Coffee Bean Beanie

Learn how to crochet a beautifully textured hat using a unique stitch pattern that works up quickly in both super bulky and worsted weight yarns.

Have you ever stood in front of your yarn stash, holding a gorgeous skein of super bulky yarn, wondering how to show off its texture without making a stiff, heavy fabric? I have been there more times than I can count.

Many chunky hat patterns end up feeling like heavy helmets. They lack drape, and they can feel incredibly uncomfortable on your head after just a few minutes of wear.

The secret to avoiding this is choosing a stitch that creates hidden pockets of air. By combining a clever decrease stitch with chain spaces, you get a fabric that is incredibly plush, wonderfully warm, and surprisingly lightweight.

Today, we are diving into a project that solves this exact problem. I call it the Coffee Bean Beanie, and it features a beautiful, textured stitch that mimics little coffee beans.

Even better, I have designed two complete versions for you. Whether you love the instant gratification of super bulky yarn or prefer the classic feel of worsted weight, I have got you covered.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredible Texture: The unique decrease stitch creates a beautiful, bumpy surface that looks far more complex than it actually is.
• Two Yarn Weights: You can choose between a quick-to-finish super bulky version or a slightly slouchier worsted weight option.
• Seamless Finish: Our special joining technique for the ribbing ensures you won't have a bulky, uncomfortable seam pressing against your forehead.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Loops & Threads Cozy Wool (Size 6, super bulky) in colors like Harvest or Fleece; or Big Twist Soft (worsted weight) in Rose.
• Hook: K (6.5mm) and 9mm hooks for the chunky version; H (5mm) and K (6.5mm) hooks for the worsted version.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a fluffy pom-pom.
• Yardage: For chunky: 90 (110, 130) yards. For worsted: 120 (150, 160) yards.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Not strictly critical, but matching the finished measurements of the ribbing before stretching is key to a perfect fit.
• Sizes included: Toddler, Child, Adult Small, and Adult Large (or Adult for worsted).
• Finished measurements:
  • Toddler: Fits 19-inch head, 7.5 inches tall.
  • Child: Fits 21-inch head, 8 inches tall.
  • Adult Small: Fits 22-inch head, 9 inches tall.
  • Adult Large / Adult: Fits 23-inch head, 9 inches tall.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain.
• sl st: Slip stitch.
• sc: Single crochet.
• BLO: Back Loops Only. Insert your hook only under the back loop of the stitch to create a ribbed texture.
• SHD: Single Half Double Decrease. Insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, insert hook in following stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all 4 loops on your hook.
• sc2tog: Single Crochet Two Together. Insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops.
• hdc2tog: Half Double Crochet Two Together. Yarn over, insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all 5 loops.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms. If you are more familiar with British terminology, you can check out our US to UK Crochet Chart.
• The item is worked in the round after the ribbing is joined flat.
• Tension Tip: Keep your slip stitches loose when working the ribbing, or you will struggle to insert your hook on the next row.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the height of the hat by adding or subtracting rounds before starting the decreases.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crocheting the Chunky Ribbing

Using your K (6.5mm) hook, chain 6 (6, 8, 8).

Row 1: Work a slip stitch into the second chain from your hook and in each remaining chain across. Turn. [5 (5, 7, 7) slip stitches]

Row 2: Chain 1. Work 1 slip stitch into the BLO of the very first stitch, then slip stitch in the BLO of each remaining stitch across. Turn. [5 (5, 7, 7) slip stitches]

Repeat Row 2 until your ribbing measures approximately 15 (16.5, 18, 18.5) inches without stretching it out. Ensure you have one extra row after the visible braid pattern.

Step 2: Joining the Hatband

Bring the two short ends of your ribbing together. Take your hook out of the active loop. Insert your hook through the foundation chain side, slightly deeper than the edge (closer to the first ridge) to create a seamless look.

Grab the active loop and pull it through. Slip stitch the two layers together by working through the foundation chain and the BLO of the final row.

Turn the band inside out to hide the seam, and pass your yarn skein through the center to position it for the crown.

Step 3: Working the Chunky Crown

Switch to your larger 9mm hook.

Round 1: Chain 1. Work 32 (34, 36, 38) single crochet stitches evenly around the edge of the ribbing. To avoid leaving holes, insert your hook about a quarter-inch below the edge, working into the valleys between the ridges. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join. [32 (34, 36, 38) stitches]

Round 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work an SHD across the first stitch (under your chain-1) and the next stitch. *Chain 1, then work an SHD over the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. After your final SHD, chain 1 and slip stitch to the first SHD of the round. [16 (17, 18, 19) SHD stitches]

Round 3: Chain 1. Work your first SHD across the stitch directly under your beginning chain-1 and the next chain-1 space. *Chain 1, then work an SHD across the next SHD and the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * around. After the last SHD, chain 1 and slip stitch to the first SHD. [16 (17, 18, 19) SHD stitches]

Repeat Round 3 until your hat measures 6.5 (7, 7.75, 7.75) inches tall.

Step 4: Chunky Decreases and Finishing

For Toddler and Child Sizes:

Decrease Round 1: Work an hdc2tog across the first stitch and the next chain-1 space. *Work an hdc2tog across the next stitch and the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the first stitch, chain 1, and turn.

Decrease Round 2: Work a sc2tog across the first stitch and the next stitch. *Work a sc2tog across the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end. Slip stitch to the first stitch, then fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.

For Adult Small and Adult Large Sizes:

Decrease Round 1: Work an hdc2tog across the first stitch and the next chain-1 space. *Work an hdc2tog across the next stitch and the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Slip stitch to the first stitch, chain 1, and turn.

Decrease Round 2: Work an hdc2tog across the first stitch and the next stitch. *Work an hdc2tog across the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end. Slip stitch to the first stitch, then fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.

Finishing:

Thread your yarn tail onto a tapestry needle. Turn the hat inside out. Weave the needle in and out of the stitches around the top opening, then pull tightly to cinch the hole closed. Secure with a knot and weave in your ends. Add a beautiful Faux Fur Pom Pom to the top for a professional finish!

Step 5: Crocheting the Worsted Ribbing

Using your H (5mm) hook, chain 8 (8, 10).

Row 1: Work 1 single crochet in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. [7 (7, 9) single crochet stitches]

Row 2: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the BLO of the first stitch, and 1 single crochet in the BLO of each remaining stitch across. Turn. [7 (7, 9) stitches]

Repeat Row 2 until your ribbing measures 15 (16.5, 18.5) inches without stretching.

Bring the short ends together, insert your hook through the foundation chain side, pull the active loop through, and slip stitch the edges together using the foundation chain and the BLO of the last row. Do not fasten off.

Step 6: Worsted Crown and Decreases

Switch to your K (6.5mm) hook.

Round 1: Chain 1. Work 52 (56, 62) single crochet stitches evenly around the ribbing edge, inserting your hook a quarter-inch below the edge. Slip stitch to the first single crochet. [52 (56, 62) stitches]

Round 2: Chain 1. Work an SHD across the first stitch and the next stitch. *Chain 1, SHD over the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * around. Chain 1, then slip stitch to the first SHD. [26 (28, 31) SHD stitches]

Round 3: Chain 1. Work an SHD across the stitch under your beginning chain-1 and the next chain-1 space. *Chain 1, SHD across the next SHD and the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * around. Chain 1, then slip stitch to the first SHD. [26 (28, 31) SHD stitches]

Repeat Round 3 until your hat measures 7 (7.5, 8) inches tall.

Decrease Round 1: Work a sc2tog in the first stitch and the next chain-1 space. *Work a sc2tog across the next stitch and the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * to the end. Do not slip stitch, and do not turn.

Decrease Round 2 to End: Work in a continuous spiral. Work a sc2tog across the next 2 stitches, and continue working sc2tog across every pair of stitches until you have a small 2-inch opening left. Slip stitch to the next stitch, then fasten off with a 12-inch tail. Cinch the top closed as described in the chunky version.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Slouchy Style: If you prefer a more relaxed fit, simply add 2 to 3 more rounds of the main stitch pattern before starting your decreases. This works beautifully with the worsted weight version.
• Matching Set: Pair this beanie with a cozy scarf! You can make a matching set using the stitch patterns found in our Bumpy Road Hat Scarf Set.
• Stripe It Up: Use two contrasting colors. Change colors every two rounds to create beautiful, textured stripes that highlight the "coffee bean" stitch.
• Classic Yarn Swap: If you don't have super bulky yarn on hand, you can hold two strands of worsted weight yarn together to mimic the chunky look. Check out our guide on Chunky Goldenrod Beanie for more tips on working with thick yarns.
• Different Brim Styles: Swap the slip stitch ribbing for a classic half double crochet ribbing if you prefer a wider, stretchier brim.
• Colour ideas: Try earthy tones like mustard, forest green, or terracotta to emphasize the rustic, cozy texture of the stitches.
• Yarn substitutions: For the chunky version, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is an excellent alternative. For the worsted version, try Caron Simply Soft or Red Heart Soft.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My ribbing is too tight and won't stretch over my head.
  Fix: You might be working your slip stitches too tightly. Try switching to a hook one size larger for the ribbing, or read our tips on Adjusting Crochet Foundation Chains to keep your starting edge flexible.
• Problem: I have gaps or holes where my crown meets the ribbing.
  Fix: Make sure you are inserting your hook a full quarter-inch below the edge of the ribbing when working Round 1. Working too close to the edge stretches the stitches and creates holes.
• Problem: My stitch count is off at the end of Round 1.
  Fix: Don't panic! If you have too many valleys in your ribbing, simply work a few sc2tog decreases during Round 1 to bring your count down to the required number.
• Problem: The textured "coffee beans" look flat or uneven.
  Fix: Ensure you are starting your SHD stitch in the correct space. The first leg of the decrease must go into the stitch under the beginning chain-1, and the second leg must go into the next chain space.

Care Instructions

To keep your beanie looking its best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cold 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 faux fur pom-pom, remove it before washing, or gently fluff it with a hairdryer on a cool setting if it gets wet.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a cozy, handmade hat over your ears on a chilly morning. This beanie is one of those projects that you will find yourself making over and over again—it is just that satisfying. If you plan to sell your finished beanies at craft fairs, please review our Crochet Pattern Copyright Guidelines first. Happy crocheting, and enjoy your new favorite winter accessory!