Lark Cotton Bucket Hat

Keep cool and look effortlessly stylish all summer long with this breathable, cotton crochet bucket hat pattern, written for five sizes from baby to adult.

Summer is finally here, and my crochet hook is practically begging for projects that do not end up suffocating me in a pile of heavy wool.

We have all been there. You want to make something wearable, but most hats are either too warm for the beach or so stiff they feel like cardboard on your head.

That is where cotton yarn and a clever, open stitch pattern come to the rescue.

Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to a design that solves this beautifully.

Meet this gorgeous, lightweight accessory. It features a breezy texture that lets the wind slip right through while keeping the sun out of your eyes.

Best of all, it works up so quickly that you can easily finish one during a lazy afternoon movie marathon. Trust me, once you make one, your friends will be lining up for their own.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Breathable Stitch Design: The open cluster rounds keep your head cool even on the warmest summer days.
• Five Sizes Included: You can make matching hats for everyone from babies to adults.
• Quick Construction: Using worsted weight cotton means you will see progress in a flash.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted-weight (size 4) cotton yarn. I highly recommend Sable Sugar 'n Cream or Bernat Handicrafter Cotton DeLux.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook, or whatever size you need to match the gauge.
• Notions: A yarn needle for Weaving Crochet Tails and a stitch marker.
• Yardage: Approximately 100 to 150 yards depending on the size you choose to make.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 5 repeats of the 3-dc clusters measure 4-1/2 inches in length.
• Sizes included: Baby (6-12 months), Toddler, Child (3 to 10 Years), Adult Small, and Adult Large.
• Finished measurements: Circumferences are 17-1/2" (Baby), 18-1/2" (Toddler), 19-1/2" (Child), 20-1/2" (Adult Small), and 21-1/2" (Adult Large).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sl st: Slip stitch
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round from the top down.
• Keep your tension relaxed, as cotton yarn does not stretch or give as much as acrylic or wool.
• Stitch counts are written in parentheses for larger sizes. When only one number is listed, it applies to all sizes in that section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Baby (6-12 Months) & Toddler Sizes

Step 1: The Crown

Ch 5 and join with a sl st to the very first chain to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (this does not count as a stitch here or throughout), work 12 dc into the center of the ring while crocheting over your yarn tail. Pull the tail tight to close up the middle hole, then sl st to the first dc. Do not turn your work. (12 dc)

Pro Tip: Watch out for the slip stitch at the end of your rounds. It can look like an extra stitch, but do not work into it or you will accidentally increase your stitch count!

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, then work 2 dc in each of the next 11 stitches. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2, work 1 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, 2 dc in the next stitch. *[1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch]* repeat this pattern all the way to the end of the round. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (36 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2, work 1 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, 1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch. *[1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch]* repeat this pattern to the end. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (48 dc)

Round 5 (Baby Only): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), 1 sc in the same stitch, place a stitch marker in this first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first marked sc, do not turn. (60 sc)

Round 5 (Toddler Only): Ch 1, 1 sc in the same stitch, place a marker in this stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches. *[1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first sc, do not turn. (63 sc)

Step 2: The Hat Sides

Round 6: Ch 2 (this counts as your first dc), work 2 dc in the same stitch. *[Skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 dc in the next stitch]* repeat this pattern until you have 2 stitches left. Sl st to the top of your beginning ch-2, do not turn. (20 repeats / 60 dc for Baby, 21 repeats / 63 dc for Toddler)

Round 7: Sl st into the next dc, ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same stitch. *[Skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 dc in the next stitch]* repeat until 2 stitches remain. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-2, do not turn. (20 repeats / 60 dc for Baby, 21 repeats / 63 dc for Toddler)

Rounds 8-9 (Baby) or 8-10 (Toddler): Repeat Round 7. For Baby, proceed directly to the Brim. For Toddler, work Round 8 below before starting the Brim.

Note: The total height should be 5 inches for Baby and 5-1/2 inches for Toddler.

Round 8 (Toddler Only): Ch 1, 1 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the very last stitch, work 2 sc in that last stitch. Sl st to the first sc, do not turn. (64 sc)

Step 3: The Brim

Tip: We stagger the increases in the brim rounds on purpose. This keeps the shape perfectly round instead of turning into a hexagon! Always move your stitch marker up to the first stitch of each round.

Round 1: Ch 1, *[1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat this pattern to the end of the round, placing your marker in the first stitch. Do not join with a slip stitch and do not turn. (75 sc for Baby, 80 sc for Toddler)

Round 2 (Even Round): Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join and do not turn. (75 sc for Baby, 80 sc for Toddler)

Round 3: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat this pattern until you have 2 stitches left, then work 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Do not join and do not turn. (90 sc for Baby, 96 sc for Toddler)

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 5: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up into the first of those two stitches, 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches. *[2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in the next 5 stitches]* repeat to the end of the round. Do not join and do not turn. (105 sc for Baby, 112 sc for Toddler)

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat until 2 stitches remain, then work 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Do not join and do not turn. (120 sc for Baby, 128 sc for Toddler)

Round 8: Repeat Round 2. If you are making the Baby size, fasten off here and finish with an invisible join.

Rounds 9-10 (Optional Toddler Brim Extension): If you want a wider brim for the Toddler size, work these two rounds: Round 9: 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in the next 7 stitches. *[2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in the next 7 stitches]* repeat to the end. (144 sc). Round 10: Repeat Round 2. Fasten off and finish with an invisible join.

Child Size (3 to 10 Years)

Step 1: The Crown

Ch 5 and join with a sl st to the first chain to make a ring.

Round 1: Ch 2, work 12 dc into the ring over your yarn tail. Pull the tail to close the center hole, sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, then work 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, then work 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (48 dc)

Round 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in the same stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first sc, do not turn. (60 sc)

Round 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in the same stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first sc, do not turn. (66 sc)

Step 2: The Hat Sides

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same stitch. *[Skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 dc in the next stitch]* repeat until 2 stitches remain. Sl st to the top of your beginning ch-2, do not turn. (22 repeats / 66 dc)

Round 7: Sl st into the next dc, ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same stitch. *[Skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 dc in the next stitch]* repeat until 2 stitches remain. Sl st to the top of your beginning ch-2, do not turn. (22 repeats / 66 dc)

Rounds 8-11: Repeat Round 7 four more times. Your hat should measure 6 inches tall and about 19-1/2 inches in circumference before starting the brim.

Step 3: The Brim

Round 1: Ch 1, *[1 sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat this pattern to the end of the round, placing a marker in the first stitch. Do not join and do not turn. (77 sc)

Round 2 (Even Round): Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join and do not turn. (77 sc)

Round 3: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat until 3 stitches remain, then work 1 sc in each of the last 3 stitches. Do not join and do not turn. (88 sc)

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 5: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Do not join and do not turn. (99 sc)

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat until 4 stitches remain, then work 1 sc in each of the last 4 stitches. Do not join and do not turn. (110 sc)

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Round 9: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Do not join and do not turn. (121 sc)

Round 10: Repeat Round 2. Fasten off and finish with an invisible join. Weave in all remaining tails.

Adult Small & Large Sizes

Step 1: The Crown

Ch 5 and join with a sl st to the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 2, work 12 dc into the ring over your yarn tail. Pull the tail to close the center hole, sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, then work 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same stitch as your ch-2, then work 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first dc, do not turn. (48 dc)

Round 4: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 hdc in the next stitch. *[1 hdc in the next 3 stitches, 2 hdc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first hdc, do not turn. (60 hdc)

Round 5 (Adult Small Only): Ch 1, 1 sc in the same stitch as your ch-1, 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches. *[2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first sc, do not turn. (69 sc)

Round 5 (Adult Large Only): Ch 1, *[2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first sc, do not turn. (72 sc)

Step 2: The Hat Sides

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same stitch. *[Skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 dc in the next stitch]* repeat until 2 stitches remain. Sl st to the top of your beginning ch-2, do not turn. (23 repeats / 69 dc for Small, 24 repeats / 72 dc for Large)

Round 7: Sl st into the next dc, ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same stitch. *[Skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 dc in the next stitch]* repeat until 2 stitches remain. Sl st to the top of your beginning ch-2, do not turn. (23 repeats / 69 dc for Small, 24 repeats / 72 dc for Large)

Rounds 8-12: Repeat Round 7 five more times. For Adult Large, proceed directly to the Brim. For Adult Small, work Round 13 below first.

Note: The hat height should measure 6-1/2 inches, and the circumference should be 20-1/2 inches for Small and 21-1/2 inches for Large.

Round 13 (Adult Small Only): Ch 1, *[1 sc in the next 22 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Sl st to the first stitch, do not turn. (72 sc)

Step 3: The Brim

Round 1: Ch 1, *[1 sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round, placing a marker in the first stitch. Do not join and do not turn. (84 sc)

Round 2 (Even Round): Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join and do not turn. (84 sc)

Round 3: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat until 3 stitches remain, then work 1 sc in each of the last 3 stitches. Do not join and do not turn. (96 sc)

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 5: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Do not join and do not turn. (108 sc)

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat until 4 stitches remain, then work 1 sc in each of the last 4 stitches. Do not join and do not turn. (120 sc)

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Round 9: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker up, 1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *[1 sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch]* repeat to the end of the round. Do not join and do not turn. (132 sc)

Round 10: Repeat Round 2. Fasten off and finish with an invisible join. Weave in all remaining tails.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Striped Style: Change colors every few rounds on the sides. Check out our guide on Seamless Crochet Color Changes to keep your transitions looking flawless.
• Floppy Beach Brim: Add a couple of extra rounds to the brim for a dramatic sun-shielding look, similar to our popular Winnie Sun Hat Pattern.
• Flower Embellishment: Sew a cute crochet flower onto the side of the brim. You can find inspiration in our Briar Sun Hat Pattern.
• Contrast Edging: Work the very last round of the brim in a contrasting color to make the edge pop.
• Yarn Substitutions: If you don't have Sable Sugar 'n Cream, any worsted-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn will work beautifully.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The crown is curling into a bowl shape too early.
  Fix: Your tension might be too tight. Cotton yarn has zero stretch, so try switching to a larger hook or relaxing your hands.
• Problem: The brim looks wavy or ruffles too much.
  Fix: Make sure you didn't accidentally add extra stitches at the end of the rounds. Double-check your stitch counts for the increase rounds.
• Problem: The hat is too small or too large.
  Fix: Check your gauge! If your 5 repeats of the double crochet clusters don't measure 4-1/2 inches, adjust your hook size up or down.
• Problem: The seam where I join my rounds is very obvious.
  Fix: Try using the Crochet Invisible Join Method when fastening off to create a seamless finish.

Care Instructions

Hand wash your finished hat in cold water with mild detergent. Lay it flat to dry on a clean towel, shaping the crown and brim while damp to maintain its form.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like wearing a handmade accessory that is both practical and stylish. I hope you enjoy making this breezy hat as much as I did. Happy crocheting!