I was inspired to make this hat by a few knit hats I had seen floating about the Instagram space plus I had a skein of Caron Simply Soft Tweeds begging me to turn it into something. So of course because I am a sucker for texture (see here or here for proof) I decided my hubby needed yet another hat.
I decided to start off with a post stitch ribbed brim for two reasons. One, its a lot faster than working the brim flat and I was anxious to try out these stitches. Two, I always feel like this style brim is a little tighter around the head. Since this hat is for my hubby I wanted something that would stay on well no matter what he was doing.
Once I got going on the pattern I kept thinking it reminded me of the Mackinac Bridge! If you’ve never seen the Mighty Mac, it is currently one of the world’s longest suspension bridges and spans 5 miles connecting Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas. The straight post stitches reminded me of the pillars and the diagonal post stitches of the cables between.
I actually enjoyed making this so much I am working on a hot pink slouchy version for myself. Hopefully my hubby won’t mind that we’re matchy-matchy, haha.
You can purchase an inexpensive ad-free version of this pattern on Ravelry.
Materials
- 1 skein of Caron Simply Soft (5oz/250 yds per skein) or similar #4 worsted weight yarn
- 5mm/H crochet hook
- Needle to weave in ends
- Scissors
Gauge and Sizing
- Gauge: 7 double crochets x 4 rows = 2 in
- Finished hat measures: 8.5 in tall x 9.5 in wide while laying flat.
- Adult size
Abbreviations
- I use US Terminology
- Ch(s): chain(s)
- Dc: double crochet
- FpDc: front post double crochet
- BpDc: back post double crochet
- FpDtr: front post double treble crochet
- St(s): stitch(es)
- Sl st: slip stitch
- Hdc: half double crochet
- Hdc2tog: half double crochet 2 together, half double crochet decrease
Notes
Special stitch: front post double treble crochet: yo 3 times, under stitch as indicated from front to back to front, yo and pull up loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] x4.
Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
If you want to make a slouchy version of this hat repeat round 5 until it’s the desired height keeping in mind the decreasing rounds will add 2 inches.
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Pattern
Band
Rnd 1: Ch 72, join to form ring. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), dc in same ch as ch 2 and in each ch around. Join to top of 1st dc with sl st. (72)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, FpDc around same st as ch 1, FpDc around next, Bpdc around next, * FpDc around next 2 sts, BpDc around next, repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st FpDc with sl st. (72)
Rnd 3: Repeat round 2 (72)
Body
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in same st as ch 2 and in each st around. Join to top of 1st dc with sl st. (72)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, FpDc around same st as ch 1 and around next. Dc in next. Skip 3 st. FpDtr around next. Working behind FpDtr just made, leave 1st skipped st open and dc in next 6. Working in front of the dc sts just made, FpDtr around stitch immediately to the left of last FpDtr 3 stitches back. Skip 1 st, Dc in next. * FpDc around next 2 sts. Dc in next. Skip 3 st. FpDtr around next. Working behind FpDtr just made, leave 1 skipped st and dc in next 6. Working in front of the dc sts just made, FpDtr around stitch immediately to the left of last FpDtr. Skip 1 st, Dc in next. Repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st FpDc with sl st. (72)
Rnd 6-14: repeat round 5. (72)
Decreasing rounds
Rnd 15: Ch 1, FpDc around same st as ch 1 and next. Hdc in next 10, FpDc around next 2 sts. *hdc in next 10 sts, FpDc around next 2. Repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st FpDc with sl st. (72)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, FpDc around same st as ch 1 and next. [Hdc2tog over next 2 sts. Hdc in next 3] x2 * FpDc around next 2. [Hdc2tog over next 2 sts. Hdc in next 3] x2. Repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st FpDc with sl st. (60)
Rnd 17: Ch 1, FpDc around same st as ch 1 and next. [Hdc2tog over next 2 sts. Hdc in next 2] x2 * FpDc around next 2. [Hdc2tog over next 2 sts. Hdc in next 2] x2. Repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st FpDc with sl st. (48)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, FpDc around same st as ch 1 and next. 3 Hdc2Tog over next 6 sts. *FpDc around next 2 sts. 3 Hdc2Tog over next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st FpDc with sl st. (30)
Rnd 19-20: Ch 1, Hdc2tog around. Join to top of 1st hdc2tog with sl st. Counts are not important for these last 2 rounds so if it doesn’t work out perfectly just fudge it and move on. On last round, finish off leaving a long tail. Weave tail in and out around small hole in top of hat and pull to cinch closed. Weave in ends.
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Thanks for this neat pattern! Even though I’m still relatively new to crocheting, I caught on to this one really quick. 🙂
I just loved making this hat! I found it very relaxing as there isn’t much counting needed. And I think the pattern is just beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
How can I make it smaller for a woman? Should I go down to 62 chain stitches?
Second this!
When doing the first fpdtr, the stitch before it gets elongated and is loose and unsightly. I can’t seem to keep it tight on the hook as I do the treble. Do you have any tricks?
My hat is coming out with an extremely large circumference and has no stretch along the base (the first row of stitches has no stretch and is extremely tight but the rest is fine). Any tips?
I have pulled out row 5 three times already. I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong☹️. How many repeats of the pattern should there be in total? Perhaps I can figure out where my mistake is if I knew that.
Sorry – this might be clearer
Lyn Note for Round 5: the 2 FpDc sts will match the 2 FpDc sts below, on the band, but put the Round 5 FpDc’s around the POSTS of Round 4 dc sts. Then you have Round 4 Dc sts so you can make the 6 Dc. The single Dc sts match a BpDc on the band’s round 3. Repeat = 4 sets of FpDc on the band.
Thank you for this awesome (intermediate level) pattern! I too read and re-read the Round 5 instructions, and when I finally got it I made these notes:
Note for round 5: the 2 FpDc sts will match the 2 FpDc sts below, on the band, but put the round 5 sts in round 4 dc sts! The single Dc sts match a BpDc on the band’s round 3.
Hope this helps.
I am left handed so before I try, can you tell me if this pattern will work for me when I crochet from left to right?
I just started making this pattern. I’m a lefty too. It took me a while to figure out that the 2nd FpDtr goes to the stitch immediately to the right of the 1st FpDtr instead of the left. Maybe you’ve figured that out by now but hope this helps.
I would love to make this hat but as a novice I am having a hard time figuring out the pattern. Has anyone made a tutorial video? Or would be willing to? I would love to make this.
Thank you for posting a free version of this beautiful hat! It worked up very quickly for me, and your photos really helped me to understand the written pattern! I saw somebody else had asked this question, but I didn’t see a response – do you have any plans for making a matching scarf pattern for this hat?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a matching scarf is on my ever growing to-make list. 😊😉
Im stuck on row 5 too. I don’t know what “working DC behind the FPDC means.
Love your pattern.
I was wondering if you also have a top down version?
I enjoyed working this pattern. Made it with bulky5 yarn that has a reflective thread in it. I made this for a friend who works as a lineman in Iowa.
I am obsessed with this hat! I made one for myself and just love the texture. It turned out beautiful – thank you so much for the amazing pattern! Do you allow people to sell the items they make from your patterns? I’d be happy to put your link in!
I’m so glad you love it! You may absolutely sell items made from any of my patterns. 😊
I’m having trouble on Row 5: I did the ist FPDtrand the dc in next 6, I cannot get the next fpDtr to lay back like a V as indicated…what am I doing wrong?? Is their a video ? thanks
I don’t have a video, just the photo tutorial. Are you working the next fpdtr around the stitch next to the last fpdtr. They kind of both meet in the middle of the 6 dc.
Being from Michigan, you immediately captured my attention, because the Mighty Mac is one of my favorite places to go. I loved how it turned out. Your pattern was easy to follow. Would love to post a picture, but wasn’t sure how to do that.
In row 5 are the fpdc supposed to line up with the fpdc in the band? I’ve frogged this 3 times and followed the directions carefully but it’s not seeming to line up
Thank you for the fun pattern! I’m still a new crocheter but really enjoyed the challenge. Love the hat too 😀
I love this beanie!! And I desperately want to make it for my son… but I am stuck on row 5. I have read and reread.. I just don’t get it. I make the fpdtr and then go back and double crochet in the stitches I skipped? Just pull the yarn to the right and start crocheting? Sorry… will go back and read it again. Agree with everyone else, when you have a moment, would you create a video? 🙂
I tried to capture it in the photo tutorial but yes thats exactly right. Just be sure to leave the first skipped stitch open and you should be good.
This turned out beautifully! I love the texture. It’s warm without being too heavy. I sent one in a care package to my husband and I’m going to make more for gifts! Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you like it.
I am confused at step 5 as well. When you make the double crochets behind the FpDtr do you go through the loop made by the FpDtr or on top of it? Also, the stitch directions say 4 double crochets behind the FpDtr but round 5 says 6 double crochets. Do you put the 4 double crochets behind the FpDtr and the remaining to the regular way or do you put all 6 double crochets behind the FpDtr?
Was there a response to this?
Nm got it! Easy Once you figure it out LOL
If you wanted to make the hat bigger or smaller for someone with a different head size how would one go about doing that?
I figured it out. Thank you.
Help I’m stuck on rd 5. is there a video or something similiar? maybe on you tube or somewhere. the Dc behind FpDtr is confusing. I really like this hat and want to make it. I need your help please.
I figured it out. Thank you.
For rnd 15, should the last 2 fpdc be there? It starts with 2 fpdc and should end with a set of hdc. I love the pattern and it works up quickly.
How can I adjust this for children’s sizing? For a 4yo? I’m not very advanced in crocheting.
How do I prevent my FpDtr from hacking a large, loose loop on the last step of the stitch that leaves an unsightly gap?
Having, not hacking! That’s a funny spell check option!
Be careful if you crochet left handed. Putting the second FPDTR to the left of the first one makes them criss cross. It still looks really neat, but not like the pictures posted here.
Made this and it’s beautiful. Either I have big head or it’s just not long enough for an adult. Lol beautifully written pattern btw! Definitely going to extend it and make myself one as I’m giving this first one to my nephew!
I think her pattern is off, in the picture it shows 9 rows with the FpDtr but the written instructions only give you 6 rows. I kept adding because mine would have been too short as well.
You are so right Heather, the pattern is off. I’ll fix it later when I’m on my computer. Thanks for the catch!
It would be great if you can do a video tutorial..with this it will be fantastic..
By the way it look so beautiful!
Thanks
I made this for my son in camoflouge yarn. Great pattern
Haven’t tried this stitch yet, but am wondering if it would be appropriate for a baby’s hat… too big?
Can you do a video showing me/us how it’s done. Im a little confused with how to create the pattern. The stitch is easy. Thank you
Would also love to see a video on how to do row 5
Hi is it the same pattern if I wanted to make a blanket with this stitch?
Beautiful hat.
If I need to make the opening of the hat bigger, what is the adjustment for the starting chain?
Being that I live one hour south of the Mighty Mac….this is a must!
Renee, we must love pretty close to each other because I am about an hour south of the bridge too!
*live
How do I adjust pattern repeat if I need to adjust brim to only 64 stitches? I am kind of new at this. Thank you!
Hi Kristine, the repeat for this pattern is 12, so 64 will not work but 60 will.
I agree. I had 2 too many stitches.
I don’t understand this step “Working behind FpDtr just made, leave 1st skipped st open and dc in next 6”.
You’re going to place these dc stitches behind the FpDtr stitch. So you skipped 3 stitches before you made a fpdtr right, now you are going to go back and work your 6 double crochets starting in the 2nd skipped stitch. Does that clear it up for you? ☺
I think I have it now. Thanks! 🙂
Never mind. After looking at the illustration I think I understand. 🙂
Totally love this beanie! Thank you for creating the pattern 🙂 Are you planning on a matching scarf pattern at all?
Gorgeous texture!!! Can’t wait to try this one.