How to Crochet a Bucket Hat – Free Pattern for Beginners

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If you have been looking for a crochet hat pattern that is both trendy and timeless, this crochet bucket hat pattern is exactly what you need. Bucket hats have been a staple fashion accessory for years, and the good news is they are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a hook, some DK weight yarn, and a little patience.

This pattern is worked from the top down in continuous rounds, so there is no seaming and no complicated shaping, this free crochet bucket hat pattern delivers a professional-looking result that you will actually want to wear.

So without further ado, grab your hook and let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Materials You Will Need

DK weight yarn — approximately 200–250 yards (Suggested: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, Paintbox Simply DK, or any DK / light worsted weight yarn you love)
4.5mm (US 7) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Finished Size: Adult Medium — approximately 22 inches / 56 cm head circumference

Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

💡 Gauge matters here! If your finished crown circle is noticeably smaller or larger than 7 inches across after Round 11, adjust your hook by 0.5mm up or down before continuing.

Abbreviations Used (US Terms)

MR – Magic Ring
ch – Chain
sc – Single Crochet
2sc – 2 single crochets into the same stitch (increase)
sl st – Slip Stitch
st(s) – Stitch(es)
rep – Repeat
rnd(s) – Round(s)

Pattern Notes

This hat is worked in continuous rounds from the crown down to the brim. Do not join rounds unless instructed.
Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round and move it up as you work.
Stitch counts are shown in bold parentheses at the end of each round ().
A magic ring gives the tightest, cleanest Centre. If you prefer, you can substitute a ch 2 and work your stitches into the first chain instead.

Pattern Instructions

Part 1: Crown

The crown starts at the very top of the hat. You will work increase rounds that fan outward to form a flat circle. When finished, this circle should measure approximately 7 inches across.

Rnd 1: MR, 8 sc into the ring. Pull the ring closed. (8)

Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around. (16)

Rnd 3: Sc in next st, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (24)

Rnd 4: Sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (32)

Rnd 5: Sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (40)

Rnd 6: Sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (48)

Rnd 7: Sc in next 5 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (56)

Rnd 8: Sc in next 6 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (64)

Rnd 9: Sc in next 7 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (72)

Rnd 10: Sc in next 8 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (80)

Rnd 11: Sc in next 9 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * around. (88)

💡 After Round 11 the piece should lie flat. If the edges are curling upward, your tension is too tight — try going up one hook size.

Part 2: Band (Sides)

Now you will work straight down the sides with no increases. This creates the structured tube that sits on your head.

Rnds 12–33: Sc in each st around. (88 — repeat for 22 rounds)

💡 These 22 rounds create approximately 4.9 inches of band height. Do not skip any rounds or the hat may sit too high on your head and not fit properly.

Part 3: Brim

The brim is worked by gradually increasing over several rounds, which causes the fabric to flare outward naturally into that classic bucket hat shape.

Rnd 34: Sc in next 10 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * 8 times. (96)

Rnd 35: Sc in each st around. (96)

Rnd 36: Sc in next 11 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * 8 times. (104)

Rnd 37: Sc in each st around. (104)

Rnd 38: Sc in next 12 sts, 2sc in next st; rep from * 8 times. (112)

Rnd 39: Sc in each st around. (112)

Rnd 40: Sl st in each st around. Fasten off. (112)

💡 The slip stitch round on Round 40 gives the brim a clean, polished edge. Make sure to weave in your ends really well here as the brim gets the most handling when wearing the hat.

Finishing

Cut yarn leaving an 8 inch tail.
Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely, especially at the magic ring centre and the brim edge.
Optional: Block lightly by laying the hat on a towel, shaping it over a rounded object (like a bowl), and allowing it to air dry. This gives a really neat, structured finish.

Tips and Customization

Two-tone look: Switch to a contrasting colour at Round 34 when you begin the brim for a fun pop of colour.
Shorter brim: Work only Rounds 34–37 for a more subtle flare if you prefer a less dramatic brim.
Taller band: Add extra rounds between Round 12 and Round 33 to make the hat sit deeper on your head.
Yarn choice: Cotton and cotton blend DK yarns work beautifully for this hat as they hold their shape well. Great for summer! Wool blends work well for a cosy winter version.
Smaller head? Try a 4.0mm hook with the same yarn to bring the circumference down slightly without changing the pattern.

I would love to see your finished bucket hat! Share it with us on Instagram @sinarra1 or join our Facebook group and show us your colour choices.

Happy crocheting! 🧶