Crocheting your own sun hat is not only fun and satisfying but also super practical. Whether you’re headed to the beach, working in the garden, or simply enjoying a sunny day, a handmade crochet sun hat keeps you cool and stylish. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly and fully customizable in size, color, and brim width.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make an easy crochet sun hat from crown to brim, using simple stitches and affordable materials.
🧵 Materials You’ll Need
To create your sun hat, gather the following supplies:
Yarn
- Worsted weight (cotton or cotton blend) yarn
- Cotton is breathable and holds its shape well.
- Avoid stretchy yarns like acrylic for sun hats.
Tools
- Crochet hook: Size 4.0 mm – 5.5 mm (check your yarn label)
- Stitch markers (helpful for marking rounds)
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Optional: Fabric stiffener, millinery wire, or fishing line (for a firmer brim)
📐 Sizing Guide
Measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows. Standard adult size is about 21–23 inches.
You’ll crochet the crown, then increase until it reaches your desired head diameter, then work the sides straight, and finally shape the brim.
Head Size Conversion:
- Head circumference ÷ 3.14 = Diameter of the crown
Example:
- 22″ head → 22 ÷ 3.14 ≈ 7″ crown diameter
🧶 Basic Stitches Used
- Magic ring (or ch 4 and join)
- Chain (ch)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc) (used in some variations)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
👒 Step-by-Step Crochet Sun Hat Pattern
🔹 Step 1: Crochet the Crown
Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, and work 6 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around. Join. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around. Join. (24 sts)
Continue increasing in this manner:
- Round 5: 1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next (30 sts)
- Round 6: 1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next (36 sts)
- …until your crown circle reaches your target diameter (usually 6.5″ to 7.5″ for adults)
Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds if needed.
🔹 Step 2: Work the Sides (Hat Body)
Now that you’ve built the crown to size:
- Rounds 1–8 (or until desired depth): Ch 1, 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st at the end of each round.
This forms the straight sides of the hat. You can try it on and add/remove rounds to get your preferred depth.
Optional: Switch to half double crochet (hdc) if you want the hat to be slightly more airy or stretchy.
🔹 Step 3: Add the Brim
You’ll begin increasing again to flare out the brim:
Round 1: 1 sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around. Join.
Round 2: 1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next, repeat around. Join.
Round 3: 1 sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next, repeat around. Join.
Continue in this way, increasing one more stitch between increases each round, until the brim is as wide as you’d like (typically 2–4 inches wide for a sun hat).
💡 Optional brim options:
- Add wire or fishing line in the last 1–2 rows for structure.
- Finish with a round of slip stitches or reverse single crochet (crab stitch) for a polished edge.
🌞 Optional Design Variations
- Color blocking: Change yarn color midway for a stylish stripe.
- Eyelet rounds: Add ch-1 spaces every few stitches for a lace look.
- Ties or ribbon: Weave through the last round for adjustable fit.
- Decorate with flowers, buttons, or appliqués.
🔄 Care Instructions
- Hand wash only, lay flat to dry
- If using cotton yarn, block the hat to shape using a balloon or bowl
- Apply fabric stiffener to the brim if it starts to droop
🧵 Time Estimate
- Beginner: 4–6 hours
- Intermediate: 2–4 hours
📌 Final Tips
- Check your gauge—tighter stitches provide more sun protection and structure.
- Adjust the brim based on your face shape: shorter brim for round faces, longer for oval.
- Take breaks! Crocheting in rounds can be repetitive—stretch your wrists and relax.
Video tutorial:
💐 Conclusion
A crochet sun hat is a satisfying, functional project that’s both fun to make and fashionable to wear. With just basic stitches, cotton yarn, and a few hours, you can whip up a custom sun hat for summer strolls, vacations, or gifts. Plus, you’ll stay cool and stylish while proudly showing off your handmade creation.
