
The Leland Beanie features rounds of cluster stitches broken up by half double crochets done in the 3rd loop. This cozy fitted top-down beanie is sure to be a favorite.
This pattern is a rework of something I designed 8 years ago! I never ended up releasing that pattern, which is fine because I like this version so much better.
How to Crochet a Top-Down Hat
A top-down hat starts at the crown with a small flat circle. In each round, increases are added until your flat circle reaches the correct size or number of stitches as stated in the pattern.
Next, we need to add some height. These rows are worked evenly with no increases. If you ended your flat circle with 64 stitches, then each round of the body will have 64 stitches.
Finally, you can end it with some sort of brim. In this hat, we are doing back and front post half double crochets for a ribbed look.
Looking for a basic top-down beanie? Check out this pattern.

Leland Beanie Details
This hat uses Lion Brand Heartland Yarn and a 5mm crochet hook. Lion Brand Heartland is a soft and shiny acrylic yarn. Its colors all have a heathered look about them inspired by America’s landscape. This is one of my favorite yarns to use. I also used this yarn to make this hat!
If you want to use yarn from your stash to make this hat, Red Heart Soft or Caron Simply Soft would be a fantastic substitute.
Materials and Pattern Information
- 136 yds Lion Brand Heartland Yarn (Color Congaree Shown)
- 5mm crochet hook
- Scissors, Yarn needle
Gauge and Sizing
- Gauge: 1st 3 rounds measure approx 3.25 in across
- Finished Size: 20 in. around x 8 in tall
Abbreviations
- US Terminology
- Ch(s): chain(s)
- St(s): stitch(es)
- Dc: double crochet
- BLO: back loop only
- Beg Cl: beginning cluster
- Cl: Cluster
- Hdc: half double crochet
- FpHdc: front post half double crochet
- BpHdc: back post half double crochet
Special Stitches
Beginning Cluster (beg cl): * yo, insert hook into same st as ch 2, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops. Repeat from * 1 more time. Yo, pull through all 3 loops.
Cluster(cl): Yo, insert hook into space indicated, pull up loop, Yo pull through 2 loops. *yo, insert hook into same space, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, repeat from * 1 more time. Yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Notes
- Hat is worked from top down in joined rounds
- Ch 1 does not count as stitch
- Ch d2 does not count as stitch
- Join each round with sl st to top of 1st stitch
- See this post for hdc in 3rd loop photos
Leland Beanie Instructions
Rnd 1: Form magic circle to start. Ch 2, 12 dc in ring. Join. (12)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2dc in same st as ch 2 and each st around. Join (24)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, working BLO, 2dc in same st as ch 2, *dc in next, 2 dc in next. Repeat from * around. Dc in last. Join. (36)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, working in BLO, 2 dc in same st as ch 2, *dc in next 2, 2 dc in next. Repeat from * around Dc in last 2. Join. (48)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as ch 2, *dc in next 3, 2 dc in next. Repeat from * around. Dc in last 3. Join. (60)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, working in BLO, 2 dc in same st as ch 2, dc in next 14, *2 dc in next. Dc in next 14. Repeat from * around. Join. (64)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, beg cl, *ch 1, skip 1 st, cl in next. Repeat from * around. Ch 1, skip last st. Join. (32 clusters)
Rnd 8: Sl st into next ch-1 space, ch 2, beg cl, *Ch 1, skip cl, cl in next ch-1 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 1, skip last cl. Join. (32 cl)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each ch-1 space around. Join. (64)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, working in 3rd loop/back bar (see photos here), hdc in same st as ch 1 and each st around. Join (64)
Rnd 11: as rnd 10
Rnd 12: Ch 1, hdc in same st as ch 1 and each st around. Join. (64)
Rnd 13: as rnd 10
Rnd 14-18: Repeat rnd 7-11
Rnd 19-20: Ch 1, FpHdc around same st as ch 1, *BpHdc around next, FpHdc around next. Repeat from * around. BpHdc around last st. Join. (64)

Thankyou so much for sharing this lovely beanie pattern. I look forward to making it.
I’m looking to modify this to a newborn size. Any tips, things to think about, etc?
Thank you so much for your patterns. They are lovely. I crochet hats and scarves for charity, so getting them at no cost is greatly appreciated. I get my yarn from friends, yard sales and thrift shops to keep costs down. Besides basic warmth your patterns help make items attractive, most go to Christmas gift boxes for families.
I’m looking for your mosaic crochet hat you posted
You can find it here: Mosaic Crochet Hat Pattern – Alpine Plaid Hat
Great looking . Thanks for sharing