Toddler Beanie

Friends have been asking for instructions on how to crochet my Toddler Beanie.  This is a variation of a hat that I crochet all the time, different sizes, different weight yarns.  Here is the basic recipe for a toddler-sized hat:

Materials: A portion of one skein of baby (sport) weight yarn.  Size “G” (4.25) crochet hook.

Stitches needed:

Double Crochet, Single Crochet, Chain, Slip Stitch.

Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Double crochet stitch worked around the post of stitch in the row below. YO, insert hook from the front of the work around the back of the stitch and through to the front of the work again. The post or shaft of the dc from the row below lays across the hook. YO pull up loop, complete same as a dc st. [YO pull through 2 loops, YO pull through last 2 loops on hook].  

NOTE:  If you’re a loose crocheter, then use the FPDC.  If you’re a tight crocheter, try using a FP Treble Crochet.  This will make the post a bit fuller and give the hat more “pie-shaped” definition.

Hat Instructions:

Chain 6, join to form loop.

Round 1: Chain 3, (this counts as your first dc), then double crochet 11 times into the center loop. You should have 12 stitches. Join.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), fpdc around next dc. *Dc in the next space, then fpdc around next dc.* Continue around in this manner, fpdc every other stitch. You will have 24 stitches. Join. NOTE: This will be the ONLY round that you dc in a space instead of in the stitch below.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, fpdc 1 (on the post below), *dc twice in next stitch, fpdc on the post below.* Continue around, increasing one stitch between posts. Join. You should have two dc stitches between each post stitch.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, fpdc. Dc twice in next stitch, then once in the next stitch, fpdc on the post below. Continue around, increasing one stitch between posts. Join. You should have three dc stitches between each post stitch.

NOTE:  Oftentimes, when you increase too much in a round, the edges get wavy.  To prevent this waviness, admire at your work often.  You may decide to NOT increase in the subsequent round.

NOTE: Keep increasing one stitch between posts, as needed, until your hat is the desired size. For an average toddler’s sized hat, there will generally be five double crochet stitches between each post stitch. Remember to increase your stitches INTO the stitches below. Once you get to three stitches between posts, you may want to increase in the center stitch between posts, instead of the first dc stitch. Wherever you decide to add your increase stitch, just make sure that it’s done neatly, uniformly and not in a lumpy manner! Join.

Once your hat is the desired circumference, do not increase any further. Continue in pattern until your hat is deep enough, about 4-5 inches. When your hat curves in toward the ears, then you are almost done. 

Final 5 rounds:   Half-doubleHerringbone Crochet stitch for 4 rounds, then Crab stitch LOOSELY or backwards single crochet for the edge.

Finishing:  Make a sweet little pom-pom to add to the top of the hat.