Pattern Description:
The Chinook Toque is a warm, stylish crochet hat for a classic winter look. Featuring a striking Fair Isle snowflake motif, it’s worked in tapestry crochet with single crochet stitches in the back loops only for a smooth, stretchy texture.
Designed for a slouchy fit, the pattern allows easy size adjustments and finishes beautifully with an optional maple leaf applique.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials Needed
- Gauge: 15 sc = 4″.
- I Hook
- Medium Weight Yarn in 3 colors (specifically listed as Patons Canadiana in Cardinal, Winter White, and Pale Gray Mix)
- Maple Leaf applique (optional, small ones are suggested as the perfect size)
- Darning Needle
Key Measurements & Sizing Notes:
| Item | Detail | |
| Gauge | 15 single crochet (sc) = 4″ (using the Gauge Pattern) | |
| Ribbed Band Length | Repeat row 2 until the band reaches approx. 19″ (or until it fits your head snugly when gently pulled) | |
| Hat Body Starting Stitch Count | Achieve 76 total stitches when working the first round of single crochet around the top of the band | |
| Sizing Flexibility | The design contains no repeats, making it easy to size up or down by adding or subtracting an equal number of stitches from the beginning and end of the graph design |
Abbreviations Used:
- Ch – Chain
- Sc – Single Crochet
- Hdc – Half Double Crochet
- Sl st – Slip Stitch
- St – Stitch
- BLO – Back Loops Only
Instructions for Making the Chinook Toque Pattern:
Ribbed Band
Yarn Color: Pale Gray
Setup:
- Ch 6.
Row 1:
- Hdc in 2nd Ch from hook.
- Hdc in each remaining Ch.
- Turn. (5 St)
Row 2:
- Ch 1.
- Hdc in same St.
- Hdc in next 3 Sts BLO.
- Hdc in last St, going through both loops.
- Turn. (5 St)
Repeat and Join:
- Repeat Row 2 until the band measures approximately 19″ (when gently stretched).
- Fold the band in half and Sl st the ends together to form a circle.
- Turn the band so the loop is at the top and the seam is on the inside.
- Proceed to the hat body.
Fair Isle Crochet Hat Body
Technique: Work entirely in BLO using tapestry crochet (carry the unused yarn through each stitch).
Round 1 (Foundation):
- Using Pale Gray, Ch 1.
- Sc evenly around the top edge of the Ribbed Band to make 76 Sts total.
- Join with Sl st.
Color Change:
- Join Cardinal (Red) yarn.
Rounds 2 – 28:
- Begin working from the graph design on Round 2.
- Start each round with Ch 1.
- End each round by joining with Sl st.
- Work BLO throughout.
- The graph includes the full pattern with no repeats.
Sizing Note:
- The design leaves space between beginning and end for size adjustment.
- To resize, add or remove equal stitches at both the beginning and end of the graph section.
Shaping and Finishing
Round 29 (Decreases):
- Ch 2.
- Dc2tog all the way around the hat.
- Join with Sl st. (38 Sts)
Closing the Top:
- Using a yarn needle, weave a loose running stitch around the top edge.
- Pull gently to cinch closed and tie securely with a sturdy knot.
Final Touches:
- Add a yarn pom-pom or faux-fur pom-pom to the top.
- Optionally, attach a small Maple Leaf applique for a Canadian-inspired accent.
Helpful Notes
- Tapestry crochet with multiple colors creates a tighter, less stretchy fabric.
- If you prefer more stretch, try dragging the unused yarn behind the stitches instead of carrying it within them.
