Lady Nell Sun Hat

Keep cool and look effortlessly elegant with this vintage-inspired crochet sun hat featuring a beautifully structured brim.

Have you ever wanted to crochet a classic straw-style hat but dreaded the thought of working with rough, scratchy jute?

I certainly have.

Traditional raffia and jute can leave your fingers raw and your tension uneven before you even finish the crown.

That is why I was absolutely thrilled to discover a soft, 100% cotton alternative that mimics that rustic beachy texture without the pain.

By using a clever combination of tight single crochet stitches and a slightly larger hook for slip-stitch transitions, this hat achieves a sturdy, self-supporting brim. You do not even need to mess around with messy millinery wire or stiffeners to keep it from flopping into your eyes.

It is the ultimate blend of vintage charm and modern comfort.

Today, I am walking you through every single round of this gorgeous accessory so you can craft your own perfect summer companion. Grab your favorite cotton yarn, and let us get stitching!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• No wire needed: The clever stitch construction keeps the brim upright naturally.
• Gentle on hands: Made with soft cotton yarn instead of rough jute or scratchy straw.
• Vintage aesthetic: Features a timeless silhouette that pairs beautifully with a simple ribbon or scarf.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Sable Sugar 'n Cream (100% Cotton, Worsted Weight / Medium 4)
• Hook: Size F (3.75 mm) and Size G (4.5 mm)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers
• Yardage: Approximately 150-200 yards

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: After completing the first 10 rounds of the crown, your circle should measure exactly 5 inches (12.7 cm) in diameter across its widest point.
• Sizes included: One size fits most adult women.
• Finished measurements: 21-1/2 inches (54.6 cm) in circumference.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - Yarn over, pull loop through.
• sc: Single Crochet - Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc: Double Crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through two loops] twice.
• sl st: Slip Stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• US to UK Terms: If you are more familiar with British terminology, you can check out our handy US to UK Crochet Chart to translate these stitches easily.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round for the crown and brim, and turned for the textured sides.
• Tension Tip: Keep your stitches quite firm, especially on the brim, to ensure it holds its shape without drooping.
• Customization Tip: You can easily personalize this look by weaving a colorful thrifted scarf or a simple ribbon through the side gaps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Crocheting the Crown

Using your smaller F (3.75 mm) hook, chain 4. Join with a slip stitch to the very first chain to create a ring.

Round 1: Working directly over your starting yarn tail, make 1 sc inside the ring. Place a stitch marker in this first stitch. Work 5 more sc into the ring. Do not turn or slip stitch. Pull your starting tail firmly to close the center hole. (6 sc)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch. Move your marker to the first of these new stitches. Work 2 sc in each remaining stitch around. Do not turn or slip stitch. (12 sc)

Round 3: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch. Move your marker to the first stitch. Work 1 sc in the next stitch. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the following stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (18 sc)

Round 4: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 2 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (24 sc)

Round 5: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 3 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (30 sc)

Round 6: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (36 sc)

Round 7: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 5 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 5 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (42 sc)

Round 8: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 6 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 6 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (48 sc)

Round 9: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 7 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 7 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (54 sc)

Round 10: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 8 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 8 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (60 sc)

Check your progress: At this point, your circle should measure 5 inches in diameter.

Round 11: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 9 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 9 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (66 sc)

Round 12: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 10 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 10 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (72 sc)

Round 13: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch, move your marker. Work 1 sc in the next 11 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the next 11 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn or slip stitch. (78 sc)

Round 14: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Work 1 sc in the next 9 stitches, then 2 sc in the next. *Work 1 sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next, 1 sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next. Repeat from * until you have 2 stitches remaining. Work 1 sc in the last 2 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the marked stitch. Do not turn. (86 sc)

Part 2: Shaping the Sides

Note: For this section, you will turn your work at the end of every round to create a lovely textured pattern.

Round 1: Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet here and throughout). Work 1 dc in the very same stitch as your chain 3. Skip the next stitch. *Work 2 dc in the next stitch, then skip the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 3. Turn.

Round 2: Work 1 sc in the space between the double crochet pairs. Chain 1. *Work 1 sc in the space between the next double crochet pairs, then chain 1. Repeat from * all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to your first sc. Turn.

Round 3: Slip stitch into the first chain-1 space. Chain 3, then work 1 dc in that same chain-1 space. Skip the next stitch. *Work 2 dc in the next chain-1 space, then skip the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 3. Turn.

Rounds 4+: Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until your hat measures approximately 6-1/2 inches tall from the center of the crown. Make sure you finish on a double crochet round (Round 3 repeat).

Transition Round: From this point forward, you will work on the right side of your hat without turning. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the same stitch as your chain 1. Place a marker in this stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join loosely with a slip stitch to your marked sc, and place a marker in this slip stitch. Do not turn.

Hook Swap: Switch to your larger G (4.5 mm) hook. Slip stitch into the next stitch and each stitch around, ending in the stitch right before your marked slip stitch. (86 slip stitches)

Part 3: Crafting the Wide Brim

Note: Switch back to your smaller F (3.75 mm) hook. Keep your tension tight to ensure the brim remains stiff and structured.

Round 1: You will work this round exclusively into the slip stitches you just made. Insert your hook under both loops of the slip stitch only (do not catch the single crochet stitches behind them). Work 2 sc in the marked slip stitch. *Work 1 sc in each of the next 6 slip stitches, then 2 sc in the next slip stitch. Repeat from * until you have 8 stitches left. Work 1 sc in each of the last 8 stitches. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (98 sts)

Round 2 (Even Round): Work 1 sc in the marked stitch. Move your stitch marker up into this new stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (98 sts)

Round 3: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch and move your marker up. Work 1 sc in the next 6 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. *Work 1 sc in the next 13 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 6 stitches left. Work 1 sc in each of the last 6 stitches. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (105 sts)

Round 4: Repeat Round 2. (105 sts)

Round 5: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 14 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 14 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (112 sts)

Round 6: Repeat Round 2. (112 sts)

Round 7: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch and move your marker up. Work 1 sc in the next 7 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. *Work 1 sc in the next 15 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 7 stitches left. Work 1 sc in each of the last 7 stitches. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (119 sts)

Round 8: Repeat Round 2. (119 sts)

Round 9: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 16 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 16 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (126 sts)

Round 10: Repeat Round 2. (126 sts)

Round 11: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch and move your marker up. Work 1 sc in the next 8 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. *Work 1 sc in the next 17 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 8 stitches left. Work 1 sc in each of the last 8 stitches. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (133 sts)

Round 12: Repeat Round 2. (133 sts)

Round 13: Work 2 sc in the marked stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 18 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 18 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (140 sts)

Round 14: Repeat Round 2. (140 sts)

Round 15: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch and move your marker up. Work 1 sc in the next 9 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. *Work 1 sc in the next 19 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 9 stitches left. Work 1 sc in each of the last 9 stitches. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (147 sts)

Round 16: Repeat Round 2. (147 sts)

Round 17 (Edging): Work 1 sc into the marked stitch. *Chain 5, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around. After your final chain-5, join with a slip stitch to your very first sc. Fasten off your yarn.

Part 4: Finishing Touches

Thread your yarn tails onto a tapestry needle and weave them securely into the inside of the hat.

If desired, wrap a lightweight decorative scarf or ribbon around the base of the crown and tie it in a bow.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Striped Crown: Change colors every few rounds on the sides of the hat using our Seamless Color Change Technique.
• Floppy Brim Option: If you prefer a softer, more relaxed look, try our Sunsational Sun Hat which features a drapier brim.
• Child-Sized Version: To scale down the size for little ones, check out our Free Crochet Sun Hat for Boys or adapt the crown increases.
• Bucket Hat Style: For a more modern, streetwear-inspired look, you can try the Magnolia Bucket Hat.
• Color ideas: Try a classic cream with a black ribbon, a nautical navy and white stripe, or a warm terracotta.
• Yarn substitutions: Any sturdy 100% cotton worsted weight yarn will work, such as Dishie or Bernat Handicrafter Cotton.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My brim is wavy and won't lay flat.
  Fix: Your tension might be too loose. Try switching to a slightly smaller hook for the brim, or ensure you aren't accidentally adding extra increase stitches.
• Problem: The hat is too small for my head.
  Fix: Check your gauge after Round 10. If it is smaller than 5 inches, your tension is too tight. Try using a larger hook or blocking the crown.
• Problem: The brim is flopping down into my eyes.
  Fix: Cotton can soften over time. You can spray the brim with fabric stiffener or starch, then lay it flat to dry to restore its structure.
• Problem: I am struggling to find the slip stitches in the transition round.
  Fix: When working the slip stitches with the larger hook, keep them loose. This makes it much easier to insert your smaller hook under those loops in the next round.

Care Instructions

Hand wash your hat in cool water with a mild detergent. Reshape it while damp by placing it over a bowl or hat form, and let it air dry completely. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying, as this can cause the cotton to shrink and lose its shape.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like stepping out into the sunshine wearing something you made with your own two hands. This hat is sure to turn heads and keep you cool all season long. Happy crocheting, my friends!