdc and around, sl st to first sc. (50 st) Fasten Off
Weave in the ends.
Please feel free to sell your items made from this pattern. I only ask that you would link back to ELK Studio. Also, please use your own photos to display your work.
If you are on Ravelry, you can easily add this pattern to your favorites for quicker access to the pattern!
Add your favorite flower or bow as a great accessory!
Have a great day and be blessed!!
Kathy
I know it’s been awhile since you posted this pattern so I hope you’re still checking comments. I’m a little confused over the very beginning stitches, specifically “Round 2: ch 2 and work 2 ADC in same st”, which “same st”? Is it the second ch2, the sl st, or the first ADC from Round 1? I love the look of beanie and can’t wait to see the finished product.
Hi Kathy!
You will ch 2 and work 2 ADC in the first ADC of round 1. You are right.
Kathy
Kathy, thanks so much for the QUICK response! that clears it up and I’m working on it now!
Yay!!
Absolute success!
Plain dc beanies are simple and fast but I’m not crazy about the small gaps between stitches when I’m wanting a warm, cozy hat for cold winters. (I crochet tight, so loose/relaxed crocheting hasn’t been my problem. It is the nature of the dc stitch itself.)
Don’t get me wrong. There’s a time you want gaps between your stitches to create delightful patterns or for a cooler, lightweight hat. Then there’s times when a beefier, while still delicate, stitch is needed to keep the cold at bay. Enter this “JAZZED UP” version of the dc stitch which solves the dc gap problem, giving a nice subtle visual texture, has some stretch, and is easier to hide the joins in hats crocheted in the round than sc or hdc. What a clever adaptation! It will be interesting to see if I can successfully substitute the Aligned Double Cluster stitch for dc increase rounds in the crowns of hats before going on to the texture or pattern rounds. This will open new doors for hats I’ve wanted to try but avoided due to the drawbacks of the dc stitch.
For my first attempt with this pattern, I used Red Heart Super Saver Aran Fleck yarn, adapting it smaller to make a toddler-sized hat. I had the yarn in my stash, which was perfect colors for a puppy dog beanie pattern from http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2013/01/crochet-puppy-hat-pattern.html I’ve wanted to audition just for fun. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a stitch I liked well enough to substitute for a plain dc beanie. Most stitches I tried were either too busy texture-wise or left the very gaps I was trying to avoid, as stated above. So both the yarn and pattern have sat untried until now. The Aligned Double Cluster stitch was the perfect solution!
YARN FYI: Red Heart Super Saver yarn is too scratchy for my taste but I did like the Aran Fleck color variation to use for men and boys’ hats, thus a couple of years ago, I purchased 2 skeins, which have sat in my stash after attempting to use it. I guess I’m spoiled after using softer yarns. I especially hate how the RH SS yarn feels running thru my fingers as I crochet. Yuk! {Shiver} Makes me want to slather my hands with loads of lotion! (Which is a no-no when working with yarns.) I sure hope this yarn will soften with washing. It’s definitely not a yarn I would recommend for newborns or young children, despite its economic savings. (NOTE: Kathy didn’t recommend Red Heart Super Saver yarn for this pattern. She did try Red Heart Soft with success, which I’ve not yet tried. Because of the scratchiness of the Super Saver yarn, I have steered clear of all Red Heart yarns. I guess I need to give their “soft” version a try to see if the Red Heart brand can redeem itself in my eyes.)
I can’t wait to try this pattern in the recommended Caron Simply Soft yarn to see if the stitch will help give body to a yarn that can sometimes be too limp for a few select beanie patterns, while still keeping the soft, luscious feel. If not, then I’m certain it will do well in Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn!” which has become my other favorite among “soft” yarns.
It is so exciting to have a few new patterns to audition for grandchildren and charity. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your hard efforts. I’m so happy to have stumbled upon your website. You do amazing work. Your graciousness in sharing your patterns for free is so helpful for those, like me, who are on very tight budgets.
I can only pray I do your patterns justice as I attempt to pass on their beauty while giving to others in need. It is my belief that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, deserves something elegant and beautiful to add a little dignity to their lives, especially those living in humble circumstances. Even if it is just a lowly homemade crocheted hat, let it be made with style, good taste.
Kathy, your collection of free patterns now make that possible. For that, I am most appreciative. Thanks!
sharlene
Goodmorining. …I wanted to know when going to the 2nd row do I go in the stitch or the slave….really anxious to do this pattern. ..thanks for sharing.
You will go into the stitch. Hope this helps.
Kathy
This is a wonderful beanie and crochets up so quickly, I was able to make it in one evening and delivered it to my best friend at the hospital today so she now has one beanie to cover her lack of hair from the chemo and radiation treatments. Thank you so much for you wonderful free patterns. I am going to add this to my ravelry page with the picture of my bf wearing it. Now on to making the other beanies you have available.
How wonderful! You are a blessing and it warms my heart to know you chose my pattern! Thank you for sharing and keep me posted on your friend. Tell her she has prayers going up for her.
Kathy
I love this hat, but it way to big for me at 22″, how can I make it smaller , could I start with less Stitches in the ring, or should I not do as many increases, ?. I made one in red and have to say this is my favorite hat pattern by far, just want to make it like 20″. Thanks so much for the pattern and for any advice you can offer. Cindy G.
Cindy,
Thank you! You would not do as many increases or you could try using a smaller hook. The crown of your hat needs to measure around 6″ to 6.50. Let me know if these suggestions work for you.
Kathy
Has anyone had success in making this hat?
Chi Chi,
I reviewed your picture late last night. I’ve been working at the hospital quite a bit for the past few nights. I can definitely see what you are talking about but would like to see the “top” of the hat because it almost looks as if there aren’t enough stitches being working. You could always ch 5 or 6 if you feel like ch 4 is not large enough too, but it doesn’t look like that’s the real issue.
When you are working your ADC stitches, that doesn’t count as two stitches, it only counts as one, although you are going into the same stitch twice.
Someone from Ravelry has worked up the hat and left a comment on her success.
You can email me again if you have any other questions or want to continue this conversation.
Kathy
I have tried extensively to make this hat and it each time it’s shaped like a cone at the top the bottom looks very nice however the top not so much I’ve never used this ADC stitch before, and I really would like to make it can you offer any suggestions what may be the problem?
Chi Chi,
The first thing that comes to mind is gauge. It sounds like it may be too tight. What hook size are you using?
The next thing is stitch count, and I’m sure your count is right if you’ve tried repeatedly to get the pattern down but just make sure each ADC is counted as a single stitch.
Let me know if this helps it if you have other questions.
Kathy
Kathy I made sure I didn’t make my ring too tight. I am using an I-Hook the first 3 rounds is where I’m having the issue the rest of the hat looks fine 🙁 do you have an e-mail address I can send you a photo so you can access the situation and hopefully help me figure it out?
It’s elkstudiocrochet@gmail.com
I’ll check it out in the morning. Thanks.
Kathy
Thank you very much Kathy!
Thank you for the gorgeous pattern!
Great hat! Simple and elegant – as usual 🙂
Another Fabulous Hat!!