- Fold the rectangle in half so the short edges meet, aligning the stitches perfectly.
- Thread your tapestry needle with the long tail and use a whip stitch to join the two short edges together, working through the BLO of the foundation chain and the BLO of the final row.
- Secure the yarn at the base of the seam.
- To close the top, thread the needle through the stitches along the top edge of the tube, weaving in and out of the ends of the rows.
- Pull the yarn tail tight to gather the top closed and secure it with a few sturdy knots.
- Weave all remaining ends into the fabric on the inside of the hat.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent.
- Lay the hat flat on a towel to dry, shaping it gently into a circle to maintain the brim circumference.
- Avoid using a tumble dryer, as heat will cause the fibers to felt and shrink the hat significantly.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Maintain consistent tension throughout the rows; if your tension tightens, the hat will look uneven. Use a stitch marker on the first and last stitch of every row to ensure you do not accidentally skip stitches or add extra ones, which would result in a tapered shape rather than a rectangle.
- When seaming, use the mattress stitch for an invisible finish that lies flat against the scalp, preventing irritation during wear.
- You can easily adjust the size of this hat by changing the starting chain count; add more chains for a slouchy fit or fewer chains if you prefer a beanie that sits tightly above the ears.
- Always leave a longer yarn tail than you think you need for seaming; running out of yarn mid-seam creates an unnecessary bulky knot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a larger hook size for this pattern?
Using a larger hook will make the fabric airier and less dense, which is great for a slouchy look, but it will significantly increase the finished circumference. If you increase the hook size, you may need to reduce your total number of rows to prevent the hat from being too loose.
Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this is an excellent starter project. It uses only one basic stitch, the half double crochet, and focuses on understanding the difference between working into both loops versus the back loop only.
How do I know if I have the right gauge?
Measure a 4-inch by 4-inch square of your fabric. If you have significantly more or fewer stitches than standard worsted weight gauge suggests, adjust your hook size up or down until your swatch matches the required stretch of 18 inches for 70 rows.
Can I sell the hats I make from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. However, you must credit the designer in your product listings and use your own photographs for marketing materials.
Pin for later!
Your finished dishcloth brings a splash of color to the kitchen and holds up well against daily scrubbing needs. You might consider using a sturdy cotton blend in seafoam green or cool blues if you prefer a different look for your next round. Please tag your finished photos on social media so others can see your unique yarn color choices. Visit the main blog archive to discover more free projects that help you practice new techniques while keeping your hands busy during your quiet downtime hours.
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