How to Crochet Video: Free Hat Pattern for Scrap Yarn

How to Crochet: Easy Hats for Using Scrap Yarn

The hat is my go-to hat pattern because it’s so easy. You can make it with scrap yarn and make every row a different color, do a pattern with the colors, or do it solid. It’s done it about an hour and uses about a skein for an adult hat and 1/3 skein for an infant’s hat. I sometimes put pompoms on them but generally, I leave them unadorned and just let the user decide whether or not to wear it rolled or slouched.

Sizing is done by changing the size of the hook, the weight of the yarn, and/or the number of chains and rows. It’s made with a half double crochet that’s fast and easy and one of my favorite stitches. The sample below uses a size I crochet hook and 55 chains for an adult hat.

For pom poms I use the Clover Large Pom Pom Maker. I’ve found it to be the quickest method of making pompoms because it secures the yarn while you cut and tie it off, plus the large size is perfect for every size hat. I’ll be purchasing the XL size soon for larger projects.

How to Crochet: Simple Hat Variations

I made this toddler size by using a G hook. The crochet is much tighter and more compact. I used Premier Yarns 1-Pack Solid Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted in Aubergine which is much prettier in person than the online photo shows. I opted not to embellish this one. I wanted a good sturdy hat that could be donated to kids on the street and while I want it to be pretty, I want it to be really durable so I crochet it without any joins and for maximum warmth.

Simple Adult Hat from this Same Pattern

By simply changing to an I hook and to Red Heart Soft Yarn, I get an adult large hat. It fits me perfectly, but my thin and balding husband’s head swims in it. While I used three colors on this one, the colors are not cut and knotted at every color change. The yarn is simply brought up from its last row and then the carried pieces are hidden inside the hat when it’s gathered.

If you’re going to use more than 2 colors, you have to plan ahead to be sure you’ll be able to end on the appropriate row so that when you join the first row to the last, your color sequence is correct. You can do this by measuring your first two rows to get your gauge and then divide the full hat width by the number of colors and that will tell you if your pattern will work out. Or go for it and don’t worry about it! A warm hat in fun colors will be appreciated – no one will check to be sure the number of rows is equal or that you have one or two more rows of one color.

Crochet How To Video

There are tons of crochet how-to videos available for everything from a certain stitch to how to crochet left handed. Check out Yolanda’s channel, she’s a great teacher and she offers so many free patterns.

Yarn Used in these Crochet Projects

Caron Simply Soft Print Yarn, 4 Ounces/315 Yards, Baby Brights (the color I used, Embroidery, is sold out, but this is a great substitute)

Red Heart Soft Yarn, Light Gray Heather

Red Heart Soft Yarn, White

Red Heart Soft Yarn, Seafoam

Red Heart Soft Yarn, Navy

Premier Yarn Deborah Norville Collection 3-Pack Everyday Solid Yarn, Aubergine

Coats Yarn Red Heart Soft Yarn, Cherry Red

Red Heart Super Saver Economy Yarn, Zebra Print

How to Crochet –  My Must-Have Tools

Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes

Clover Chibi with Darning Needles

Fiskars 4 Inch Detail Scissors

Dritz Crafters Comfort Glove-Large

1.5M Heart Shaped Keyring Measuring Tape Ruler Yellow Red Blue 3pcs