Pattern Description:
This playful bucket hat combines vintage charm and modern flair using classic granny squares.
Perfect for spring and summer, it’s lightweight, customizable with any color palette, and surprisingly beginner-friendly.
Crochet each square, seam them together, and add a simple brim for sun protection. Stylish, functional, and fun to make!
Materials Need & Measurements:
- Yarn: • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (100% mercerized cotton) or similar smooth cotton yarn for stitch definition and comfort.
- Yarn Weight: • Worsted/Medium #4
- Hook: • Size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- Notions:
- Tapestry needle (for seaming and weaving in ends)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful for brim rounds)
Measurements:
- Finished hat fits most adult heads: approx. 21-23” (53-58 cm) circumference
- Height from crown to brim edge: approx. 7.5-8” (19-20 cm)
Stitches & Abbreviations Used:
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sp – space
- st – stitch
- rep – repeat
Instructions for Making the Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern:
Make the Granny Squares:
The hat uses five classic granny squares: four for the sides and one for the crown (top). Each granny square is worked in the round with three or four color changes to create the iconic multi-color look.
Basic Granny Square Pattern (worked over 4 rounds):
- Round 1: With Color A, ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc into ring; rep * twice more, ch 2, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off Color A. (4 dc clusters, 4 ch-2 corners)
- Round 2: Join Color B in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner; rep * twice more, ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off Color B.
- Round 3: Join Color C in any corner, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner; rep * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off Color C.
- Round 4: Repeat the same pattern using Color D, adding an extra (3 dc, ch 1) in each side space as needed. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat this pattern to make 5 granny squares.
Join the Squares:
- Place the four side squares in a row.
- Use whip stitch, slip stitch, or mattress stitch to join the squares edge-to-edge, forming a tube.
- Attach the top square (crown) by sewing it to the top edges of the tube, matching each corner to the corners of the side squares.
Tip: Keep the right sides facing out while seaming for a neater finish.
Add the Brim:
Turn your hat upside down so you’re working into the bottom edge (foundation edge) of the side squares.
- Round 1: Join yarn in any stitch, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire bottom edge. Sl st to first sc.
- Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join.
- Round 3 (increase): Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep * around, sl st to join.
- Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join.
- Round 5 (increase): Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep * around, sl st to join.
- Round 6–7: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join.
Adjust brim width by adding or removing rounds as preferred.
Finishing:
- Weave in all ends securely with a tapestry needle.
- Lightly block your hat to even out the squares and brim shape.
- For a stiffer brim, consider adding a row of single crochet with thin millinery wire, or lightly spray-starch.
Customize Your Hat:
- Change color order for a different look.
- Use neutral tones or bold contrasting shades.
- Try different yarn fibers (like bamboo or linen) for summer.
You now have a lightweight, colorful, retro-inspired crochet bucket hat perfect for sunny days, festivals, or as a unique handmade gift.
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