Etta Beanie

Learn how to crochet a beautifully textured hat featuring rich puff stitches and a knit-look ribbed band, perfect for the whole family.

Have you ever touched a crochet stitch so plump and squishy that you just couldn't stop running your fingers over it? That is exactly how I feel about the puff stitch. It creates a gorgeous, cloud-like texture that makes any winter accessory feel incredibly luxurious.

But here is a little secret from my early design days: working textured hats from the top down can sometimes make the crown look bulky and awkward. I tried it that way first, and the shaping just didn't do these beautiful stitches justice. The crown looked more like a bumpy potato than a cozy beanie!

That is why we are flipping things on their head today. By working this hat from the bottom up, we can easily control the height and then gently taper the top with clever decreases. It gives the hat a beautifully rounded, professional finish that hugs your head perfectly.

You might wonder why we don't start with the ribbed band first. Well, working puff stitches directly into a pre-made band often leaves unsightly gaps and holes. To solve this, we will crochet the main body first, and then work the band downward using a smaller hook for a snug, seamless fit.

This project is called the Etta Beanie, and it is one of my absolute favorites. Whether you are making a tiny version for a newborn or a cozy adult size, this pattern has you covered with seven different sizes. Grab your favorite worsted weight yarn, and let's get stitching!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredible Texture: The puff stitches create a thick, warm fabric that keeps out the winter chill.
• Snug, Knit-Look Band: Working into the third loop of half double crochet stitches gives you a stretchy, ribbed edge without needing knitting needles.
• Perfect Fit for Everyone: With sizes ranging from newborn to large adult, you can make matching beanies for the entire family.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (medium size 4). Lion Brand Wool-Ease is highly recommended for its excellent stitch definition and warmth. Featured colors are Fisherman and Rose Heather.
• Hook: Size J (6 mm) for the main body of the hat, and Size I (5.5 mm) for the ribbed hatband.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, one fluffy pom-pom (3.5-inch size for child/adult beanies, or a 3-inch size for baby beanies), and an optional 1-inch metal button for a stylish accent.
• Yardage: Approximately 100 to 180 yards depending on the size you choose to make.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Using the larger J (6 mm) hook: 7 puff stitches = 4 inches; 3 puff stitch rows = 2 inches tall. For the hatband using the smaller I (5.5 mm) hook: 13 hdc stitches = 4 inches.
• Sizes included: 0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, Toddler (1 to 4 Years), Child (4 to 10 Years), Preteen/Adult Small, and Adult Large.
• Finished measurements: Designed to fit head circumferences from 13 inches (newborn) up to 23 inches (large adult).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• hdc: Half Double Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• sk: Skip
• fsc: Foundation Single Crochet. This clever technique allows you to work your starting chain and first row of single crochet at the same time, creating a stretchy edge.
• sc2tog: Single Crochet Two Together. Insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop, repeat in the following stitch, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on your hook.
• Puff Stitch: Yarn over, insert hook into the designated stitch or space, and pull up a tall loop (aim for the height of a double crochet). Repeat this sequence 4 times in the same space. You will have 9 loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through all 9 loops, and chain 1 to lock the stitch. (Note: For decrease rounds, you will only wrap 3 times, leaving 7 loops on your hook).

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Intermediate.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round without turning at the end of each round.
• Tension Tip: Keep your loops loose and tall when pulling up yarn for the puff stitches. If you pull too tightly, your hook will get stuck, and your hands will tire out quickly!
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the slouchiness of this hat by adding or subtracting rounds of puff stitches before starting the crown decreases. If you prefer a slouchier look, check out our Bree Slouch Hat Pattern for more inspiration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gauge Swatch Pattern

Before diving into your hat, let's make sure your tension is spot on.

With your J (6 mm) hook, loosely chain 26.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across, turn. (25 sc)

Row 2: Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc here and throughout the swatch), *skip the next 2 stitches, work 2 puff stitches in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 3 stitches left. Skip 2 stitches, then work 1 dc in the very last stitch, turn. (7 pairs of puff stitches)

Row 3: Ch 3, work 2 puff stitches in the gap between each pair of puff stitches from the previous row. Repeat this across, then work 1 dc on top of your turning chain-3, turn. (7 pairs of puff stitches)

Rows 4-5: Repeat Row 3 twice more to complete your swatch. Measure to ensure your gauge matches the specifications.

Starting the Hat Body

We will start at the bottom of the hat body. The stitch counts for larger sizes are listed in parentheses as follows: 0-3 m (3-6 m, 6-12 m, Toddler, Child, Preteen/Small Adult, Large Adult).

Using your J (6 mm) hook, choose one of the following starting options:

Round 1 (Option 1 - with FSC): Work 33 (39, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57) fsc. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet, being careful not to twist your work. (You will have a tiny gap at the bottom of the chain, which you can easily sew shut when weaving in your yarn tail later).

Round 1 (Option 2 - without FSC): Loosely chain 33 (39, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57). Slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. Ch 1, work 1 sc in the back bump of the next chain and in each chain across. Work 1 sc in the same chain as your starting ch-1, then slip stitch to the first sc to join.

Round 2: Pull up the loop on your hook so it is the height of a double crochet. Work 2 puff stitches into that very first stitch. *Skip the next 2 stitches, then work 2 puff stitches in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 2 stitches left. Slip stitch to the top of your first puff stitch to join. You will have 11 (13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) pairs of puff stitches.

Round 3: Slip stitch into the gap between the first two puff stitches. Pull up your loop to double crochet height, then work 2 puff stitches into that same gap. *Work 2 puff stitches in the gap between the next pair of puff stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of your first puff stitch to join.

Rounds 4+: Repeat Round 3 until your hat measures 3.5 (4, 4.5, 4.5, 5, 5, 5) inches tall. As a guide, 5 rounds of puff stitches typically equal 3.5 inches, 6 rounds equal 4 inches, 7 rounds equal 4.5 inches, and 8 rounds equal 5 inches.

Transition Round: Repeat Round 3, but make your puff stitches with only 3 wraps instead of 4 (giving you 7 loops on your hook instead of 9). This reduces bulk before we begin shaping the crown.

Shaping the Crown for Baby Sizes (0-3 and 3-6 Months)

Note: All puff stitches in the decrease rounds are worked with 3 wraps (7 loops on hook).

In the next two decrease rounds, do not chain 1 after pulling through your loops. This pulls the stitches closer together to gather the top.

Decrease Round 1: Slip stitch into the gap between the puff stitches. Pull up a tall loop, work 2 puff stitches in the same gap. *Work 1 puff stitch in the next gap, then 2 puff stitches in the following gap. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (6 (7) pairs of puff stitches alternating with 5 (6) single puff stitches).

Decrease Round 2: Slip stitch into the gap. Pull up a tall loop, work 1 puff stitch in the same gap. *Work 1 puff stitch on top of the next puff stitch, then 1 puff stitch in the gap between the next pair. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (11 (13) puff stitches).

Round 3 to End (0-3 Months only): Working in a continuous spiral without joining, ch 1 and work 1 sc in each stitch around until you have a tiny opening about the size of your finger. Slip stitch to the next stitch, fasten off leaving a long tail, and sew the opening shut.

Round 3 to End (3-6 Months only): Working in a continuous spiral, ch 1 and work sc2tog across the stitches until a finger-sized opening remains. Slip stitch to the next stitch, fasten off with a long tail, and sew shut.

Shaping the Crown for 6-12 Months

Decrease Round 1: Slip stitch into the gap. Pull up your loop to double crochet height, work 2 puff stitches in the same gap. *Work 1 puff stitch in the next gap, then 2 puff stitches in the following gap. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (8 pairs of puff stitches alternating with 7 single puff stitches).

Note: For the next two rounds, do not chain 1 to close your puff stitches.

Decrease Round 2: Slip stitch into the gap. Pull up a tall loop, work 1 puff stitch in the same gap. *Work 1 puff stitch on top of the next puff stitch, then 1 puff stitch in the gap between the next pair. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (15 puff stitches).

Decrease Round 3: Pull up a tall loop, work 1 puff stitch on top of the same stitch. *Skip the next puff stitch, work 1 puff stitch on top of the following puff stitch. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (8 puff stitches).

Final Round: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch around. Slip stitch to the first sc, fasten off with a long tail, and sew the opening closed.

Shaping the Crown for Toddler, Child, Teen, and Adult Sizes

The stitch counts are listed in order: Toddler (Child, Preteen/Small Adult, Large Adult).

Decrease Round 1: Slip stitch into the gap. Pull up a tall loop, work 2 puff stitches in the same gap. *Work 1 puff stitch in the next gap, then 2 puff stitches in the following gap. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (8 (8, 9, 9) pairs of puff stitches alternating with 8 (9, 9, 10) single puff stitches).

Decrease Round 2: Slip stitch into the gap. Pull up a tall loop, work 1 puff stitch in the same gap. *Work 1 puff stitch on top of the next puff stitch, then 1 puff stitch in the gap between the next pair. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (16 (17, 18, 19) puff stitches).

Note: For the next two rounds, do not chain 1 to close your puff stitches.

Decrease Round 3: Pull up a tall loop, work 1 puff stitch on top of the same stitch, then work 1 puff stitch on top of each stitch across. (16 (17, 18, 19) puff stitches).

Decrease Round 4: Pull up a tall loop, work 1 puff stitch on top of the same stitch. *Skip the next puff stitch, work 1 puff stitch on top of the following puff stitch. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch. (8 (8, 9, 9) puff stitches).

For Toddler Size: Fasten off with a long tail, sew the opening shut, and weave in your ends.

For Child, Teen, and Adult sizes: Work 1 sc in each stitch around, slip stitch to the first sc, then fasten off with a long tail to sew the opening shut.

Adding the Knit-Look Hatband

We will now attach our yarn to the bottom edge of the hat body using our smaller I (5.5 mm) hook. If you used a foundation single crochet to start, use your beginning tail to close the small gap before starting the band.

To keep the seam invisible, pay close attention to where you start and end Round 1.

Round 1 (Choose your size):

• 0-3 Months: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 10 times until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 2 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (44 hdc)
• 3-6 Months: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 9 times until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 2 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (49 hdc)
• 6-12 Months: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 9 times until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 4 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (55 hdc)
• Toddler: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 11 times until 3 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 3 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (60 hdc)
• Child: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next 3 stitches. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 11 times until 3 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 3 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (63 hdc)
• Preteen/Small Adult: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next 2 stitches. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 12 times until 3 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 3 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (67 hdc)
• Adult Large: Slip stitch near your starting tail. Ch 1, 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * 12 times until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 hdc in the last 4 stitches, then 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting ch-1. Do not slip stitch, do not turn. (70 hdc)

Round 2 (All Sizes): Work 1 hdc in the third loop of the next hdc stitch (this is the horizontal bar located directly behind the stitch). Place a stitch marker in this stitch to mark your start. Work 1 hdc in the third loop of each stitch around until you reach the stitch right before your marker. Do not slip stitch, do not turn.

Round 3 (All Sizes): Work 1 hdc in the third loop of your marked stitch, move your marker up to this new stitch, then work 1 hdc in the third loop of each stitch around.

Note for Child size and up: Repeat Round 3 once more to make the band wider. If you want an even thicker band, you can repeat Round 3 as many times as you like!

Round 4 (All Sizes): Work 1 sc in the third loop of your marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 sc in the third loop of each stitch around. Slip stitch to the third loop of the marked stitch, slip stitch to the next sc, and fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Thread your yarn needle and weave in all remaining tails securely. Sew your fluffy pom-pom to the top of the crown. If you want to add a little extra flair, sew a 1-inch metal button to the side of the hatband for a beautiful boutique finish!

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Slouchy Style: If you prefer a relaxed, slouchy look, simply add 2 to 3 more rounds of puff stitches before starting your crown decreases. For a similar slouchy vibe, you might also enjoy making our Faye Beanie.
• Messy Bun Version: Leave the top opening slightly larger instead of sewing it completely shut. Finish the opening with a round of single crochets over an elastic hair band so you can wear your ponytail high! You can find more details on this style in our Crochet Messy Bun Beanie Pattern.
• Two-Tone Color Blocking: Work the main body of the hat in a neutral cream color, then switch to a vibrant contrasting color for the knit-look band.
• Striped Puffs: Change colors every two rounds of puff stitches to create a playful, striped texture.
• Matching Cowl Set: Use your leftover yarn to create a matching neck warmer! Our Clove Button Cowl uses similar textures and looks stunning paired with this beanie.
• Colour ideas: Try classic winter combinations like cream and dusty rose, mustard yellow with charcoal grey, or a solid forest green for a rustic look.
• Yarn substitutions: Any medium worsted weight yarn with good elasticity will work. Acrylic blends like Red Heart Soft or Caron Simply Soft are great budget-friendly alternatives.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My puff stitches look flat and don't pop out.
  Fix: Make sure you are pulling your loops up tall—aim for the height of a double crochet stitch. If your loops are too short, the puff will be squished and lose its round shape.
• Problem: I can't pull my hook through all the loops on my puff stitch.
  Fix: Keep your tension loose when wrapping the yarn. Using a hook with a pointier head or a smoother finish (like inline aluminum hooks) can also help slide through the loops easily.
• Problem: The hatband is too tight and won't stretch over my head.
  Fix: Ensure you are using the smaller hook only for the band, but don't crochet too tightly. If it is still too snug, try working the first round of the band with a slightly larger hook or add a few extra stitches to your starting count.
• Problem: There is a noticeable gap where I joined my starting round.
  Fix: This is completely normal when working in the round. Simply use your starting yarn tail and a tapestry needle to sew the small gap closed before weaving in the end.

Care Instructions

To keep your Etta Beanie looking as beautiful as the day you finished it, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a mild wool wash. Gently squeeze out the excess water by rolling it in a clean towel—never wring or twist it! Lay it flat to dry. If your pom-pom gets a bit squished, give it a quick blast with a hair dryer on a cool setting to fluff it right back up.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a project that looks like it came straight from a high-end boutique. The Etta Beanie is one of those patterns that will have people asking, "You actually made that?" I hope you enjoy stitching this cozy hat as much as I do. Don't forget to share your finished beanies with me—happy crocheting, my friends!