Zoe Beanie Pattern

Joanna Grey

Aug 11, 2026

Discover how to make a cozy, textured hat for the whole family with this versatile worsted weight crochet beanie pattern.

Worsted Weight Crochet Hat Pattern, Zoe Beanie

Have you ever stood in front of your yarn stash, holding a single, beautiful skein of worsted weight yarn, wondering what to make?

It is so easy to get stuck in a rut of making the same basic stitches over and over again. We want texture, but we do not want a pattern that requires a master's degree in engineering just to count the rows.

That is exactly why I designed this textured beanie. It uses a clever variation of basic stitches to create a gorgeous, woven look without any of the stress.

Let me introduce you to the Zoe Beanie.

This project is worked from the bottom up, starting with a stretchy ribbing that actually stays snug on your head. If you have ever struggled with hats that slip off or stretch out of shape, this construction method will be a total game-changer for you.

Best of all, it comes in four different sizes, so you can whip up matching gifts for toddlers, kids, and adults alike. Grab your favorite worsted yarn, and let's get stitching!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

Quick to finish: Since it uses medium-weight yarn, you can easily complete this project in just one evening.
Stunning texture: The extended stitches create a unique, woven fabric. If you love this style, you might also enjoy our knit-look crochet beanie pattern.
Gift-friendly sizing: With four sizes included, you can make one for everyone on your holiday list using just a single skein per hat.

Materials You'll Need

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (Worsted weight, size 4 yarn). Samples shown in Pink and Fisherman.
Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge).
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, and an optional faux fur pom-pom.
Yardage: 125 yards for Toddler and Child sizes; 140 yards for Adult Small and Adult Large sizes.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 16 slip stitches in BLO = 4 inches (10 cm) unstretched. Adjust hook size if necessary to match the ribbing lengths.
Sizes included: Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Large.
Finished measurements:
- Toddler: 7" tall x 18" circumference
- Child: 7.5" tall x 20" circumference
- Adult Small: 8" tall x 21" circumference
- Adult Large: 8" tall x 22" circumference

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

ch: Chain
sl st: Slip stitch
sc: Single crochet
BLO: Back Loops Only. Insert your hook only under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops.
esc: Extended Single Crochet. Insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through one loop, yarn over again, and pull through both remaining loops on your hook.
esc2tog: Extended Single Crochet Two Together (Decrease). Insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through one loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into the following stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through one loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern Notes

Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
The item is worked bottom-up, starting with the ribbing worked flat, then joined into a circle, and the crown is worked in the round.
Tension Tip: Keep your slip stitches loose when working the ribbing. If you struggle with tight slip stitches, try using a hook one size larger just for the band.
Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the slouchiness of this hat by adding more rounds to the body before starting your decrease rounds. If you want a super slouchy style, check out our Bree Slouchy Hat for inspiration!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crocheting the Ribbed Band

Chain 9 (9, 10, 10).

Row 1: Work 1 sl st in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. [8 (8, 9, 9) sl sts]

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sl st in the BLO of the very first stitch, then work 1 sl st in the BLO of each remaining stitch across. Turn. [8 (8, 9, 9) sl sts]

Subsequent Rows: Repeat Row 2 until your ribbing band measures 15 (16.5, 18, 18.5) inches when laid flat without stretching. Do not turn your work after the final row.

Step 2: Joining the Band Seam

Bring the short ends of your band together, placing the starting chain behind your last row.

Remove your hook from the active loop, insert it through the foundation chain side, grab the active loop, and pull it through.

Slip stitch the two ends together by working through the foundation chain and the BLO of your last row. When inserting your hook into the foundation chain side, insert it slightly deeper (closer to the first ridge) rather than right at the edge to create a completely seamless look.

Turn the band inside out so the seam is hidden on the inside. Pass your yarn skein through the band if needed to position your working yarn correctly.

Step 3: Setting Up the Crown

The rest of the hat is worked in continuous rounds.

To make sure your stitches are distributed evenly, use stitch markers to divide your band into four equal sections. Work approximately one-quarter of your stitches into each section.

Round 1: Ch 1 at the seam. Work 81 (89, 93, 97) sc stitches evenly around the edge of the ribbing. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. [81 (89, 93, 97) sc]

Pro Tip: Avoid inserting your hook at the absolute edge of the ribbing; insert it slightly lower to prevent any gaps or holes from forming.

Step 4: Working the Textured Body

Round 2: Ch 3 (this counts as your first esc and a ch-1 space). Skip the next stitch, work 1 esc in the following stitch. * (Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, 1 esc in the next stitch). Repeat from * all the way around. You will finish with an esc in the stitch right before your starting chain. Do not slip stitch, and do not turn. [41 (45, 47, 49) esc]

Note: The esc is worked into the stitch slightly to the right of the previous round's stitch, not directly on top.

Round 3: Work 1 esc into the top of the starting chain-2 from the previous round. Place a stitch marker in this stitch to mark the beginning of your round. * (Work 1 esc in the next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * until you reach your marker. Do not turn. [41 (45, 47, 49) esc]

Round 4: Work 1 esc in the marked stitch, move your marker up into this new stitch, ch 1. * (Work 1 esc in the next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * until you reach the marker again. Do not slip stitch, and do not turn. [41 (45, 47, 49) esc]

Remaining Body Rounds: Repeat Round 4, always moving your marker up at the start of each round, until your hat measures 5.5 (5.5, 6, 6) inches tall from the bottom edge of the ribbing.

Step 5: Shaping the Crown (Decreases)

Follow the specific decrease rounds for your chosen size below. Do not slip stitch or turn between rounds unless instructed.

Toddler Size Decreases

Decrease Round 1: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) twice. Esc2tog across the next 2 esc stitches, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) 3 times, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. Repeat from * to the last esc, 1 esc in last esc, ch 1. [33 esc]

Decrease Round 2: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, 1 esc in next esc, ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) twice, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. Repeat from * to the last esc, 1 esc in last esc, ch 1. [25 esc]

Decrease Round 3: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [25 esc]

Decrease Round 4: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1). Repeat from * to the last esc, 1 esc in last esc, ch 1. [17 esc]

Decrease Round 5: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up). Do not chain 1. Work 1 esc in each esc stitch around without making any chains. Sl st to the marked stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail. [17 esc]

Final Round: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first sc, then fasten off with a long tail.

Child Size Decreases

Decrease Round 1: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) twice, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) 3 times, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. Repeat from * to the end of the round. [36 esc]

Decrease Round 3: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) twice, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1) 3 times, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. Repeat from * to the last 2 esc, 1 esc in next esc, ch 1, 1 esc in last esc, ch 1. [22 esc]

Decrease Round 4: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [22 esc]

Decrease Round 5: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1). Repeat from * to the last esc, 1 esc in last esc, ch 1. [15 esc]

Decrease Round 6: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [15 esc]

Decrease Round 7: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up). Do not chain 1. Work 1 esc in each esc stitch around without making any chains. Sl st to the marked stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Adult Small Size Decreases

Decrease Round 4: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [24 esc]

Decrease Round 5: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1, esc2tog across next 2 esc, ch 1). Repeat from * to the end of the round. [16 esc]

Decrease Round 6: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [16 esc]

Adult Large Size Decreases

Decrease Round 4: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [24 esc]

Decrease Round 6: 1 esc in marked st (move marker up), ch 1. * (1 esc in next esc, ch 1). Repeat from * around to the marker. [16 esc]

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Turn your beanie inside out.

Thread your long yarn tail onto a tapestry needle.

Weave the needle in and out through the stitches of the final round, then pull firmly to cinch the top opening closed.

Secure the cinch with a knot and weave in the remaining tail on the inside of the hat.

Weave in your starting tail at the brim.

If desired, attach a fluffy faux fur pom-pom to the top of your hat!

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

Messy Bun Style: Leave the top cinched opening slightly wider instead of closing it completely. This turns your hat into a trendy messy bun beanie! If you love this look, check out our Skye Messy Bun Beanie for more styling ideas.
Slouchy Fit: Add an extra 1 to 2 inches of height to the body of the hat before starting the decrease rounds. This gives it a relaxed, slouchy silhouette.
Striped Crown: Change colors every few rounds of the body to create beautiful stripes. Learn how to seamlessly change colors when crocheting in the round to keep your transitions completely invisible.
Chunky Version: Use a bulky weight yarn and a larger hook to make a super cozy, thick winter hat. You can use our Cobblestone Beanie as a guide for bulky yarn stitch counts.
Yarn Pom-Pom: Instead of a faux fur pom-pom, make a large, fluffy pom-pom using the same yarn or a contrasting color.
Colour ideas: Try a classic neutral like Fisherman or Cream for a sophisticated look, or go bold with a vibrant Pink, Mustard, or Teal to brighten up grey winter days.
Yarn substitutions: Any standard worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or wool blend yarn will work beautifully. Great alternatives include Red Heart With Love, Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran, or Plymouth Yarn Encore.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

Problem: The ribbing band is too tight or doesn't stretch enough.
Fix: You might be working your slip stitches too tightly. Try using a hook that is one size larger just for the band, or focus on keeping your tension very relaxed.
Problem: There are visible holes where the crown joins the ribbing.
Fix: When working Round 1 of single crochet into the edge of the ribbing, make sure to insert your hook slightly deeper into the stitches rather than right at the very edge.
Problem: My stitch count is off at the end of the rounds.
Fix: It is incredibly easy to lose track of the beginning of the round when working in continuous spirals. Always use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
Problem: The top of the hat is bulky and won't cinch closed smoothly.
Fix: Make sure you do not skip the final decrease rounds. If it is still too bulky, work one extra round of single crochet decreases (sc2tog) right before fastening off to reduce the number of active stitches.

Care Instructions

To keep your handmade beanie looking its absolute best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Squeeze out the excess water gently by rolling it in a clean towel—never wring or twist your crochet work. Lay it flat to dry completely. If you attached a faux fur pom-pom, make sure to remove it before washing, or keep it out of the water to preserve its fluffiness!

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a cozy, handmade hat over your ears when the weather turns chilly. This beanie is the perfect project to build your confidence with extended stitches while creating a gorgeous accessory you'll be proud to wear or gift. I can't wait to see the beautiful color combinations you choose. Happy crocheting, my friends!

The Author

I'm Joanna T. Grey. I've been designing crochet patterns for over a decade, and I focus on modern, wearable pieces with clear, tested instructions. Every pattern here is written so you actually understand the why behind each step—not just what to do. Even if you're new or experienced, you'll find practical guidance and designs that work.