If you have lots of scrap yarn and love colourful hats, you’ll be super excited about this free crochet bucket hat pattern! Introducing the Brookside Bucket Hat!
Made from a combination of simple stitches—half double crochet and slip stitches, also known as the crunch stitch—this beautiful texture starts from the very top of the hat and continues through the body of the hat all the way to the brim making this easy bucket hat pattern a little funky and super fun for sunny days!
With the opportunity to use as many colours as you wish this simple bucket hat pattern is perfect to make something that reflects your personal style.
When I was making mine and digging into my scraps I did find that not all of my worsted weight yarn was the same thickness. This did not pose a problem at all! Keep your tension loose and this will keep the look of your stitches consistent. No puckering no issues. A word of caution though – this does not mean that you can mix cotton worsted weight and cotton chunky yarn together – that is too big of a difference.
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The hats featured in this blog post are all made with worsted weight cotton yarn (best yarn for days at the beach) and perfect as we head into warmer months. I had so many small scraps I wanted to use up, and this bucket hat pattern was perfect for that. I love how the colour changes blend into each other, giving it some extra flair.
If you live in cooler climates or are finding this free pattern as we head into colder months, I recommend switching to wool or acrylic yarn. The basic stitches in this pattern create a fairly tight weave, making it perfect for keeping both sun and wind out so don’t hesitate to try it as the weather cools.
I have included all the different sizes you could want but as always, if you can, use a tape measure to be sure to get the perfect fit: baby 0-6 months and 6-12 months, toddler, child, and adult. Great for friends and family!
Unlike most of my patterns, this hat is made using the same hook size for the entire hat—no need to change to a smaller hook for the brim. The brim is made entirely of single crochet stitches, adding to its simplicity and charm.
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Brookside Bucket Hat – Free Crochet Pattern
Skill Level
Easy
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- hdc – half double crochet
- rnd – round
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sp – space
- st – stitch
- sts – stitches
- sl st – slip stitch
- rpt – repeat
Gauge
K/6.50 mm and worsted weight cotton yarn
Special stitch (hdc in st, sl st in next) Rpt.
4” square = 12 sts x 16 rows
Correct gauge is vital for a well-fitting crochet hat. It determines stitch tension and measures the number of stitches and rows. Comparing it to the pattern’s gauge ensures the final hat fits as desired. Adjust hook or tension if needed for a perfectly fitting hat.
When making the swatch be sure to use the same type of yarn and crochet hook that you plan to use for your hat. Begin crocheting a square approximately 4” x 4” using the stitch above and, making sure to maintain an even tension throughout.
Once your swatch is complete, measure it using a ruler or measuring tape to determine the number of stitches and rows per inch.
Finished Measurements
Note: Finished height of hat includes the brim.
- 0-6 Months 15” x 6”
- 6 – 12 Months 16.5” x 7.5”
- 12 Months to 3 Years 18” x 7.75”
- 3 – 10 Years 19.5” x 8.5”
- Adult 21” x 9”
Materials Needed
Notes about yarn requirements
- Exact requirements under each size.
- Yarn requirements for each size are detailed within the instructions for individual sizes.
- I’ve provided yarn requirements based on the number of colours I used; guidance for calculating with different number of contrast colours is included for each size.
- The yarn needed for the brim is listed separately, allowing for colour variation from cream if desired.
- I made these hats in Bernat Handicrafter & Loops and Threads Everyday Cotton as well as some scraps of other cotton yarns.
- If you’re using up scrap yarn with slightly different gauge, maintaining loose tension will prevent puckering.
- Please note that the actual amount of yarn needed may change depending on the yarn chosen always purchase a little more than you think you may need.
- Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Stitch Markers
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- 6.50 mm crochet hook
Take Note!
To achieve the desired texture, it’s crucial to join and turn after each round white making the main part of the hat.
If you’re using up scrap yarn with slightly different gauge, maintaining loose tension will prevent puckering.
For some sizes the increases are done quite quickly – the hat may ripple but will straighten out as you continue to add rounds forming the sides of the hat.
How to make colour changes
Colour changes are made at the end of each round. You can carry the yarn or cut with each colour change. I carried the cream and got fed up wrestling with yarn and cut the rest.
When you reach the last stitch of the round, stop before the final step. Drop the main colour, pick up the contrast colour, and complete the stitch. Chain one with the contrast colour to start the new round.
Special Stitch
Crunch Stitch: hdc in slst, slst in hdc
Note: Once all increase rounds are complete – each round should (end with a slip stitch and start with a hdc.
0 – 6 Months
If you want to use a different amount of contrast colours take 23 grams and divide by the total number of colours you will be using.
Yarn Requirements for Worsted Weight Yarn
Total yarn for the main part of the hat:
45g, 72m, 1.59 oz, 79 yds
Cream yarn – main part of hat only:
23g, 36m, 0.79 oz, 39 yds
Cream yarn – brim only:
20g, 32m, 0.71 oz, 35 yds
3 contrast colours – per colour:
8g, 12m, 0.26 oz, 13 yds
Total amount of cream yarn:
43g
Notes: All contrast rounds must to be worked with the inside of the hat facing out.
Be sure to pull the yarn to the inside of the hat for each colour change.
Colour Changes
Make colour changes at the beginning of each round as follows:
- CC1 – contrast colour 1
- Cream
- CC2 – contrast colour 2
- Cream
- CC3 – contrast colour 3
- Cream
Repeat the above colour changes to the start of the brim.
Using 6.50 mm hook Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1. DO NOT TURN. (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in 1st and each st around, join with sl st. Ch 1 turn. (12)
Rnd 3: Hdc in next st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (12)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (24)
Rnd 5: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (24)
Rnd 6: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (48)
Rnd 7: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (48)
Rnd 8: Hdc in 1st slst, slst in 1st hdc, *hdc in next slst, slst in next hdc* rpt from *to* until
end of round. Join to beginning st, ch 1 turn. (48)
Repeat round 8 until you finish the 19th round.
BRIM – Work in continuous rounds.
Rnd 20: Sc in 1st and each st around (48)
Rnd 21: Working in front loop only. Sc in 1st 2 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (64)
Rnds 22 – 25: Sc in 1st and each st around (64)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
6 – 12 Months
If you want to use a different amount of contrast colours take 28 grams and divide by the total number of colours you will be using.
Yarn Requirements for Worsted Weight Yarn
Total yarn for the main part of the hat:
55g, 88m, 1.94 oz, 96 yds
Cream yarn – main part of hat only:
28g, 44m, 0.97 oz, 48 yds
Cream yarn – brim only:
25g, 40m, 0.88 oz, 44 yds
3 contrast colours – per colour:
9g, 15m, 0.32 oz, 16 yds
Total cream yarn:
53g
Notes: All contrast rounds must to be worked with the inside of the hat facing out.
Be sure to pull the yarn to the inside of the hat for each colour change.
Colour Changes
Make colour changes at the beginning of each round as follows:
- CC1 – contrast colour 1
- Cream
- CC2 – contrast colour 2
- Cream
- CC3 – contrast colour 3
- Cream
Repeat the above colour changes to the start of the brim.
Using 6.50 mm hook Ch 2
Rnd 1: 7 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1. DO NOT TURN. (7)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in 1st and each st around, join with sl st. Ch 1 turn. (14)
Rnd 3: Skip 1st st, hdc in next st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (13)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (26)
Rnd 5: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (26)
Rnd 6: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (52)
Rnd 7: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (52)
Rnd 8: Hdc in 1st slst, slst in 1st hdc, *hdc in next slst, slst in next hdc* rpt from *to* until
end of round. Join to beginning st, ch 1 turn. (52)
Repeat round 8 until you finish the 21st round.
BRIM – Work in continuous rounds.
Rnd 22: Skip 1st st. Sc in next and each st around (51)
Rnd 23: Working in front loop only. Sc in 1st 2 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to last two sts. Sc in last 2 sts. (66)
Rnd 24: Sc in next and each st around (66)
Rnd 25: Sc in 1st 8 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to last two sts. Sc in last 2 sts. (72)
Rnds 26 – 28: Sc in 1st and each st around (80)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
1 – 3 Years
If you want to use a different amount of contrast colours take 30 grams and divide by the total number of colours you will be using.
Yarn Requirements for Worsted Weight Yarn
Total yarn for the main part of the hat:
60g, 96m, 2.12 oz, 105 yds
Cream yarn – main part of hat only:
30g, 48m, 1.06 oz, 53 yds
Cream yarn – brim only:
30g, 48m, 1.06 oz, 53 yds
3 contrast colours – per colour:
10g, 16m, 0.35 oz, 18 yds
Total cream yarn:
60g
Notes: All contrast rounds must to be worked with the inside of the hat facing out.
Be sure to pull the yarn to the inside of the hat for each colour change.
Colour Changes
Make colour changes at the beginning of each round as follows:
- CC1 – contrast colour 1
- Cream
- CC2 – contrast colour 2
- Cream
- CC3 – contrast colour 3
- Cream
Repeat the above colour changes to the start of the brim.
Using 6.50 mm hook Ch 2
Rnd 1: 7 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1. DO NOT TURN. (7)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in 1st and each st around, join with sl st. Ch 1 turn. (14)
Rnd 3: Hdc in next st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (14)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in 1st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn (28)
Rnd 5: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. End with hdc in last st. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (28)
Rnd 6: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (56)
Rnd 7: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (56)
Rnd 8: Hdc in 1st slst, slst in 1st hdc, *hdc in next slst, slst in next hdc* rpt from *to* until
end of round. Join to beginning st, ch 1 turn. (56)
Repeat round 8 until you finish the 23rd round.
BRIM – Work in continuous rounds.
Rnd 24: Sc in 1st and each st around (56)
Rnd 25: Working in front loop only. Sc in 1st 2 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (74)
Rnd 26: Sc in 1st and each st around. (74)
Rnd 27: Sc in 1st 8 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (82)
Rnds 28 – 30: Sc in 1st and each st around (82)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
3 – 10 Years
If you want to use a different amount of contrast colours take 40 grams and divide by the total number of colours you will be using.
Yarn Requirements for Worsted Weight Yarn
Total yarn for the main part of the hat:
80g, 128m, 2.82 oz, 140 yds
Cream yarn – main part of hat only:
40g, 64m, 1.41 oz, 70 yds
Cream yarn – brim only:
35g, 56m, 1.23 oz, 61 yds
3 contrast colours – per colour:
13g, 21m, 0.47 oz, 23 yds
Total cream yarn:
75g
Notes: All contrast rounds must to be worked with the inside of the hat facing out.
Be sure to pull the yarn to the inside of the hat for each colour change.
Colour Changes
Make colour changes at the beginning of each round as follows:
- CC1 – contrast colour 1
- Cream
- CC2 – contrast colour 2
- Cream
- CC3 – contrast colour 3
- Cream
Using 6.50 mm hook Ch 2
Rnd 1: 7 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1. DO NOT TURN. (7)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in 1st and each st around, join with sl st. Ch 1 turn. (14)
Rnd 3: 2 hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (15)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (30)
Rnd 5: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (30)
Rnd 6: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (60)
Rnd 7: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (60)
Rnd 8: Hdc in 1st slst, slst in 1st hdc, *hdc in next slst, slst in next hdc* rpt from *to* until
end of round. Join to beginning st, ch 1 turn. (60)
Repeat round 8 until you finish the 25th round.
BRIM – Work in continuous rounds.
Rnd 26: Sc in 1st and each st around (60)
Rnd 27: Working in front loop only. Sc in 1st 2 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (80)
Rnd 28: Sc in 1st and each st around (80)
Rnd 29: Sc in 1st 4 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (96)
Rnds 30 – 33: Sc in 1st and each st around (96)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Adult
If you want to use a different amount of contrast colours take 43 grams and divide by the total number of colours you will be using.
Yarn Requirements for Worsted Weight Yarn
Total yarn for the main part of the hat:
85g, 136m, 3.00 oz, 149 yds
Cream yarn – main part of hat only:
43g, 68m, 1.50 oz, 74 yds
Cream yarn – brim only:
35g, 56m, 1.23 oz, 61 yds
3 contrast colours – per colour:
14g, 23m, 0.50 oz, 25 yds
Total cream yarn:
78g
Notes: All contrast rounds must to be worked with the inside of the hat facing out.
Be sure to pull the yarn to the inside of the hat for each colour change.
Colour Changes
Make colour changes at the beginning of each round as follows:
- CC1 – contrast colour 1
- Cream
- CC2 – contrast colour 2
- Cream
- CC3 – contrast colour 3
- Cream
Repeat the above colour changes to the start of the brim.
Using 6.50 mm hook Ch 2
Rnd 1: Work 8 hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st, ch 1. DO NOT TURN (8)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (16)
Rnd 3: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (16)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (32)
Rnd 5: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next, *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (32)
Rnd 6: 2 sc in 1st st and each st around. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (64)
Rnd 7: Hdc in 1st st, sl st in next *hdc in next st, sl st in next* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. Join with sl st, ch 1 turn. (64)
Rnd 8: Hdc in 1st slst, slst in 1st hdc, *hdc in next slst, slst in next hdc* rpt from *to* until
end of round. Join to beginning st, ch 1 turn. (64)
Repeat round 8 until you finish the 27th round.
BRIM – Work in continuous rounds.
Rnds 28: Sc in 1st and each st around (64)
Rnd 29: Working in front loop only. Sc in 1st 2 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (84)
Rnd 30 & 31: Sc in 1st and each st around (84)
Rnd 32: Sc in 1st 4 sts, 2 sc in next. *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next* Repeat from * to * to end of round. (100)
Rnds 33 – 36: Sc in 1st and each st around (100)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Did you make any of these?
I would love to see what you have made be sure to mention @prettydarnadorable or tag me using #prettydarnadorable on Instagram so I can see your creations!
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