Remember when I made the video tutorial of the fpdc/bpdc stitches? Well…..here’s a hat pattern using those stitches. If you haven’t watched the video, I can assure you these hats ARE made using the fpdc/bpdc stitches. You may wonder how the “Just Groovin” hat has the wavy effect. Well it’s from doing the bpdc stitches just a little different from what you are probably used too but….It’s possible. If you are ready to step out on the ledge and think outside the box, this pattern may just be for you. Please be sure to read through all the notes before you start the pattern.
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Skill Level: Intermediate
Supplies:
- Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere #4 yarn Weight 1.4 oz/40g, 87 yds. 230-250 yards for the project. I purchased 3 skeins. Colorway: Blossom
- Hook – H/5.0 mm
- Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends.
Gauge: 12 fpdc stitches and 6 rows = 2”
Abbreviations:
bpdc – back post double crochet (See notes for instructions on the “special technique” used for the bpdc).
bphdc – back post half double crochet (The special technique applies to the bphdc).
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
fpdc – front post double crochet
fphdc – front post half-double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet 2 together
sl st – slip stitch
st – stitch
Notes:
There is a special way of doing the bpdc/bphdc to get the wavy effect in the pattern. You can watch my video tutorial here.
I know most of the projects using hdc stitches in rows will have you to ch 2 as the first hdc stitch, but I want you to try forming the hat using a ch 1 and hdc in the first stitch. Once you get started with the pattern, you’ll see the stitches will be closer together and since the fpdc/bpdc stitches aren’t used in the first and last stitch in the band, it creates a very nice looking brim without any gaps.
Think outside the box on this project. If you wanted to use different yarn, just adjust the size of the band. When I make my bands for these types of hats, they usually measure around 20” for the average adult because I want to allow for stretching. So, if you want to use the Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky yarn (like I did in the picture with my hubby), I crocheted enough rows until it measured 20” which was around 52 rows for that particular yarn. As long as your rows end on an even number and your first round in forming the hat ends on an even number….the hat should turn out fine because the pattern is the same. It’s just the stitch count that’s different.
Creation Crochet has a great tutorial giving you specifics on hat sizes that might help you.
Ch 10, (leave yourself about a 3-4″ tail for weaving)
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from the hook (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next ch and across, turn. (8 st)
Row 2: ch 1, hdc in first st, fphdc in next st, bphdc in next st until last st, hdc in last st, turn. (8 st)
Row 3 – 70: Repeat Row 2. Do not fasten off working yarn (this means the yarn where you can insert the hook). The working yarn and tail should end opposite of each other.
Forming Band:
Using 4’ tail and yarn needle, line up the two ends and whip stitch the seam and back loop stitches together to form the band. Insert the hook into the working yarn and begin the body of the hat.
Round 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next stitch and around, sl st to top of 3rd ch. (70 st)
Round 2: *fpdc around first st, bpdc around next st,*, repeat from *to*, sl st to first fpdc, TURN, (70 st)
Round 3-13: Repeat Round 2 or until you have reached your desired height.
Round 14: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next st and around, sl st to first sc, (70 st) DO NOT TURN
Round 15: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next 4 st, sc2tog, *sc in next 5 st, sc2tog*, repeat from *to* sl st to first sc. (60 st) DO NOT TURN
Round 16: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next 3 st, sc2tog, *sc in next 4 st, sc2tog*, repeat from *to*sl st to first sc, (50 st) DO NOT TURN
Round 17: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next 2 st, sc2tog, *sc in next 3 st, sc2tog*, repeat from *to* sl st to first sc. (40 st) DO NOT TURN
Round 18: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next st, sc2tog, *sc in next 2 st, sc2tog*, repeat from *to* sl st to first sc. (30 st) DO NOT TURN
Round 19: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next st and around, sl st to first sc. (30 st)
Do not fasten off. Take your tapestry needle and weave under the loops of every other sc around, pull the yarn tightly. This will close up the hat. Sew the top of the hat with a few stitches for security. Fasten off.
I hope you enjoy the Just Groovin beanie pattern! I’d love to see your creations too. Show them off on my ELK Studio Facebook page!
Have a great day. Be blessed.
Kathy