This easy crochet bulky hat looks knit and it is a free crochet pattern by Nana’s Crafty Home!

The Winter Park Hat is such a quick project made with bulky yarn, making it perfect for last minute gift ideas or to whip up for everyone in the family this winter!

I learned how to knit when I was a kid but I never “took” to it like crochet. And even though I love the look of crochet I sometimes want a hat that looks like a traditional knit hat. I recently designed the Marci Tunisian Hat which definitely looks knit but for those of you that are hesitant to try Tunisian Crochet I wanted a traditional crochet hat option for you this year.

I was really looking to create a crochet stitch that would work up and mimic the look of 2×2 knit ribbing with the same kind of stretchiness. I started playing around with the extended half double crochet stitch in combination with slip stitches worked in the third loop of the hdc stitch. This creates a fabric that looks just like knit ribbing with all of the stretchiness as well. I really love this combo and I am sure I will be using it again in the future!

This stitch does have a tendency to curl so be sure to work your slip stitches loosely. You may also need to block your rectangle before seaming together to relax the curl at the end. And some of that curling tendency will work its way out with wear! But, you may find you like that little bit of curl at the brim since we aren’t folding the brim up.

I used Lion Brand’s Color Made Easy yarn* which has fabulous stitch definition and works up so quickly! I love the modern and trendy colors options available, too!

I am providing 3 adult sizes – small, medium and large. However, this stitch is very stretchy so the fit should be very forgiving. And you could easily adjust the size of your rectangle to child sizes as well.

*This post contains affiliate links.  You can click on any yarn or material highlighted to purchase.  I will receive a small commission if you purchase but it won’t cost you any extra!  

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You may also like the following free crochet patterns at Nana’s Crafty Home:

1. Marci Tunisian Crochet Hat
2. Highland Twist Headband
3. Harvest Herringbone Hat

Crochet Bulky Hat that looks knit – Winter Park Crochet Hat

Pattern written in US crochet terminology

Supplies:

Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky/#5 Weight Acrylic)  
small 4.0 oz / 145 yds
med 5.25 oz / 190 yds
large 6.5 oz / 230 yds

Size K (6.5 mm) crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Pom Pom

Approximate finished size:  

Rectangle sizes prior to sewing:

Small:  18” x 8”
Medium:  20” x 9”
Large 22” x 10”

Small (teen):  approx 18” circumference unstretched x 7.5” (no pom pom)
Medium (adult regular): approx 20” circumference unstretched x 8.5”
Large (adult large):  approx 22” circumference unstretched x 9.5”

Gauge: 12 rows x 12 ehdc st = 4”x 4” worked in pattern

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
RS = right side
ehdc = extended half double crochet (see special stitches section below)
blo = back loop only
st = stitch
yo = yarn over

Notes about pattern:

• Hat is worked flat row by row in a rectangle and then seamed together.
• Ch 2 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch.
• Stitch has a tendency to curl, work your slip stitch loosely to help prevent curling.
• If desired, wet block prior to sewing hat closed.
• Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parentheses Small (Medium, Large)
• Stitch gauge is more important than row gauge.  For the number of rows, use the measurements of the finished rectangles prior to sewing together.

Special stitches:

Extended half double crochet (ehdc) :  yo, insert hook into st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 1 loop on hook (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Recommended Tutorials:

Extended half double crochet (ehdc)
Faux Knit 2×2 rib stitch tutorial
How to wet block crochet tutorial

Pattern Instructions

Row 1:  (RS) ch 27 (29, 31), ehdc in 3rd ch from hook (skipped chains do not count as st) and in each ch to end.  Turn 25 (27, 29)

Row 2:  ch 1, sl st loosely in each st (working in front 3rd loop of ehdc st below) to last st, sl st in top 2 loops of ehdc st below.  Turn.

Row 3:  ch 2, ehdc in blo of same st, ehdc in blo of each sl st from previous row to last st, ehdc in both loops of last st. Turn.  

Row 4 – 54 (60, 66):  repeat rows 2 – 3, ending with row 2 repeat.

Fasten off leaving a long tail approx 24” long for sewing hat together.

Block rectangle, if desired.

Lay rectangle flat with RS facing up, fold ends of rectangle together (WS now facing), whip st edges of hat together by working in back loops of last row and unused loop from foundation chain.  

After seaming the side of the hat, make a simple knot at top of hat before closing top of hat.  This will prevent side seam from bunching when pulling top of hat closed.  With same length of yarn, weave needle between last ehdc of each row and pull top of hat closed. 

Sew any remaining hole shut.

Attach pom pom, if desired.

Weave in remaining ends.