Floppy Sun Hat Free Crochet Pattern
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Is there anything better than a big, floppy sun hat to wear during summer? I don’t think so, so let’s make a crocheted sun hat with this free Floppy Sun Hat Crochet Pattern, shall we?
You’re relaxing on the beach, relishing the fact that the kids are actually working well together in a collaborative effort to build the ultimate sand castle. Seagulls caw and the waves crash into the rocks down the shore as you lean your head back, filling your lungs with crisp ocean air. It’s just warm enough to warrant an occasional dip in the water, and the sunlight glints just so on your freshly pedicured toenails. Small bits of sand cling to the soles of your feet from your most recent walk to the water. You’re wearing your most flattering swimsuit and your big floppy sun hat protects your shoulders from the sun.
Okay, snap out of it! I too am asking myself why I can’t be there right this second. Preferably with an ice cold beverage, some crochet thread and a hook. Ahhh, heaven.
Let’s make a floppy sun hat and pretend, mmmkay?
Materials:
Red Heart Mercerized #3 Fashion Crochet Thread (like this) – approx. 400 – 450 yards
Size B/2.25 mm crochet hook
Supplies used in this Super Heavy Starch tutorial
Gauge:
About 20-21 double crochets in 4”
Notes:
• The ch-2 at beginning of round does not count as a stitch. As such place first dc of each round in same stitch as join.
• This pattern uses chains, double crochets and the reverse single crochet, also known as the crab stitch and here is my tutorial for that.
• The parenthesis at the end of each row indicate how many stitches you should have in that row.
• Check your gauge against mine by measuring where indicated. If you’re off, read this post on how to adjust crochet gauge.
• Need help reading a crochet pattern? This will help!
Floppy Sun Hat Free Crochet Pattern:
If you would like the ad-free printable version of this pattern, that is available on Ravelry for an itty bitty fee. Thank you!
Round 1: Magic circle. Ch-2, dc 15 times in circle. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (15)
Round 2: Ch-2, 2dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (30)
Round 3: Ch-2, * dc in next, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (45)
***should measure approximately 2” – 2.25″ in diameter***
Round 4: Ch-2, * dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (60)
Round 5: Ch-2, * dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (75)
Round 6: Ch-2, * dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (90)
Round 7: Ch-2, * dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (105)
Round 8: Ch-2, * dc in next 6 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (120)
***should measure approx. 5.5” in diameter***
Round 9 – 19: Ch-2, dc in each st around (120)
***should measure approx 6” from crown to bottom of row 19***
Round 20: Ch-2, * dc in next 7 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (135)
Round 21: Ch-2, * dc in next 8 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (150)
Round 22: Ch-2, * dc in next 9 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (165)
Round 23: Ch-2, * dc in next 10 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (180)
Round 24: Ch-2, * dc in next 11 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (195)
Round 25: Ch-2, * dc in next 12 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (210)
Round 26: Ch-2, * dc in next 13 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (225)
Round 27: Ch-2, * dc in next 14 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (240)
Round 28: Ch-2, * dc in next 15 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (255)
Round 29: Ch-2, * dc in next 16 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (270)
Round 30: Ch-2, * dc in next 17 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (285)
Row 31: Ch-2, * dc in next 18 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (300)
Row 32 – 33: Ch-2, dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (300)
***if you’d like a wider brimmed hat, do more rows here***
Row 34: Ch-1, reverse sc (crab stitch) around, sl st to first rsc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Finishing the hat
Now don’t get discouraged if your hat looks like a limp, wet noodle. It is supposed to at this point. 😉 Let’s stiffen it up with some homemade super heavy starch!
Prepare your starch using this method. Lay out wide aluminum foil on the counter top with a soup bowl (or similar size bowl) upside down in the middle.
Pour starch mixture into a large-ish bowl and submerge hat in the liquid, making sure that all of the fibers are coated.
Carefully wring out excess liquid and position the crown of the hat over the center of the soup bowl. Fan out the brim so that it lays as flat as possible and position the edges in the exact manner you wish them to dry (as rounded as possible).
You could use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, or a small fan, or just let it sit overnight.
Are we done yet?
When the first coating of starch is dry, test the hat’s stiffness. Is the brim floppy enough? Or is it waaay too floppy? If it is still too floppy, simply repeat the starching process, focusing only on the brim portion of the hat.
After all is completely dry (the second coat may take overnight even if you use a fan) you’ll roughen up the hat just enough so that it isn’t hard. Shake it up, pull on it a bit, beat it against a fence post, force it down on your head and move the brim around a bit. You get the idea.
Add a thick ribbon to the base if you wish, or a leather strip with a feather and beads, leave it plain – the possibilities are endless!
Don’t you just love your new hat using this free Floppy Sun Hat Crochet Pattern? I sure hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
More crochet patterns and tutorials:
How to Make Super Heavy Starch for Crafting
Cold Shoulder Swimsuit Cover Up Crochet Pattern
How to Make an Invisible Join in Crochet
Learn to Make Your Own Yarn Cakes
Easy Breezy Lightweight Summer Vest Crochet Pattern
