Briar Sun Hat Pattern
Keep your loved ones stylishly shaded all summer long with this versatile, flower-embellished crochet sun hat pattern that fits everyone from newborns to adults.
I still remember the very first time I tried to design a summer hat. The sun was blazing, my cotton yarn was tangled, and every pattern I found online resulted in a stiff, heavy bucket that looked more like a winter beanie than a breezy summer accessory.
It was incredibly frustrating.
We want our summer wear to be light, breathable, and perfectly fitted.
That is exactly why I sat down years ago to create this particular design, which has since become one of my absolute favorite go-to projects. It features a gorgeous, open-mesh texture on the sides to let the breeze through, paired with a sturdy brim that actually keeps the sun out of your eyes.
Best of all, I have written this pattern to cover six different sizes, meaning you can whip up a matching set for a tiny newborn, a busy toddler, and yourself. You can even customize it with optional, puffy daisy embellishments or leave it clean and classic for a sophisticated adult look.
Grab your favorite worsted cotton or acrylic yarn, and let's get stitching!
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Breezy and Breathable: The clever mesh stitch pattern allows air to circulate, keeping heads cool even on the warmest July afternoons.
- Six Sizes Included: No need to do complex math; the instructions guide you step-by-step from newborn up to adult.
- Stash-Busting Flowers: The optional floral accents are perfect for using up tiny scraps of colorful yarn left over from other projects.
Materials You'll Need
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in a main color for the hat, plus three coordinating colors for the optional flowers. Cotton is highly recommended for summer breathability, though soft acrylic works beautifully too.
- Hook: Size H (5.0 mm) for the main hat body (and larger flowers), and size F (3.75 mm) for the smaller flowers.
- Notions: A sturdy yarn needle for weaving in those pesky ends, and an optional piece of elastic or extra yarn for a chin strap.
- Yardage: Approximately 160 yards for children's sizes, and about 220 yards for the adult version.
Gauge & Sizing
- Gauge: Varies by size. For baby sizes, the crown should measure 4 inches in diameter after completing Round 3. For toddler/child sizes, it should measure 4.5 to 4.75 inches after Round 4. For the adult size, it should measure 5.75 inches after Round 5.
- Sizes included: 0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 1-3 Years, 3-10 Years, and Preteen to Adult.
- Finished measurements: Circumferences range from 13 inches (0-3 Months) up to 20.5 inches (Preteen to Adult).
Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions
- ch (Chain): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- sl st (Slip Stitch): Insert hook, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook. Learn how to secure your rounds beautifully with our Crochet Invisible Join Method.
- sc (Single Crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops.
- hdc (Half Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on your hook.
- dc (Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, and pull through the remaining two loops.
Pattern Notes
- Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
- This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- The item is worked in the round, turning at the end of every single round.
- Tension Tip: Turning at the end of each round is crucial! If you work in continuous rounds without turning, your stitches will pack together too tightly, and your hat will lack the necessary height.
- Customization Tip: If you want to make sure the hat stays securely on a squirmy toddler, you can easily sew a thin piece of elastic inside the brim or crochet a simple chain tie to fasten under the chin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Size: 0-3 Months (13" Circumference)
Crown:
Round 1: Start by chaining 4, then slip stitch into the very first chain to create a ring. Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet here and throughout). Work 9 double crochets directly into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2 to close, then turn your work. (10 dc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch as your starting chain. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (20 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into each stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (40 dc) *Note: Your flat circle should measure exactly 4 inches in diameter at this point.*
Body:
Round 4: Chain 2, then double crochet into the next stitch. *Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * until only 2 stitches remain. Chain 2, then slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2 to join. Turn your work. (20 chains, 20 dc)
Round 5: Chain 1 (counts as a single crochet here and throughout). *Work 2 single crochets into the next chain-2 space, then work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1 to join, then turn. (40 sc)
Rounds 6-9: Repeat Rounds 4 and 5 two more times.
Round 10: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1 to join, then turn. (40 sc) *Note: The hat should now measure 4 inches tall from the crown, with a circumference of 12.5 to 13 inches.*
Brim:
Round 11: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (50 sc)
Round 12: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (60 sc)
Round 13: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 7 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the last 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (68 sc)
Round 14: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1. Fasten off. (68 sc)
Round 15 (Optional for a wider brim): Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then fasten off. (85 hdc)
Size: 3-6 Months (14" Circumference)
Crown:
Round 1: Chain 4, then slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 2. Work 10 double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (11 dc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (22 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (44 dc) *Note: Circle should measure 4 inches in diameter.*
Body:
Round 4: Chain 2, then double crochet into the next stitch. *Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Chain 2, then slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (22 chains, 22 dc)
Round 5: Chain 1. *Work 2 single crochets into the next chain-2 space, then work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (44 sc)
Rounds 6-9: Repeat Rounds 4 and 5 two more times.
Round 10: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (44 sc)
Round 11: Repeat Round 10 once more. (44 sc) *Note: Hat height should be 4.5 inches from the top, with a 14-inch circumference.*
Brim:
Round 12: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (55 sc)
Round 13: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (66 sc)
Round 14: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 7 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the last 2 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (74 sc)
Round 15: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1. Fasten off. (74 sc)
Round 16: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 2 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (92 hdc)
Round 17 (Optional): Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (92 sc)
Round 18 (Optional): Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 2 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then fasten off. (110 hdc)
Size: 6-12 Months (17" Circumference)
Crown:
Round 1: Chain 4, then slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 2. Work 11 double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (12 dc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (24 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (48 dc)
Round 4: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1 to join. (60 sc) *Note: Circle should measure 4.5 inches in diameter.*
Body:
Round 5: Chain 2, then double crochet into the next stitch. *Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Chain 2, then slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (30 chains, 30 dc)
Round 6: Chain 1. *Work 2 single crochets into the next chain-2 space, then work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (60 sc)
Rounds 7-12: Repeat Rounds 5 and 6 three more times.
Round 13: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (60 sc)
Round 14: Repeat Round 13 once more. (60 sc) *Note: Hat height should be 5 inches from the top, with a 17-inch circumference.*
Brim:
Round 15: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (72 sc)
Round 16: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (84 sc)
Round 17: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the last 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (92 sc)
Round 18: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (92 sc)
Round 19: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 2 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (110 hdc)
Round 20 (Optional): Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (110 sc)
Round 21 (Optional): Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 2 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then fasten off. (128 hdc)
Size: 1-3 Years (18" Circumference)
Crown:
Round 1: Chain 4, then slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 2. Work 11 double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (12 dc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (24 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (48 dc)
Round 4: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into the next stitch, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1 to join. (64 sc) *Note: Circle should measure 4.5 inches in diameter.*
Body:
Round 5: Chain 2, then double crochet into the next stitch. *Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Chain 2, then slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (32 chains, 32 dc)
Round 6: Chain 1. *Work 2 single crochets into the next chain-2 space, then work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (64 sc)
Rounds 7-12: Repeat Rounds 5 and 6 three more times.
Round 13: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (64 sc)
Round 14: Repeat Round 13 once more. (64 sc) *Note: Hat height should be 5.5 inches from the top, with an 18-inch circumference.*
Brim:
Round 15: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (75 sc)
Round 16: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 5 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the last 5 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (85 sc)
Round 17: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 5 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (94 sc)
Round 18: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (94 sc)
Round 19: Repeat Round 18 once more. (94 sc)
Round 20: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (112 hdc)
Round 21: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (112 sc) *Note: You can stop here if you prefer a shorter brim.*
Round 22: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then fasten off. (130 hdc)
Size: 3-10 Years (19" Circumference)
Crown:
Round 1: Chain 4, then slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 2. Work 11 double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (12 dc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (24 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (48 dc)
Round 4: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into the next stitch, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1 to join. (64 hdc) *Note: Circle should measure 4.75 inches in diameter.*
Body:
Round 5: Chain 2, then double crochet into the next stitch. *Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (32 chains, 32 dc)
Round 6: Chain 1. *Work 2 single crochets into the next chain-2 space, then work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (64 sc)
Rounds 7-14: Repeat Rounds 5 and 6 four more times.
Round 15: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (64 sc)
Round 16: Repeat Round 15 once more. (64 sc) *Note: Hat height should be 6 inches from the top, with a 19-inch circumference.*
Brim:
Round 17: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (75 sc)
Round 18: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 5 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the last 5 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (85 sc)
Round 19: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 5 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (94 sc)
Round 20: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (94 sc)
Round 21: Repeat Round 20 once more. (94 sc)
Round 22: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (112 hdc)
Round 23: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (112 sc) *Note: Stop here if you prefer a shorter brim.*
Round 24: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the last 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then fasten off. (130 hdc)
Size: Preteen to Adult (20.5" Circumference)
Crown:
Round 1: Chain 4, then slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 2. Work 11 double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (12 dc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (24 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (48 dc)
Round 4: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet into the next stitch, then work 2 half double crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 half double crochets into the next. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1 to join, then turn. (64 hdc)
Round 5: Chain 1. Work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 15 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. Repeat from * 2 more times. Work 1 single crochet into each of the remaining 14 stitches. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (68 sts) *Note: Circle should measure 5.75 inches in diameter.*
Body:
Round 6: Chain 2, then double crochet into the next stitch. *Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, then slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 2, then turn. (34 chains, 34 dc)
Round 7: Chain 1. *Work 2 single crochets into the next chain-2 space, then work 1 single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (68 sc)
Rounds 8-15: Repeat Rounds 6 and 7 four more times.
Round 16: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (68 sc) *Note: Hat height should be 6.5 inches from the top, with a 20.5-inch circumference.*
Brim:
Round 17: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 5 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (78 sc)
Round 18: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 7 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 6 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (88 sc)
Round 19: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (88 sc)
Round 20: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 7 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 8 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 7 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (98 sc)
Round 21: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (98 sc)
Round 22: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 8 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 7 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (108 sc)
Round 23: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (108 sc)
Round 24: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 9 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 10 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 9 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (118 sc)
Round 25: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (118 sc)
Round 26: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 10 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 11 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 10 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 9 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (128 sc)
Round 27: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (128 sc)
Round 28: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 11 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 12 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 11 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 10 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (138 sc)
Round 29: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (138 sc)
Round 30: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 12 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 13 stitches, then 2 single crochets into the next. Repeat from * until 12 stitches remain. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 11 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the last stitch. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. (148 sc)
Round 31: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into every stitch around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1, then turn. Fasten off. (148 sc)
Optional Flower Embellishments
Small Flowers (For sizes 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 Months):
Using your F (3.75 mm) hook, chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
Work 6 single crochets directly into the ring. Insert your hook into the first single crochet to join, but pick up your petal color to complete the slip stitch. This creates a seamless transition. (6 sc)
Now, work one petal into each of the 6 single crochets around. Note that the puffy side of the petals will naturally form on the back of your work.
To make a petal: Slip stitch into the next stitch, chain 2. *Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, and pull up a loop to the height of your chain 2. Repeat from * 2 more times (you will have 7 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops. Chain 3, then slip stitch into the same stitch. (1 petal completed)
Repeat this process in each of the remaining stitches to create 6 petals. Slip stitch to the base of your first petal to finish. Flip the flower so the puffy side faces up, pull all yarn tails to the back, and weave them in securely.
Big Flowers (For sizes 1-3 and 3-10 Years):
Using your H (5.0 mm) hook, chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
Work 6 single crochets into the ring. Insert your hook into the first single crochet, pick up your petal color, and pull through to join. (6 sc)
To make a larger petal: Slip stitch into the next stitch, chain 2. *Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, and pull up a loop to the height of your chain 2. Repeat from * 3 more times (you will have 9 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through all 9 loops. Chain 3, then slip stitch into the same stitch. (1 petal completed)
Repeat in each stitch around to complete 6 petals. Slip stitch to the base of the first petal, flip the puffy side up, pull tails to the back, and weave in.
Easy Variations & Custom Ideas
- Contrast Brim: Crochet the brim in a completely different color than the main hat body to make the design pop. You can learn how to execute clean transitions with our guide on Seamless Crochet Color Changes.
- Classic Bucket Hat Style: If you prefer a more modern, streetwear-inspired look, you can skip the floral embellishments entirely and check out our Lark Cotton Bucket Hat for a similar brimmed style.
- Stripe Details: Add a couple of rows of contrasting stripes just above the brim for a nautical, beach-ready vibe.
- Adjustable Tie Strap: For windy days, slip stitch into the inside of the hat on both sides and crochet a long chain to tie under the chin.
- Matching Accessories: Pair this sun hat with a cute summer bag! Our Spring Fling Bag makes the perfect companion project.
- Colour ideas: Try a classic cream hat with pastel yellow, pink, and lavender daisies, or go bold with a navy blue hat and bright white flowers.
- Yarn substitutions: If you don't have cotton on hand, any soft, worsted-weight acrylic yarn from your stash will work beautifully.
Common Troubleshooting & Fixes
- Problem: The hat is too short and looks like a skullcap.
Fix: Make sure you are turning your work at the end of every single round. Working in continuous rounds without turning causes the stitches to pack together too tightly, which reduces the overall height of the hat. - Problem: The brim is curling up or looks wavy.
Fix: This usually happens if your tension is too tight or too loose. If it's wavy, you might have accidentally added extra stitches; count your stitches at the end of the round to ensure they match the pattern. If your tension is naturally tight, try switching to a slightly larger hook for the brim. - Problem: The crown circle is not measuring the correct diameter.
Fix: Check your gauge. If your circle is too small after the specified rounds, your tension is tight—try switching to a larger hook. If it's too large, your tension is loose—try a smaller hook. - Problem: The flower petals aren't looking puffy.
Fix: Remember that the puffy side of the petals naturally forms on the back (wrong side) of your work while you crochet. Once you finish the flower, you must flip it over so the puffy side is facing up before sewing it onto the hat.
Care Instructions
To keep your sun hat looking its absolute best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently reshape the crown and lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the wet hat, as this can stretch out the stitches and misshape the brim.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a little one—or yourself—wearing a beautiful, handmade hat on a sunny day. This project is quick, practical, and incredibly rewarding to make. I hope you enjoy stitching this pattern as much as I do, and I can't wait to see your gorgeous color combinations!