Remy Chunky Beanie

Keep your family cozy this winter with a beautifully textured, super bulky hat that works up in under an hour.

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a crochet project in a single evening.

I have been there.

You sit down with a gorgeous skein of yarn, only to get bogged down by a tedious, slow-moving pattern that takes days to complete.

That is why I designed this thick, squishy hat to give you that quick win we all crave. It uses a clever stitch combination that looks incredibly intricate but is surprisingly simple to master.

This design actually came about because so many of you loved my Hazel Hooded Scarf and wanted a matching beanie to complete the look. Working from the top down, this hat uses alternating loops to create a gorgeous, stretchy ribbing that hugs your head perfectly.

Best of all, you only need one skein of yarn to make it. Let's grab our largest hooks and get started!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredibly Fast: Thanks to the super bulky yarn, you can easily finish this project in under an hour.
• Rich Texture: Alternating front and back loops creates a deep, squishy fabric that looks highly professional.
• Family Friendly: With five sizes ranging from babies to adults, you can make matching sets for everyone.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky, Weight 6; 80% Acrylic, 20% Wool; 106 yds/97m per 170g skein). Shown in Driftwood and Fisherman.
• Hook: Size N/P (10mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch marker to track spiral rounds.
• Yardage: Approximately 80 to 106 yards (1 skein of the recommended yarn is plenty for any size).

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Due to the stretchy nature of this stitch, exact gauge is flexible, but aim for a snug, comfortable fit. An 18-inch circumference stretch fits a standard adult small.
• Sizes included: 6 to 12 Months, 1 to 4 Years, 5 to 10 Years, Preteen/Adult Small, and Adult Large.
• Finished measurements:
  • 6-12 Months: Fits head size 16-18" (Finished height: 6")
  • 1-4 Years: Fits head size 18-20" (Finished height: 6.5")
  • 5-10 Years: Fits head size 20-21" (Finished height: 6.5")
  • Preteen/Adult Small: Fits head size 21-22" (Finished height: 7")
  • Adult Large: Fits head size 22-23" (Finished height: 7.5")

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• hdc: Half Double Crochet
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• BLO (Back Loop Only): Insert your hook under the back loop (the one furthest from you) to work your stitch.
• FLO (Front Loop Only): Insert your hook under the front loop (the one closest to you) to work your stitch.
• 3rd Loop: Work into the horizontal bar located directly behind the top two loops of the half double crochet stitch. This pushes the top loops forward, creating a beautiful knit-like braid.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms. If you are more familiar with British terminology, check out our US to UK Crochet Chart.
• The item is worked in continuous spiral rounds without joining or turning.
• Tension Tip: Keep your slip stitches loose when working the final round to prevent the brim from becoming too tight.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the slouchiness of this hat by adding or subtracting non-increase rounds before the final brim.

Step-by-Step Instructions

6 to 12 Months (Baby)

Round 1: Form a magic circle, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull the ring closed. Do not join with a slip stitch; work in a continuous spiral. (8 hdc)

Round 2: We will double our stitches here. Work 2 hdc into each stitch around, alternating loops: work 1 hdc in the FLO of the first stitch (place your stitch marker here), then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Repeat this pattern (1 hdc in FLO, 1 hdc in BLO of the same stitch) in every stitch around. (16 hdc)

Round 3: Continue alternating loops while increasing. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move your marker up. *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch (increase made). Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. Now, work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, and 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch (increase made). Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around, ending in the stitch right before your marker. (24 hdc)

Round 4: Now we work without increasing. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move your marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (24 hdc)

Rounds 5+: Repeat Round 4 until your hat measures 6 inches from the crown. Slip stitch into both loops of the marked stitch to even out the round.

Brim Round: Ch 1. Working into the 3rd loop behind each stitch, work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc, fasten off, and weave in your ends. (24 sts)

1 to 4 Years (Toddler)

Round 1: Form a magic circle, ch 1, work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull closed. Do not join. (8 hdc)

Round 2: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the first stitch (place marker), 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Repeat (1 hdc in FLO, 1 hdc in BLO of the same stitch) in each stitch around. (16 hdc)

Round 3: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (24 hdc)

Round 4: We will add 2 increases in this round. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next. In the next stitch, work 1 hdc in the BLO and 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch (first increase). *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * 4 more times. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. In the next stitch, work 1 hdc in the FLO and 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch (second increase). Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. (26 hdc)

Round 5: Work even without increases. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (26 hdc)

Rounds 6+: Repeat Round 5 until the hat is 6.5 inches tall. Slip stitch into both loops of the marked stitch.

Brim Round: Ch 1. Working into the 3rd loop behind each stitch, work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc, fasten off, and weave in ends. (26 sts)

5 to 10 Years (Child)

Round 1: Form a magic circle, ch 1, work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull closed. Do not join. (8 hdc)

Round 2: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the first stitch (place marker), 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Repeat (1 hdc in FLO, 1 hdc in BLO of the same stitch) in each stitch around. (16 hdc)

Round 3: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (24 hdc)

Round 4: We will add 4 increases here. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next. In the next stitch, work 1 hdc in the BLO and 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next. In the next stitch, work 1 hdc in the FLO and 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next. In the next stitch, work 1 hdc in the BLO and 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next. In the next stitch, work 1 hdc in the FLO and 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. (28 hdc)

Round 5: Work even without increases. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (28 hdc)

Rounds 6+: Repeat Round 5 until the hat is 6.5 inches tall. Slip stitch into both loops of the marked stitch.

Brim Round: Ch 1. Working into the 3rd loop behind each stitch, work 1 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, fasten off, and weave in ends. (28 sts)

Preteen to Adult Small

Round 1: Form a magic circle, ch 1, work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull closed. Do not join. (8 hdc)

Round 2: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the first stitch (place marker), 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Repeat (1 hdc in FLO, 1 hdc in BLO of the same stitch) in each stitch around. (16 hdc)

Round 3: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (24 hdc)

Round 4: Increase after every 2 stitches. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (32 hdc)

Round 5: Work even without increases. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (32 hdc)

Rounds 6+: Repeat Round 5 until the hat is 7 inches tall. Slip stitch into both loops of the marked stitch.

Brim Round: Ch 1. Working into the 3rd loop behind each stitch, work 1 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, fasten off, and weave in ends. (32 sts)

Adult Large

Round 1: Form a magic circle, ch 1, work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull closed. Do not join. (8 hdc)

Round 2: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the first stitch (place marker), 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Repeat (1 hdc in FLO, 1 hdc in BLO of the same stitch) in each stitch around. (16 hdc)

Round 3: Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (24 hdc)

Round 4: Increase after every 2 stitches. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (32 hdc)

Round 5: We will add 2 increases here. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the same stitch. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next, 1 hdc in the BLO of the next. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next, 1 hdc in the FLO of the same stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (34 hdc)

Round 6: Work even without increases. Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the marked stitch, move marker up. Work 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch. *Work 1 hdc in the FLO of the next stitch, then 1 hdc in the BLO of the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around to the marker. (34 hdc)

Rounds 7+: Repeat Round 6 until the hat is 7.5 inches tall. Slip stitch into both loops of the marked stitch.

Brim Round: Ch 1. Working into the 3rd loop behind each stitch, work 1 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, fasten off, and weave in ends. (34 sts)

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Add a Faux Fur Pom-Pom: Give your beanie a trendy boutique finish. You can easily make your own using our step-by-step guide on How to Make a Fur Pom Pom.
• Two-Tone Color Blocking: Use one color for the crown and switch to a contrasting shade for the body and brim. It's a great way to use up leftover bulky scraps!
• Slouchy Style: If you prefer a relaxed, slouchy look, simply add 2 to 3 more rounds of the non-increase pattern before working the final brim.
• Matching Scarf Set: Pair this beanie with a chunky scarf to make a beautiful gift set. Check out our Goldenrod Chunky Scarf for the perfect companion pattern.
• Classic Ribbed Brim: Instead of the 3rd loop single crochet edge, work a few rows of front post and back post double crochet to create a traditional ribbed band.
• Colour ideas: Neutral tones like cream, charcoal, or oatmeal look incredibly high-end. For a fun pop, try jewel tones like mustard yellow, rich teal, or deep burgundy.
• Yarn substitutions: Any super bulky weight 6 yarn will work beautifully. Excellent alternatives include Bernat Softee Chunky or Paintbox Yarns Simply Super Chunky.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The crown of my hat is puckering or bulging awkwardly.
  Fix: This usually happens if your magic ring isn't pulled tight enough, or if your tension was too loose in the first two rounds. Try keeping your stitches snug at the very beginning.
• Problem: I am losing track of my rounds and the stitch counts are off.
  Fix: Because this pattern is worked in a continuous spiral, a stitch marker is absolutely essential. Always move your marker up to the very first stitch of each new round.
• Problem: The brim of the hat is too tight and has no stretch.
  Fix: You might be working your slip stitches or final single crochets too tightly. Try switching to a hook one size larger (such as an 11mm or 12mm) just for the final round.
• Problem: The textured ridges are not showing up on the outside of the hat.
  Fix: Double-check that you are alternating between the front loop only (FLO) and back loop only (BLO). If you work into the same loop consistently, you will get a flat fabric instead of ridges.

Care Instructions

To keep your wool-blend beanie looking its absolute best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cold water with a mild wool wash. Gently squeeze out the excess water by rolling it in a clean towel—never wring or twist your crochet work. Lay it flat to dry on a sweater rack or clean towel to preserve its shape and elasticity.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a chunky handmade beanie. Whether you are making this for yourself, a little one, or as a quick holiday gift, I hope you enjoy every single stitch. Happy crocheting, and don't forget to share your finished beanies with me!