Crocheting a bucket hat out of granny squares is a fun and creative project that allows you to mix and match colors to create a truly unique accessory. This tutorial will walk you through all the necessary steps, from making the individual squares to joining them, shaping the hat, and adding a finished brim. It's a great project for using up yarn scraps and making a stylish, one-of-a-kind hat.
Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern is ideal for you if you're comfortable with:
Magic Ring (MR): For a neat, closed center.
Chain (ch): The fundamental stitch.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds neatly.
Double Crochet (dc): The main stitch for granny squares.
Joining Motifs: Connecting your granny squares together.
Working in Rounds: Crocheting in joined circles.
Finished Hat Dimensions (Approximate):
Using the recommended yarn and hook, your finished hat will fit an average adult head.
Hat Circumference: 22-23 inches (56-58 cm)
Hat Height: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
Brim Width: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
Materials You'll Need:
Yarn: Approximately 150-200 yards (135-180 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn. Cotton is highly recommended for a summer hat as it's breathable and holds its shape well. You'll need enough yarn to make 5 identical squares and enough of one main color for the brim and joining.
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends and sewing the squares together.
Scissors: Any sharp pair for cutting your yarn.
Stitch Markers (Optional): Helpful for marking corners.
Part 1: Making the Granny Squares
You will need to make 5 identical squares. The size of your squares is important as it determines the finished size of your hat. A good size for this project is about 4.5-5 inches (11.5-12.5 cm) per side.
For each square, follow these steps:
Round 1 (Magic Ring):
Create a Magic Ring (MR).
Chain 3 (ch 3) (counts as your first dc).
Work 2 double crochet (dc) stitches into the ring.
Chain 2 (ch 2) (this creates your first corner space).
*Work 3 dc into the ring. Chain 2 (ch 2).*
Repeat from * to * two more times.
Pull the yarn tail to close the ring tightly.
Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the beginning ch 3. (4 clusters of 3 dc, 4 corner spaces)
Round 2:
Chain 3 (ch 3) (counts as your first dc).
Work 2 dc into the same corner space.
Chain 1 (ch 1) (this creates a side space).
In the next corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Chain 1 (ch 1).
In the next corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Chain 1 (ch 1).
In the next corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Chain 1 (ch 1).
In the first corner space (where you started), work 3 dc.
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 3:
Chain 3 (ch 3).
Work 2 dc into the same corner space.
Chain 1 (ch 1).
Work 3 dc into the next side space.
Chain 1 (ch 1).
In the next corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Chain 1 (ch 1).
Continue this pattern: 3 dc into each side space and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into each corner space.
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Repeat Round 3 until your squares measure about 4.5 inches on each side. You will need 5 squares total.
Part 2: Assembling the Hat
Once you have your 5 squares, it's time to join them to form the hat's crown and sides. We'll use a yarn needle and a simple whip stitch for a clean, durable seam.
Arrange the Squares:
Take four of your squares and arrange them in a long strip. These will form the sides of the hat.
Take the fifth square and place it in the center of the four-square strip. This will be the top of the hat.
Join the Squares:
Using a yarn needle and a sturdy yarn (your main color), lay two squares next to each other, wrong sides facing.
Begin a whip stitch by inserting your needle into the corner stitch of both squares and sewing through both loops of each corresponding stitch.
Continue sewing down the side until you reach the next corner.
Repeat this process to join all four side squares to the top square.
Finally, join the two ends of the four-square strip together to form a tube.
Part 3: Adding the Brim
The brim is the final element that gives the hat its classic bucket hat shape. We'll work the brim in a continuous spiral for a seamless look.
Set Up the First Brim Round:
With your chosen brim color, join your yarn with a slip stitch to any stitch on the bottom edge of the hat.
Chain 1 (ch 1).
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire bottom edge. This creates a neat ridge.
Do NOT join with a slip stitch. This round should have approximately 72-84 stitches. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of the round.
Increase Rounds (for the flare):
Round 2 (Increase): *Work 2 sc into the next stitch. Work 1 sc into the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around.
Round 3 (No Increase): Work 1 sc into each stitch around.
Round 4 (Increase): *Work 2 sc into the next stitch. Work 1 sc into the next 6 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around.
Round 5 (No Increase): Work 1 sc into each stitch around.
Note: Continue alternating between increase and non-increase rounds until the brim reaches your desired width. It should start to flare outward.
Final Brim Round:
When your brim is the desired width, work one final round of single crochet.
Join with a slip stitch to the first sc of the round.
Fasten Off (FO), leaving a tail of about 6 inches (15 cm).
Part 4: Final Finishing Touches
Weave in All Ends:
Use your yarn needle to meticulously weave in all the yarn tails from your squares, the joining, and the brim.
Weave the tails along existing stitches on the inside of the hat, changing direction to lock them in place.
Blocking (Optional but Recommended):
Gently mist the hat with cool water until it is damp.
Place the hat over a bowl or a small balloon to help it hold its dome shape, and lay the brim flat to dry.
Allow the hat to air dry completely and thoroughly.
Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted a unique and stylish Granny Square Bucket Hat!
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