What’s better than a warm, fuzzy hat for those windy, early spring days? The Stepping Texture Crochet Hat made with Bernat’s Softee Chunky yarn is just the thing when you want to go for a walk and enjoy the breeze without experiencing chilly ears and a brain freeze.
The pattern, which can be found on Ravelry or Yarnspirations, is available as a free PDF and is marked as an “Easy” project, which means this beautiful beanie can be created quickly, just in time for that afternoon drive or stroll through the woods.
All you’ll need to make your own Stepping Texture Crochet Hat is a crochet needle (size 11), yarn (2 balls), a tapestry needle, and a pair of scissors. The pattern includes a graph as well as photos and sketches, so in case you need something more visual, there are tools available. However, if you’d prefer reading the pattern, it’s very detailed and well laid out. There are several abbreviations familiar to beginner crocheters (included in an abbreviation library), such as the usual slip stitch (sl st), chain (ch), and double crochet (dc), as well as other, less familiar abbreviations such as double crochet front/back posts (dcfp/dcbp), right side (rs), wrong side (ws), and yarn over hook (yoh).
You’ll be working the hat in rounds once you’re past the ribbed brim, so you may want to add a few stitch markers to the list of materials needed, though of course it isn’t necessary. If you like, you can forego the stitch markers and use paperclips instead, or even bits of differently colored yarn. Whatever works for you – feel free to experiment.
The Stepping Texture hat is a great project for beginner crocheters who want items that look more polished, as it starts out with a ribbed rim, then switches to the stepping texture before completing the hat with a handmade pom-pom (instructions are also included on how to make this using only your hand and a pair of scissors), showcasing several stitches in one item which means you might have to make a few of these for your friends if you don’t want them “borrowing” it!
One size fits all according to the pattern, especially if you’re using a looser gauge and chunky yarn. You might, however, want to check it as you go along to ensure that it is of the right proportions.
Of course, as with every pattern, if you feel comfortable enough crocheting your hat by adhering strictly to the directions, there are plenty of opportunities to go “off-pattern” and create a unique hat based on your own preferences for stitches and additions like buttons, ribbon, or variegated yarn.
If you want to try this pattern out and make your own beautiful Stepping Texture Crochet Hat, the Bernat Design Studio has it available on Ravelry. They have several other patterns available as well so if you like the way their patterns are written, or their subject matter, you might want to consider joining Ravelry, following Bernat Design Studio and Yarnspirations, and adding their patterns to your PDF library. They have a wide range of patterns offering everything from childrens’ clothes, hats, and bags to pillows, blankets, and rugs.
