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How to Size Crochet Beanies + Master Beanie Pattern

ByAshlea

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Beanies are the bane of my existence. Okay, that might be a tad harsh BUT you can’t tell me there’s not a learning curve when it comes to crocheting beanies and the sizing of them. There are countless patterns out there. We’re talking different sizes, different stitches, different yarn, different hooks, different fits (slouchy or tight) etc etc etc. We could go on for hours but instead let’s talk about this new basic master beanie pattern that you can use to make just about any kind of hat.

How to size crocheted beanies

How to Size Crochet Hats + Master Beanie Pattern

How am I going to create a master beanie pattern, you ask? Simply by knowing when to stop increasing and when to stop adding length. We can use this method with single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet or just about any other crochet stitch or pattern. Knowing this allows you to make a beanie based on your own personal tension, hook size, and head size. Cool, right?

When you crochet beanies from the top down and you stop increasing, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the hat won’t continue to widen for a few rows. It will take several rows after stopping the increases before it begins to really straighten out on the sides. So, we have a handy dandy chart that tells you when to stop increasing so you don’t end up with a fruit bowl or worse: a lamp shade.

How to Size Crochet Hats + Master Beanie PatternIf you are making for a toddler, you will want to stop increasing when the width of the hat reaches about 6”. Use the guide above as a general rule of thumb. Check the width of your beanie after every round. When you get the crown of the hat about as wide as suggested, simply stop increasing. If you stop increasing at 6″ and have 50 sts in that round, you would continue making 50 st rows until you reach the desired length. In this case about 6″.

How to crochet the perfect beanie

For this basic beanie, we are going to start with a magic circle, then double crochet 10 times into the circle. With each row we’ll add 10 more stitches so that row 2 has 20 stitches, row 3 has 30 stitches and following that line, row 7 would have 70 stitches. You dig?

Row 1 = 10 sts
Row 2 = 20 sts
Row 3 = 30 sts
Row 4 = 40 sts
Row 5 = 50 sts
Row 6 = 60 sts
Row 7 = 70 sts
…etc until width is reached.

master beanie pattern

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New to reading crochet patterns? You’ll want to read this article before you get started. Remember to check your width after each row, and when desired crown size is reached, simply continue crocheting the same number of stitches in each row until you reach desired length. For example, I know that my head is as wide as 70 sts. Once I finish row 7 I’ll continue each row with 70 stitches until the hat is about 8″ tall. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Blue example of the Master Beanie crochet pattern with a yellow measuring tape.

Master Beanie Pattern for increasing:

Row 1: Magic Circle, 10 dc in circle. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (10)
Row 2: Ch-2, 2dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (20)
Row 3: Ch-2 *dc in next st, 2dc in next* repeat around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (30)
Row 4: Ch-2 *dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next* repeat around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (40)
Row 5: Ch-2 *dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next* repeat around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (50)
Row 6: Ch-2 *dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next* repeat around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (60)
Row 7: Ch-2 *dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next* repeat around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (70)

Blue example of the Master Beanie crochet pattern with a yellow measuring tape.

Need more help? There are thousands and thousands of hookers (including myself!) that would be happy to help in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community group on Facebook. Join us!

 

More crochet tips and tricks:

Easy Peasy 30-Minute Beanie Crochet Pattern
How to Crochet a Corner to Corner (C2C) Throw + Video Tutorial
Yarn Hacks Every Crocheter and Knitter Needs to Know
Why You Need an Emergency Crochet Kit + How to Make One
How to Make a Magic Circle for Crocheting in the Round
Use Industrial Clips for Yarn Bobbins in Crochet and Knitting

 

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230 Comments

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  5. I crochet hats for charity. I make a lot of hats in HDC stitch. On those, I always crochet in a spiral. I have learned from experience that I need to stop my crown increases at 6" to fit my head which is 23" in diameter. I did the recommended 7" diameter crown for one of the first hats I made and it swallowed my head. Since that time, I just figured that any hat I made (esp. if there was no gauge in the pattern), I would stop increasing at 6" and that has worked for me. I always end up using the pattern size for toddler/kids and it's the right size for my 22.75" head. I know that crochet is very subjective and everyone's gauge varies radically. For me, it's really helpful for crochet patterns to have a gauge.
    Reply
    1. Thanks, Lisa! I just used this guide to crochet a hat for myself. I ALSO have a 22.75" head and used the Large Adult sizing and it was too big. I had to make a bunch of decrease rows at the end to make a "slouchy" beanie. What I really want to know is ... how do you measure the crown size for the subject. Where on the top of the head is this measurement taken?
      Reply
  6. Wow! I just found this page and it's so helpful. Thank you for taking the time to post. Well written and easy to understand! I'm a beginner (2 months of expertise under my belt) and am enjoying learning new things. I made my first beanie yesterday but am doubtful the size is right. Will use your method going forward! My ultimate goal is to crochet for charity (beanies, lap blankets, baby blankets with huggie-soft yarn). And I also love the article on savings at Michaels!!!
    Reply
  7. I'm excited to discover this site. I want to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you book marked to look at new information in your website.
    Reply
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  12. Hi Ashley - Thank you so much for these GREAT directions for making a hat. I love the Magic Circle! It looks so nice ! Even though I have been crocheting for years, it’s always good to have a refresher. Your videos are so clear and easy to understand.
    Reply
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  15. Thank you so much for this beanie size explanation! I started one, but realized it would be much too small for me, and I was unsure of how to resize, but this sets me straight. I'm a more experienced knitter than a crocheter, but I'm starting to catch up. Thank you for all you do!
    Reply
  16. Ashley - wanted to thank you so much for your excellent website! I belong to a group of senior ladies who are learning to crochet (better late than never). I scour the web for useful material to help us learn. I encounter quite a few folks publishing on the web, who I am sure MEAN WELL, but have very poor writing skills and it is very hard to understand their instructions. Discovering your website has been a delight! thank you again, Rebecca
    Reply
  18. When I do the magic ring it curls under does that mean the stitches to tight? I am a beginner on making hats.
    Reply
    1. Beginner stitchers are known for making tight stitches, so yes, that may be the issue. Try tugging at it and see if it lays flatter. If not, go up one or two hook sizes. I used a size H hook with worsted weight yarn. The crown was never completely flat for me, but I could flatten it enough to measure it. Good luck!
      Reply
  19. When u do the magic circle do u chain 1 then do ur Double Crochets in the circle then join to the 1st double crochet? I’m a newbie trying to learn this hat sizing thing this is absolutely wonderful thank u!
    Reply
    1. What I do is I chain 2 in the circle, and then I make ten dc and don’t count that ch2 as a stitch. When I I come back around the circle, I skip the chain 2 and slip stitch into that first dc I made, then ch2 again and do the same. You’re just using the chain to reach height, and not using it as a stitch itself so you don’t slip stitch into it. This way you’re slip stitching into a stitch, and the chain 2 you skipped helps to close in the gap you get otherwise. There will still be a seam, but it won’t be as noticeable as if you were counting the chain as a stitch and slip stitching into it. This works any time you work in the round like this, and if it’s sc or hdc you would chain 1.
      Reply
      1. This makes SO MUCH sense! When I first learned years ago I used the chain 2 (or 3) as the first stitch. It's amazing how understanding a little thing like that will help. Thank you!
        Reply
      2. What size hoom are you using in this beanie cap? It's a great pattern but you left that part out and that's kind of important I do love the fantastic way you explained it and I hope it turns out. I made one from a utube video and it did not turn out at all. Thank you.
        Reply
        1. Hi Vicky! I did not include a hook size because using the hat sizing chart and the general pattern, you can use any weight yarn with its recommended hook size.
          Reply
  20. wish you would make a vidio of how to make a preemie beanie. I am trying to still figure out how to "You repeat what is between asterisks..ok how many times to you repeat what is between asterisks... Need instructions on how to make preemies beanies...not just beanies..and or slouch hats.thank you.
    Reply
    1. You repeat what is in the astricks 10 times. Measure after every row until you meet your desired width (from one side to the other, preemie is 3 or 3.5in). Then you will stop increasing and just do one stitch into each stitch all the way around. You will continue doing that until youve reach your desired height (so 4in from top of the hat to Bottom) Hope that helps!!!
      Reply
      1. What size hoom are you using in this beanie cap? It's a great pattern but you left that part out and that's kind of important I do love the fantastic way you explained it and I hope it turns out. I made one from a utube video and it did not turn out at all. Thank you. I
        Reply
  22. Do you happen to have any suggestions on how much to shorten it by if you're going to put ear flaps on a hat?
    Reply
  23. Your Perfect Beanie pattern/chart is MAGIC, I have made four hats, each with a different yarn and hook size and each one was perfect. I have been making hats for charity for 20'years, always searching for a pattern that would work for different yarns and hooks but I would never know if they were the right size or not. My standard phrase was "if I make a hat to donate they will find a head to fit," never really knowing for sure. I am so positive that these hats come out to the perfect size that I now feel confident to add a size tag, before it was a guess. Also it gives me a chance to use a lot of my yarn stash of different weights and manufactures. Thank you ever so much, Alisha.
    Reply
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  25. Hi. Your post and instructs are great. I'm trying to make a beanie with a 3mm hook. Your instructions about size make sense but do you always increase the rows by 10 stitches no matter what size hook/which yarn you use? I've done 7 rows but I don't seem to be getting a flat circle but it's creasing up. If I fold it in halve I don't get a normal D shape but more of a pacman shape. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for the help
    Reply
    1. Hi Sarah! You could try starting with 8 stitches in your magic circle...and then increasing by 8 for each following row using the same increase pattern until you reach your desired crown width. Hope that helps!
      Reply
      1. Hi, Im definitely busy with a dollie too. I'm using the hook recommended for the yarn. I pulled out everything and started over thinking I made a mistake. Still getting a dollie shape after row 8. Did the 8 stitches in magic circle help? I would really like to finish this suppose to be easy beanie for my dad. Hope there is someone that can help me.
        Reply
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  29. Many thanks, Ashlea! I followed your instructions and everything worked out just great. My husband is now the proud owner of a beanie! :-) It looks really good and I feel a sense of achievement. I made it in the Leaping Stripes and Blocks design.
    Reply
  30. Thank you! This arrived for me just in the nick of time (from my Pinterest account). I made a surprise crochet beanie for my husband but it was a disaster. Far too big and sloppy! So I've pulled it back. Now, I will try your method. I've read all the details of your pattern and how to do the measuring and the increasing. This makes perfect sense to me.
    Reply
  31. Can someone help me here? I followed this pattern exactly. However, it seems like after we strighten from the increase, my hat just stops increasing. So the result is like a cylinder, almost. I've tried with different sizes, different stitches and such but to no avail.... What am.I doing wrong?
    Reply
    1. Hi! The same thing happened to me on my first hat! My hook was a bit too small for the yarn and I was crocheting too tight. Try to relaxing your stitches up quite a bit and see if it helps. Good luck!
      Reply
      1. Thanks Catherine! I am using the recommended hook size for the yarn as per the label, but i know i tend to crochet tightly. I'll try relaxing my stitches to see if that improves!
        Reply
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  34. I started reading your article about how to keep your edges straight about 8 hours ago... I've been on your site all day and I haven't seen all of it yet. Not nearly... I knew I was heading for a rabbit hole but it has been a great experience. I taught myself to crochet back in high school (1960's) but never really did much crocheting until the mid 70's... the wealth of information you have here has been eye opening. Every once in a while my projects looked pretty straight but I couldn't figure out what I had done to make it look right... Several years ago I decided that rather than follow a pattern exactly I would make some basic changes that seemed to work for me... which was to "NEVER COUNT THE STARTING CHAIN" as you've explained completely... I got tired of one pattern saying not to count it and another one saying that you should count it. I had to keep checking and rechecking the directions until I finally said enough is enough... Thank you so much for explaining it so thoroughly. I love being able to learn more about this craft. Did you know that crochet is the only craft that cannot be replicated exactly, using a machine....
    Reply
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  36. I made one last night in such a short time. It took no time to make and today I gave it to my great granddaughter who is our resident DIVA and 7 years old. She saw it plopped it on her head right away she loved it. Now her mom--my granddaughter wants one in every color. I think I've started something but they are so easy and fun to make that it will be my pleasure to make a gazillion of them. I've made beanies for babies to donate to hospitals. I guess my list has just gotten longer.
    Reply
    1. I really hope that I'll be able to follow the directions . I can do the basic single stitch. I'm excited to try.
      Reply
  38. Hello Ashlea, I have a couple of more questions, as I am new to crocheting regular crochet stitched hats. I can do the "Granny Square" stitch hat no problem! #1. For custom fitting crocheted or (gasp! Knit) hats, how does one "technically/ or specifically" define the "Crown" of the head? #2. How does one measure the "crown of the head", to ensure a proper width/ circumference fit? #3. I've actually used a fabric tape measure, to measure the hat band/ head circumference of my two female roommates, and two men. They all had measurements from 24" - 24.5"!!! So to make an adult size XL, should I add one more increase row (Row 8) to make a total of 80 stitches?? Perhaps you might like to edit your sizing chart, and pattern to accommodate an Adult XL size? - Some people have really big heads!! LOL, especially some guys. Then this pattern would be even "more perfect"!!! I would really appreciate your answers as soon as possible, as I am trying to make some men's hats, and some warmer ladies' hats for charity. Silly me, I found your Facebook group first; I didn't realize that you also have a great website and wonderful patterns! I am so grateful for you in sharing your creative genius, as I am on a really tight budget right now. Thank you & Happy New Year!!
    Reply
  39. Love this, thank you! I gave a new Grandson and finally have got this down to a science with your instructions! I've also used it to treat myself to a new touque!
    Reply
  41. Thank you so much for this pattern. I have tried to make a simple beanie for my 6 year old grandson, had to frog 2 of them, too small. I hope the 3rd try is the charm.
    Reply
  43. I would like to make a beanie using the crochet seed/moss stitch. I am afraid I haven't a clue on how to do the increases for that stitch pattern. This tutorial has been very useful to me regarding how to increase basic stitches and sizing. Thank you so much.
    Reply
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  45. Best pattern ever and I love the chart. But my dimensions are off...I stopped increasing at 60 stitches in row 5 and continued 60 stitch rows until 8”, and the width grew to 10”. So what did I do wrong to cause it to grow wider?
    Reply
    1. It’s supposed to do that. If you look at the chart above, she stops increasing at 6.5 inches across, but it ends up being 10 inches across at the bottom for a 18-20 in head circumference.
      Reply
  47. Thank-you this takes the mystery out of increasing on each round for me. Have quite a few hats to make . Thanks again for all you do.
    Reply
  49. LOVE LOVE LOVE the information... I am not an advanced crochet person but I've played with it for years and can do more than I thought... However a simple hat can tie me in knots... I think this is just what I've been needing.... Thanks for your charts and measurements... Now I'm off to make a hat...
    Reply
  50. I'm a beginner and wish you video showed more detail on how to actually do the first row of double crochet. I've only done it before with a chain. Had to look at another site! Also, you don't tell or show how to end the hat once you get your desired length. The chart is very helpful for determining what size!
    Reply