Whether you're looking to save money on your own accessories or you want a custom gift for a friend, crocheting a hat from scratch is a great project.If you're new to crocheting, it may be difficult to make a whole hat.It's easier than it might seem.You can make a lovely, unique hat with some simple instructions and a bit of time.
Step 1: Determine the size of your hat.
You need to figure out how big or small you want your hat to be.General guidelines can be used to choose your size, or you can take a head measurement for a more specific fit.You will probably not be able to get an exact measurement for a hat that is being gifted.Preemie: circumference is 12 inches, height is 4 inches and newborn is 14 inches.
Step 2: You can choose your yarn.
You can use any type of yarn to make a basic beanie.It is easier for beginners to choose a style that has a good amount of elasticity and isn't too thick.Aim for a 4-ply knitting worsted yarn.The color doesn't matter, but it is harder to see and count stitches with a darker color, so you may consider using a lighter hue for your first hat.
Step 3: Pick a hook.
The crochet hook's size depends on the yarn you're using.You will need an H/8 made of aluminum for a 4-ply knitting worsted yarn.The size hook is comfortable to hold and will work with multiple sizes of yarn.Make sure you hold your hook in the right way.The knife hold is similar to a knife held to cut something.The pencil hold is like a pen.
Step 4: Tie your slipknot.
The knot that holds the yarn to the needle is called the slipknot.To tie the knot, drape the yarn with the tail end in the palm of your hand, wrapped around your index finger and middle finger.Wrap the yarn behind the first loop.Pull a loop from the center of the piece of yarn and put it through the large loop you made around your fingers.Pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the new small loop on the crochet hook.
Step 5: Your foundation chain needs to be created.
The first row of chain stitches is the foundation chain.The foundation chain is only five stitches long because you are crocheting a hat.To crochet your first stitch, hold the tail end of your slipknot and slide the hook forward so that there is plenty of space on the end.Wrap the yarn around the end of the hook and pull it through the slipknot.You have completed your first stitch.This is how to create a foundation chain.
Step 6: To join your end to the first chain, make a slipstitch.
The foundation row will be finished by hooking it back in a loop.If you want to do a single stitch, stick the end of your hook through the center of the first stitch.
Step 7: Go to your starting point.
You have to keep count of your stitches as you crochet.You need to know where your row started.If you want to mark the starting point, you can either tie a piece of string around the first stitch in the second row or use a bobby pin.You will know you have completed an entire row of stitches when you get back to this part of the row.
Step 8: The crochet is done in the round.
You will need to crochet in the round to build your base chain.The base for your hat is crocheted in the round.The second row is adjacent to the first in a spiral, if you pull the hook through.If you don't continue to crochet in a spiral, you will lose your hat.Don't change the direction at any point.
Step 9: You can use a double stitch to crochet your second row.
You will have to use a double stitch for your hat from now on.Attach your new rows of stitches to the spiral in the center so that you don't end up with multiple loose rows.You need a single loop on your hook to do a double stitch.The chain is attached to the spiral and you can slip the hook through it.You have two loops on your crochet hook.Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the loops on your hook.When you complete one double stitch, you will always end with a single loop on your hook.
Step 10: The pattern should be altered.
When you make the base round, you can change your stitch pattern to increase the body of your hat.For every row of stitches, you need to start with a double stitch, do a single stitch and then complete the row.
Step 11: Count your stitches.
The first few rows are easy, but as you move on you will need to count your stitches.A double and single stitch count.If you were doing a row of five, one double stitch would be finished.The first row is 5 stitches, the second is 10 stitches and the third is 30 stitches.
Step 12: Continue with single stitches after the seventh row.
You will do additional rows of single stitches to complete your hat.It will add length to the hat instead of widening it.When you reach the desired circumference, begin your rows of single stitches.To complete your hat, you need to tie a slipknot and hide the tail end of the yarn with your hook.You can put the end piece of your hat in the hat.After you tie the slipknot, leave about 6” of yarn to use to weave the end through the edge and into the inside of the hat.After you have woven it into the inside of the hat, tie off the end.