Chunky Goldenrod Beanie

Whip up this incredibly cozy, textured winter hat in under two hours using super bulky yarn and a simple, beginner-friendly stitch pattern.

Winter is coming.

We have all been there when the temperature suddenly drops and you realize your wardrobe is missing that perfect, squishy accessory. You want something stylish, but you do not want to spend weeks working on a single project.

Many beautiful hat patterns require intricate stitches that take forever to grow, which is incredibly frustrating when you are short on time. If you are preparing for a last-minute holiday gift exchange or trying to stock up your craft fair booth, slow patterns are your absolute worst enemy. It is disheartening to watch your yarn barely budge after an hour of intense concentration.

I have a solution for you.

That is why I designed this ultra-fast project using super bulky yarn and a clever stitch combination. You can easily finish this entire hat in about ninety minutes, and it has all the gorgeous texture of a complex star stitch without any of the hassle.

Today, I am walking you through every single step of this cozy design. Once you finish, you might even want to pair it with my Goldenrod Chunky Scarf for the ultimate cold-weather set!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredibly Fast: You can complete this entire project in just an hour and a half, making it perfect for last-minute gifts.
• Beginner-Friendly Texture: It looks like a complex star stitch, but it uses basic stitches that anyone can master.
• Great for Craft Fairs: Because it works up so quickly, you can easily build up a large inventory in just one weekend.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Super Bulky (Size 6) yarn. I recommend Loops & Threads Cozy Wool (shown in Golden Rod) or Bernat Softee Chunky (shown in Natural).
• Hook: K (6.5 mm) hook for the ribbing and an 8 mm hook for the main body of the hat.
• Notions: Large-eye yarn needle, sewing needle, matching thread, and a fluffy faux fur pom-pom.
• Yardage: 90 yards (1 skein of Cozy Wool) for Toddler, Child, and Adult Small. (Note: Adult Small uses almost the entire skein, so grab a second one to be safe!). You will need 150 yards for the Adult Large size.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 8 single crochet stitches = 4 inches using the 8 mm hook.
• Sizes included: Toddler, Child, Adult Small, and Adult Large.
• Finished measurements:
  • Toddler: Fits a 19-inch head circumference; 7.5 inches tall.
  • Child: Fits a 21-inch head circumference; 8 inches tall.
  • Adult Small: Fits a 22-inch head circumference; 8.5 inches tall.
  • Adult Large: Fits a 23-inch head circumference; 9 inches tall.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• sl st (slip stitch): Insert hook, yarn over, and pull through both loops.
• sc (single crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• BL (back loops only): Work your stitches by inserting your hook only under the rear loop of the stitch, rather than under both loops.
• sc2tog (single crochet two together): Insert hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up another loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms. If you are used to UK terminology, you can refer to my US to UK Crochet Chart to translate the stitches.
• The ribbing is worked flat and then joined, while the crown is worked in the round.
• Keep your slip stitches loose during the ribbing section so your hook can slide in easily on the next row.
• You can easily adjust the size of the foundation chain if you prefer a wider or narrower brim. Learn more about Adjusting Crochet Foundation Chains to customize your fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crafting the Ribbed Brim

Using your K (6.5 mm) hook, leave an 8-inch tail for sewing later. Chain 6 (6, 7, 7).

Row 1: Work a slip stitch into the second chain from your hook. Slip stitch in each remaining chain across to the end, then turn. [5 (5, 6, 6) slip stitches]

Row 2: Chain 1. Work 1 slip stitch into the BL of the very first stitch (the same stitch as your chain 1). Work 1 slip stitch into the BL of each of the remaining 4 (4, 5, 5) stitches, then turn. [5 (5, 6, 6) slip stitches]

Repeat Row 2 until your ribbed band measures 15 (16.5, 18, 18.5) inches without stretching it out. The ribbing is naturally stretchy and will expand to fit comfortably.

Joining the Brim

Bring the two short ends of your ribbing together.

Slip stitch through both layers to join them into a circle. Insert your hook through the back loop of the last row and the free loops of your starting chain. Insert your hook slightly deeper into the foundation chain side (closer to the first ridge) rather than right on the edge to create a cleaner seam. Do not cut your yarn.

Setting Up the Crown

Switch to your larger 8 mm hook.

Round 1: Chain 1 at the seam. Work 32 (34, 36, 38) single crochet stitches evenly around the edge of your ribbing. Work your stitches into the "valleys" between the ridges rather than directly into the ridges, as the valleys are much easier to work into. If your ribbing feels a bit too loose, you can use a few sc2tog decreases to bring the stitch count to the correct number. Slip stitch to the first single crochet of the round. Do not turn your work. [32 (34, 36, 38) single crochets]

Round 2: Chain 3 (this counts as 1 single crochet plus a chain-2 space). Place a stitch marker directly into this chain-2 space to mark your first repeat. Work 1 single crochet into the same stitch as your chain 3. Skip the next stitch. *Work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 1 single crochet) into the next stitch, then skip the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around. Do not slip stitch to join, and do not turn. [16 (17, 18, 19) chain-2 spaces]

Working the Main Body

Round 3: Work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 1 single crochet) directly into the first marked chain-2 space from the previous round. Move your stitch marker up into the new chain-2 space you just created. *Work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 1 single crochet) into each chain-2 space around to the end of the round. Do not slip stitch to join, and do not turn.

You are working in a continuous spiral. You can easily spot where to place your stitches by looking for the "peaks" created by the chain-2 spaces.

Repeat Round 3 in a continuous spiral until your hat measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) inches tall, measuring from the bottom edge of the ribbing.

Shaping and Decreasing the Crown

Decrease Round 1: Work 1 single crochet into the marked chain-2 space. Move your stitch marker up into this new single crochet. Work 1 single crochet into each chain-2 space around to the end. [16 (17, 18, 19) single crochets]

Decrease Round 2: Work 1 single crochet into the marked stitch. Move your stitch marker up. Work 1 single crochet into each stitch around to the end.

Decrease Round 3: Work a sc2tog across the marked stitch and the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then work a sc2tog in the following stitch. Repeat from * all the way to the end. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing. You will have a small opening left at the top of your hat.

Finishing Touches

Turn your hat inside out. Thread your 12-inch yarn tail onto a large-eye yarn needle. Weave the needle in and out along the edge of the top opening, then pull the tail firmly to cinch the hole closed. Secure the yarn and weave in the end.

Use your starting tail from the ribbing to tidy up any uneven edges at the seam, then weave in that tail as well. Turn the hat right side out and attach your faux fur pom-pom to the top using a sewing needle and matching thread.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Faux Fur Pom-Pom: You can easily make your own fluffy topper for pennies! Check out my tutorial on How to Make a Fur Pom Pom for Less than a Dollar to add the perfect finishing touch.
• Messy Bun Style: If you love wearing your hair up, simply stop before the final decrease rounds. Leave a larger opening at the top, finish the edge with a round of single crochet, and you have a trendy messy bun hat. You can also check out my Crochet Messy Bun Beanie for more inspiration.
• Slouchy Fit: If you prefer a more relaxed, slouchy look, simply continue repeating Round 3 until the hat is 2 inches longer than the pattern specifies before starting your decrease rounds.
• Striped Style: Create a beautiful color-blocked look by changing colors when you transition from the ribbing to the crown.
• Yarn Substitutions: If you cannot find Loops & Threads Cozy Wool, any category 6 super bulky yarn will work beautifully. Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is an excellent alternative.
• Colour ideas: Warm mustard yellow, classic cream, deep forest green, or a trendy charcoal grey.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My ribbing is too tight and does not stretch enough.
  Fix: You might be working your slip stitches too tightly. Try using a slightly larger hook for the ribbing, or consciously loosen your tension on each slip stitch.
• Problem: The top of my hat has a bulky, bunched-up look after cinching.
  Fix: Make sure you complete all three decrease rounds before cinching. These rounds gradually reduce the bulk so the top closes smoothly.
• Problem: I am struggling to find where to insert my hook in Round 3.
  Fix: Look for the "V" shape or peak created by the chain-2 space from the previous round. You will insert your hook directly into that space, not into the stitches themselves.
• Problem: My stitch count is off at the end of Round 1 of the crown.
  Fix: It is easy to miscount when working into the edge of ribbing. Use stitch markers to divide your ribbing into four equal quarters, and aim to place an equal number of single crochets in each quarter.

Care Instructions

To keep your handmade beanie looking its best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cold water with a gentle wool wash. Gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay the hat flat on a clean towel to dry. If you used a faux fur pom-pom, make sure to remove it before washing, or be very careful not to get it wet, as water can ruin the fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a beautiful, wearable project in a single afternoon. This chunky beanie is so quick and rewarding that you will find yourself making one in every color of the rainbow. I hope you enjoy making this cozy accessory as much as I enjoyed designing it. Happy crocheting, my friends!