Zadie Newsboy Hat Pattern

Keep your loved ones cozy and stylish with this gorgeous textured newsboy cap featuring a classic structured brim and decorative side buttons.

Have you ever spotted a crochet project that instantly transports you to a cozy, vintage autumn afternoon? That is exactly how I feel every time I see a classic newsboy cap.

But let's be honest for a moment.

Many structured hats can be a real headache to make. They often end up too floppy, or the brim turns out completely wonky.

I have been there myself, ripping out stitches in frustration late into the night. That is why I designed this pattern to give you that crisp, tailored look without the stress.

This design blends beautifully textured shell stitches with a sturdy, double-thick visor. It is a timeless accessory that looks incredibly professional but is surprisingly straightforward to stitch up.

We will use clever post stitches to build a gorgeous spiral texture. Then, we will transition to a smaller hook to create a firm, structured band that actually holds its shape.

Best of all, this pattern includes four different sizes. You can easily whip up matching caps for everyone from sweet little babies to stylish adults. If you enjoy this style, you might also want to check out my Reeve Newsboy Hat for another fun variation.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Timeless Vintage Style: The classic newsboy silhouette never goes out of fashion and pairs perfectly with cozy winter coats.
• Sturdy Shape: By switching hook sizes for the brim, you get a visor that stays firm without needing plastic inserts.
• Textured Delight: The combination of raised post stitches and soft shells creates a rich, touchable fabric that is highly satisfying to crochet.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Size 4 medium). Lion Brand Wool-Ease was used for the sample.
• Hook: Size I (5.5 mm) for the main hat body; Size H (5.0 mm) for the textured band and visor.
• Notions: Two decorative metal buttons, a yarn needle for weaving in tails, and stitch markers.
• Yardage: Approximately 120 to 180 yards depending on the size you choose to make.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 double crochet stitches = 4 inches using the larger 5.5 mm hook.
• Sizes included: 6-12 Months, 1-3 Years, 3-10 Years, and Preteen to Woman.
• Finished measurements:
  • 6-12 Months: 16.5" circumference, 6" height (6" circle diameter after Round 6)
  • 1-3 Years: 18" circumference, 6.5" height (6.5" circle diameter after Round 6)
  • 3-10 Years: 19.5" circumference, 7.5" height (7" circle diameter after Round 6)
  • Preteen to Woman: 21" circumference, 8" height (7.5" circle diameter after Round 6)

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• sc: Single Crochet
• hdc: Half Double Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• fpdc (Front Post Double Crochet): Worked like a regular double crochet, but you insert your hook from front to back and then to the front again around the post of the indicated stitch before completing the stitch.
• reverse sc (Reverse Single Crochet): Also known as the Crab Stitch. Worked from left to right instead of right to left. Insert your hook into the stitch to the right, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops.
• BLO / FLO: Back Loop Only / Front Loop Only.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round from the top down, while the visor is worked flat in rows.
• Always take the time to measure your circle diameter after Round 6 to ensure your hat fits perfectly.
• If your stitches tend to be loose, consider sizing down your hook to keep the brim nice and sturdy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crocheting the Crown

Let's start by forming our starting ring. Using your larger 5.5 mm hook, chain 4 (or chain 5 for sizes 1-3 Years and larger). Slip stitch to the very first chain to create a ring.

Round 1: Chain 2 (note: this starting chain does not count as a stitch now or later). Work 10 (11, 12, 13) double crochet stitches directly into the center of your ring. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet. Do not turn your work. [10 (11, 12, 13) dc]

Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 front post double crochet around the post of the first double crochet from the previous round. Next, work 1 double crochet into the space between that post stitch and the next double crochet. *Work 1 front post double crochet around the next post, then work 1 double crochet in the gap between the post stitch just made and the following stitch. Repeat from * around a total of 9 (10, 11, 12) times. You will finish with a double crochet in the gap right before the starting chain. Slip stitch to the top of your first front post double crochet. Do not turn. [10 (11, 12, 13) fpdc alternating with 10 (11, 12, 13) dc]

Round 3: Chain 2. *Work 1 front post double crochet around the post stitch. Work 2 double crochet stitches in the gap between that post stitch and the next stitch. Skip the next double crochet. Repeat from * a total of 10 (11, 12, 13) times. Slip stitch to the top of the first front post double crochet. Do not turn. [10 (11, 12, 13) fpdc with 20 (22, 24, 26) dc]

Round 4: Chain 2. *Work 1 front post double crochet around the post stitch. Work 3 double crochet stitches in the gap between that post stitch and the next stitch. Skip the next 2 double crochet stitches. Repeat from * a total of 10 (11, 12, 13) times. Slip stitch to the top of the first front post double crochet. Do not turn. [10 (11, 12, 13) fpdc with 30 (33, 36, 39) dc]

Round 5: Chain 2. *Work 1 front post double crochet around the post stitch. Work 4 double crochet stitches in the gap between that post stitch and the next stitch. Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches. Repeat from * a total of 10 (11, 12, 13) times. Slip stitch to the top of the first front post double crochet. Do not turn. [10 (11, 12, 13) fpdc with 40 (44, 48, 52) dc]

Round 6: Chain 2. *Work 1 front post double crochet around the post stitch. Work 5 double crochet stitches in the gap between that post stitch and the next stitch. Skip the next 4 double crochet stitches. Repeat from * a total of 10 (11, 12, 13) times. Slip stitch to the top of the first front post double crochet. Do not turn. [10 (11, 12, 13) fpdc with 50 (55, 60, 65) dc]

Mentor Tip: Stop here and measure the diameter of your flat circle from peak to peak. It should measure 6" (6.5", 7", 7.5") across. If it is too small or too large, adjust your hook size before moving forward!

Step 2: Growing the Hat Body

Round 7: Chain 2. *Work 1 front post double crochet around the post stitch. Work 5 double crochet stitches in the gap between that post stitch and the next stitch. Skip the next 5 double crochet stitches. Repeat from * a total of 10 (11, 12, 13) times. Slip stitch to the top of the first front post double crochet. Do not turn. [10 (11, 12, 13) fpdc with 50 (55, 60, 65) dc]

Subsequent Rounds: Repeat Round 7 continuously until your hat measures approximately 5" (5.5", 6.5", 7") tall when measured from the top center down to the peak of a shell.

Leveling Round: Chain 1. Work 1 half double crochet in the same stitch as your starting chain. Work 1 half double crochet in the next stitch. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. *Work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to your first half double crochet to join. [60 (66, 72, 78) stitches]

Step 3: Creating the Ribbed Band

Switch to your smaller H (5.0 mm) hook for this section to keep the band snug.

Reverse Single Crochet Round: Chain 1 (counts as a stitch). Work 1 reverse single crochet into the front loop of the next stitch to your right. Continue working 1 reverse single crochet in each front loop all the way around. Slip stitch to your starting chain 1.

Single Crochet Round in Back Loops: Gently fold the textured reverse single crochet ridge forward so you can access the back loops. Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the first back loop located behind your textured ridge. (Tip: Be sure to catch one extra strand of yarn behind the back loop to prevent any holes from forming!). Work 1 single crochet in each back loop around. Slip stitch to the starting chain 1. [60 (66, 72, 78) stitches]

Repetitions: Alternate these two rounds until you have completed 3 textured ridges (for sizes 6-12 Months and 1-3 Years) or 4 textured ridges (for the larger two sizes). Make sure you finish on a reverse single crochet round, then fasten off your yarn.

Step 4: Shaping the Visor

To find your starting point, count the unworked back loops left free behind your last round. Skip 12 (12, 13, 14) stitches from where you fastened off. Place a stitch marker in the next stitch. Now skip the next 33 (39, 43, 47) stitches and place a second marker. Your visor will be worked back and forth in rows between these two markers.

Row 1: Slip stitch into your first marked stitch. Chain 1 (counts as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet in each stitch across to your second marker. Work 1 single crochet into the marked stitch. Turn your work. [35 (41, 45, 49) stitches]

Row 2 (Size 6-12 Months Only): Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch as your starting chain. Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch. *Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across, ending with 2 single crochets in the top of your starting chain. Turn. [53 stitches]

Row 2 (Sizes 1-3 Years, 3-10 Years, and Preteen to Woman Only): Chain 1. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * across, ending with 1 single crochet in the starting chain. Turn. [61 (67, 73) stitches]

Row 3 (All Sizes): Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch as your starting chain. Skip the next stitch. *Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then skip the next stitch. Repeat from * across until you have skipped the last visible stitch. Work 1 single crochet in the top of your starting chain. Turn. [53 (61, 67, 73) stitches]

Repetitions: Repeat Row 3 until your visor measures 1.5" (1.75", 2.25", 2.75") wide from the base of your ribbed band. Fasten off.

Step 5: Adding the Trim and Buttons

Join your yarn with a slip stitch under the textured ridge right where your visor begins. Work reverse single crochet stitches evenly along the raw edges of your visor. Aim to place about 3 reverse single crochets for every 4 row ends to keep the edge flat and neat. Fasten off and weave in all remaining yarn tails.

To finish, fold the outer corners of the visor upward slightly on both sides. Sew these corners down securely to the hat band, ensuring they are symmetrical. Sew your decorative metal buttons directly over the sewn corners. Your beautiful new cap is ready to wear!

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Slouchy Style: If you prefer a more relaxed look, continue repeating Round 7 of the body for an extra inch or two before working the leveling round. This creates a lovely slouchy crown similar to the Dream Weaver Slouch Hat.
• Solid Brim Contrast: Use a contrasting color for the ribbed band and visor to make the structured brim stand out.
• Cozy Earflaps: You can easily add simple triangular earflaps to the sides of the baby sizes for extra warmth during chilly winter walks.
• No-Brim Beanie: Skip the visor entirely! Just finish the ribbed band and you will have a gorgeous, textured beanie. If you love brimless designs, try the Etta Beanie.
• Colour ideas: Classic neutrals like charcoal, mustard, oatmeal, or deep forest green give this hat a wonderfully rustic, high-end look.
• Yarn substitutions: Any standard worsted weight yarn will work beautifully. Acrylic blends like Caron Simply Soft or wool blends like Patons Classic Wool are excellent alternatives.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My visor is curling upward or looks wavy.
  Fix: This usually happens if your tension is too tight or too loose. If it curls up tightly, try working your stitches slightly looser or switch back to the larger hook for the visor. If it is wavy, you may have added too many stitches; double-check your stitch count in Row 2.
• Problem: The hat is too small after completing the crown.
  Fix: Make sure to measure your circle diameter after Round 6. If you are under the target measurement, your tension is tight. Switch to a 6.0 mm hook for the crown.
• Problem: The reverse single crochet (crab stitch) is too difficult.
  Fix: Don't worry! You can easily substitute the twisted single crochet. Simply insert your hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, rotate your hook a full 360 degrees to twist the loops, yarn over, and pull through. It creates an almost identical textured ridge!
• Problem: There are visible holes in my band when working the back loops.
  Fix: When working your single crochet round behind the ridge, make sure to insert your hook under both the back loop and the small horizontal bar directly beneath it. This extra loop anchors the stitch and closes any gaps.

Care Instructions

To keep your newsboy cap looking its absolute best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Gently squeeze out the excess water using a clean towel—never wring or twist the fabric. Lay the hat flat on a dry towel, shaping the visor carefully, and let it air dry completely away from direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a structured crochet project that actually fits and holds its shape beautifully. This newsboy cap is such a rewarding make, and it makes a truly cherished gift for family and friends. Take your time with the post stitches, enjoy the rhythm of the shells, and happy crocheting!