Twizzler Beanie Pattern

Learn how to crochet a beautifully textured hat with a stretchy ribbed brim and a wonderfully cozy, twisted stitch pattern perfect for the whole family.

Have you ever stared at a gorgeous skein of worsted weight yarn and wondered how to give it the showcase it truly deserves?

I certainly have.

Standard stitches are lovely, but sometimes you crave a project with real depth and touchable texture. Yet, so many highly textured patterns end up feeling stiff, heavy, or incredibly complicated to follow.

That is where this design shines.

It strikes the perfect balance between a squishy, flexible fabric and an eye-catching, twisted design.

Today, we are diving into a project that looks wonderfully intricate but is surprisingly rhythmic once you find your groove. I call it the Twizzler Beanie.

Best of all, this pattern is written for five different sizes. You can easily whip up matching sets for everyone from your tiniest toddler to the adults in your life.

If you have ever felt intimidated by post stitches, do not worry. I will walk you through every twist and turn with clear, step-by-step guidance.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredible Texture: The combination of crossed post stitches creates a thick, squishy fabric that traps warmth beautifully.
• Perfect Fit: A classic ribbed brim ensures the hat stays snugly in place without slipping.
• Family Friendly: With sizes ranging from baby to adult, it is your new go-to pattern for handmade gifts.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable (Worsted weight, Category 4 yarn). Sample colors shown are Aran, Putty, and Baked Clay.
• Hook: 4.5 mm (Size 7) for a snug brim, and a 5.5 mm (Size I-9) to keep the body soft and stretchy.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, four stitch markers (or safety pins), and a button if you want to make a detachable faux-fur pom-pom.
• Yardage: Approximately 120 to 200 yards depending on the size you choose to make.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Using the larger 5.5 mm hook, 5 stitch repeats equal 4 inches.
• Sizes included: Baby, Toddler, Child, Teen/Adult Small, and Adult Medium/Large.
• Finished measurements:
  • Baby: Fits up to 18" head (7.5" tall, 17" circumference)
  • Toddler: Fits 19" head (8" tall, 18" circumference)
  • Child: Fits 21" head (8.5" tall, 19.5" circumference)
  • Teen/Adult Small: Fits 22" head (9" tall, 20.5" circumference)
  • Adult Medium/Large: Fits 23" head (9" tall, 21.5" circumference)

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• hdc: Half Double Crochet
• fpsc: Front Post Single Crochet
• fpdc: Front Post Double Crochet
• fptr: Front Post Triple Crochet
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st in BLO: Slip stitch into the back loop only. Insert your hook solely under the rear loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked.
• fpsc: Front Post Single Crochet. Insert hook from front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, then back to the front, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops.
• fpdc: Front Post Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook around the post from front to back to front, yarn over, pull up a loop, and complete like a standard double crochet.
• fptr: Front Post Triple Crochet. Yarn over twice, insert hook around the post from front to back to front, yarn over, pull up a loop, and complete like a standard triple crochet.
• fpdc2tog: Front Post Double Crochet Decrease. Work a front post double crochet until two loops remain on your hook, then begin another front post double crochet in the next stitch, pulling through all three remaining loops to join them.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Intermediate.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked bottom-up, starting with a flat ribbed brim that is joined into a circle, followed by the body worked in the round.
• Keep your post stitches loose and relaxed so the hat retains its cozy stretch.
• You can easily adjust the height of the hat by adding or subtracting repeat rounds before starting the crown decreases.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crafting the Brim (Baby, Toddler, Child)

Using your smaller 4.5 mm hook, create a foundation chain of 8 (9, 10).

Row 1: Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook and in each remaining chain across. Turn. [7 (8, 9) sc]

Row 2: Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the BLO of the very first stitch, then 1 sc in the BLO of the next 5 (6, 7) stitches. Finish the row with 1 regular sc worked through both loops of the final stitch. Turn. [7 (8, 9) sc]

Subsequent Rows: Keep repeating Row 2 until your ribbed band measures 16 (17, 17.5) inches without being stretched out. Do not cut your yarn.

Joining the Brim and Setting the Base (Baby, Toddler, Child)

Bring the two short ends of your ribbed band together. Slip stitch the edges closed by working through both loops of the final row and the unused loops of your starting chain.

To prepare for the body, we will place 4 stitch markers to divide the circular brim into four equal quarters. This helps us distribute 14 (15, 16) half double crochets evenly within each section, giving us a total of 56 (60, 64) stitches.

Base Round: Chain 2 (this counts as your first hdc). Distribute 55 (59, 63) hdc stitches evenly around the edge of your ribbing. Slip stitch to the top of your beginning chain-2 to close the round. Place a marker in this slip stitch to help you find it later. Do not turn your work. [56 (60, 64) hdc]

Working the Textured Body (Baby, Toddler, Child)

Switch to your larger 5.5 mm hook.

Round 1: Work a fpsc around the next stitch, then chain 3 (this combined stitch counts as a triple crochet here and throughout). Working behind this chain, insert your hook from front to back into the marked slip stitch from the previous round and work a dc (this stitch will feel snug, so take your time). *Skip the next hdc, work 1 fptr around the following hdc, fold this stitch forward, and work 1 dc in the skipped hdc. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [28 (30, 32) pattern repeats]

Round 2: Work a fpsc around the next hidden dc, chain 3, fold this chain forward, and work a dc in the marked slip stitch from the previous round. *Skip the next fptr, work 1 fptr around the next hidden dc, fold it forward, and work 1 dc in the skipped fptr. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [28 (30, 32) pattern repeats]

Subsequent Rounds: Repeat Round 2 until your hat measures 6 (6.5, 6.5) inches tall from the very bottom of the ribbed edge.

Shaping the Crown (Baby, Toddler, Child)

We will now decrease to pull the top of the hat together.

Decrease Round 1: Work a fpsc around the next hidden dc, chain 3, fold it forward, and work a dc in the marked slip stitch. *Skip the next fptr, work a fptrdctog across the next dc and the skipped fptr. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [29 (31, 33) stitches]

Decrease Round 2: Work a fpsc around the next hidden dc, chain 2, then work 1 fpdc in each decrease stitch around. Work 1 fpdc around the starting chain-3, then slip stitch to your starting chain-2. [29 (31, 33) stitches]

Decrease Round 3: Chain 2. Work fpdc2tog across the next 2 stitches all the way around. Slip stitch to your starting chain-2. If you are making the Baby or Toddler size, fasten off now, leaving a long tail for sewing, and skip to the cinching section. [15 (16, 17) stitches]

Decrease Round 4 (Child Size Only): Chain 2. Work 1 fpdc in each decrease around, finishing with 1 fpdc in the final stitch. Slip stitch to your starting chain-2. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. [17 stitches]

Crafting the Brim (Adult Sizes)

Using your smaller 4.5 mm hook, chain 11.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. [10 sc]

Row 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the BLO of the first stitch, 1 sc in the BLO of the next 8 stitches, and 1 regular sc through both loops of the final stitch. Turn. [10 sc]

Subsequent Rows: Repeat Row 2 until your ribbed band measures 18.5 (19.5) inches without being stretched. Do not cut your yarn.

Joining the Brim and Setting the Base (Adult Sizes)

Bring the short ends of your band together. Slip stitch them closed by working through both loops of the last row and the starting chain loops.

To prepare for the body, use 4 stitch markers to divide the circular brim into four equal quarters. For the Adult Small, distribute 17 stitches in each quarter. For the Adult Medium/Large, distribute 17 stitches in the first two quarters and 18 stitches in the remaining two quarters. This gives you a total of 68 (70) stitches.

Base Round: Chain 2 (counts as your first hdc). Distribute 67 (69) hdc stitches evenly around the edge of your ribbing. Slip stitch to the top of your beginning chain-2 to close the round. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [68 (70) hdc]

Working the Textured Body (Adult Sizes)

Switch to your larger 5.5 mm hook.

Round 1: Work a fpsc around the next stitch, then chain 3 (counts as a triple crochet). Working behind this chain, work a dc in the marked slip stitch from the previous round. *Skip the next hdc, work 1 fptr around the following hdc, fold this stitch forward, and work 1 dc in the skipped hdc. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [34 (35) pattern repeats]

Round 2: Work a fpsc around the next hidden dc, chain 3, fold this chain forward, and work a dc in the marked slip stitch. *Skip the next fptr, work 1 fptr around the next hidden dc, fold it forward, and work 1 dc in the skipped fptr. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [34 (35) pattern repeats]

Subsequent Rounds: Repeat Round 2 until your hat measures 7 inches tall from the bottom of the ribbed edge.

Shaping the Crown (Adult Sizes)

Decrease Round 1: Work a fpsc around the next hidden dc, chain 3, fold it forward, and work a dc in the marked slip stitch. *Skip the next fptr, work a fptrdctog across the next dc and the skipped fptr. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3. Place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn. [35 (36) stitches]

Decrease Round 2: Work a fpsc around the next hidden dc, chain 2, then work 1 fpdc in each decrease stitch around. Work 1 fpdc around the starting chain-3, then slip stitch to your starting chain-2. [35 (36) stitches]

Decrease Round 3: Chain 2. Work fpdc2tog across the next 2 stitches all the way around until one or no stitches remain. If one stitch is left, work 1 fpdc in that final stitch. Slip stitch to your starting chain-2. [18 (19) stitches]

Decrease Round 4: Chain 2. Work 1 fpdc in each stitch around to the end of the round. Slip stitch to your starting chain-2. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for cinching. [18 (19) stitches]

Cinching and Finishing (All Sizes)

Turn your completed hat inside out. Thread your long yarn tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave the needle in and out through every stitch around the top opening.

Pull the tail firmly to cinch the top of the hat completely closed. Secure it with a few tight knots, then weave in your tail on the inside of the hat.

If you want a removable pom-pom, sew a secure button to the inside crown of the hat. Turn the hat right side out, and use a crochet hook to pull the elastic loop of your faux-fur pom-pom through the top opening and loop it over the button. Alternatively, you can sew your pom-pom directly to the top of the hat.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Slouchy Style: If you prefer a more relaxed look, simply work a few extra repeat rounds of the body before starting your crown decreases. This will give you a beautiful drape similar to our Bree Slouchy Hat.
• Messy Bun Version: Stop decreasing after Round 2 of the crown shaping and finish with a round of single crochet around the opening to create a stylish ponytail opening, much like the Skye Messy Bun Beanie.
• Striped Fun: Change colors every two rounds of the body to create a gorgeous, swirling striped effect. Learn how to manage your yarn transitions seamlessly with our guide on Seamless Round Color Changes.
• Chunky Yarn Swap: Want an ultra-fast project? Grab some bulky yarn and a larger hook, adjusting your starting stitch count down to match your head measurements.
• Classic Knit-Look Brim: For an even stretchier edge, you can swap the single crochet ribbing for a slip stitch ribbing, which mimics the look of traditional knitting.
• Colour ideas: Try a classic cream for a winter-wonderland vibe, or go bold with rich jewel tones like mustard, emerald, or plum to make the twisted texture pop.
• Yarn substitutions: Any standard worsted weight yarn (Category 4) will work beautifully. Excellent alternatives include Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, or Lion Brand Vanna's Choice.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The brim feels too loose or stretches out too quickly.
  Fix: Drop down a hook size for the ribbing, or work fewer rows. The ribbing should fit snugly around your head with a bit of negative stretch.
• Problem: My post stitches are pulling the hat too tight and making it stiff.
  Fix: Focus on pulling up your loops a bit higher when working your front post triple crochets. If your tension is naturally tight, try switching to a 6.0 mm hook for the body.
• Problem: I am losing track of where my rounds begin and end.
  Fix: Always use a stitch marker in the slip stitch at the end of each round. This is crucial for identifying where to place your first crossed double crochet on the next round.
• Problem: There is a visible gap where I joined my rounds.
  Fix: Make sure you pull your joining slip stitches tight. This keeps the seam neat and virtually invisible.

Care Instructions

To keep your handmade beanie looking its absolute best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Squeeze out the excess water by rolling it in a clean towel—never wring or twist it. Lay it flat to dry. If you used a detachable pom-pom, always remove it before washing to keep the faux fur fluffy!

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a cozy, handmade hat over your ears on a chilly day. I hope you enjoy watching these beautiful twists come to life on your hook as much as I do. Once you master this rhythmic texture, you will want to make one for everyone you know. Happy crocheting, my friends!