Free Dinosaur Spike Hat Pattern

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Two colors of weight 4 (worsted weight) yarn.
  • Main color: Dark Olive (example: Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn)
  • Coordinating color: Greybeard (or similar)
• Hook Size: H8/5mm crochet hook
• Notions:
  • Stitch marker
  • Sewing needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors
• Yarn Alternatives:
  • Red Heart’s With Love
  • Berroco’s Vintage
• Time Spent: Approx. 1.5 hours from start to finish.
• Measurements:
  • Size: Toddler up to 5 years
  • Circumference: 18″ – 20″ (fits head size 18 – 20″)
  • Height: 7 1/4 inches from crown to brim
• Gauge: 13 double crochet (DC) stitches by 7 rows = 4 inches

Abbreviations:

• SC: Single Crochet
• HDC: Half Double Crochet
• DC: Double Crochet
• FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
• BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet

Stitching Instructions for Making the Dinosaur Spike Hat Pattern:

Magic Ring:

• Begin by creating a magic ring (also called adjustable ring) using the main color of your yarn (Dark Olive in this example).
• Inside the magic ring, work 8 Half Double Crochets (HDC). This will form the center of your hat.
• Round 2:
  • Work 2 HDC into each stitch around. This increases the number of stitches in this round.
  • After completing this round, you will have 16 HDC.
• Round 3:
  • Work HDC into the next space, then 2 HDC into the next space, repeating this sequence 8 times.
  • This will give you a total of 24 HDC for this round.
• Round 4:
  • Work HDC into the next 2 spaces, then 2 HDC into the next space. Repeat this sequence 8 times.
  • This round will increase the stitch count to 32 HDC.
• Round 5:
  • Work HDC into the next 3 spaces, then 2 HDC into the next space, repeating 8 times.
  • You will now have 40 HDC stitches for this round.
• Round 6:
  • Work HDC into the next 4 spaces, then 2 HDC into the next space, repeating 8 times.
  • This gives you a total of 48 HDC stitches.
• Round 7:
  • Work HDC into the next 5 spaces, then 2 HDC into the next space, repeating 8 times.
  • After completing this round, you will have 56 HDC.

Checkpoint:

• Measure the Diameter of the Crown:
  • At this point, measure the diameter of the crown of your hat. The diameter should be approximately 5.75 inches. If it’s smaller or larger, adjust the increases accordingly by adding or reducing rounds. If you need to add more rounds to make the hat larger, continue the pattern from Round 8 onward until the correct diameter is reached.
• Rounds 8 to 17:
  • For these rounds, you will HDC into each stitch around. There are no increases, as you are just working in a continuous round.
  • Continue working 56 HDC stitches per round for 10 rounds.
  • These rounds will form the body of the hat.

Checkpoint:

• Measure the Length: After completing Round 17, the height of your hat should measure about 6 inches from the crown to the bottom of the last round before moving to the next step. If the hat is not tall enough, continue working in HDC for more rounds until it reaches the desired height.
• Round 18 (Ribbing Start):
  • Slip stitch join into the stitch of the next HDC (this creates a neat transition for the next round).
  • Chain 3, then DC (Double Crochet) into the next 55 HDC (each stitch will have one DC).
  • Slip stitch join to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-3 to close the round.
• Round 19: (Creating the Ribbed Look):
  • Chain 2, and then FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet) around the chain 3 from the previous round. This creates a raised stitch.
  • Then, work BPDC (Back Post Double Crochet) around the next stitch.
  • Repeat the sequence of FPDC, BPDC for 27 sets (until you’ve completed 56 stitches).
  • Slip stitch join to the first FPDC to close the round.
• Round 20: (Continue Ribbing):
  • Chain 2, then work FPDC around the FPDC that is just below the beginning chain 2.
  • Work BPDC around the next stitch, and continue alternating FPDC and BPDC for 27 sets (completing 56 stitches).
  • Slip stitch join to the first FPDC.
• Round 21 (Finishing the Ribbing):
  • Chain 1, then SC (Single Crochet) into the same stitch as the chain 1.
  • Work SC into each stitch around for a total of 56 SC stitches.
  • Slip stitch join to the first SC to close the round.
• Fasten Off and Weave in Ends:
  • Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends from the hat, making sure everything is secure and tidy.

Spikes (Make 5):

• Magic Ring:
  • Begin by making a magic ring with the coordinating color yarn (Greybeard or similar).
  • Inside the ring, work 6 SC (Single Crochets).
• Round 2:
  • Work (SC into the next space, 2 SC into the next space) for 3 times (this increases your stitch count).
  • You will now have 9 SC stitches.
• Round 3:
  • Work (SC into the next 2 spaces, 2 SC into the next space) for 3 times.
  • This gives you 12 SC stitches.
• Round 4:
  • Work (SC into the next 3 spaces, 2 SC into the next space) for 3 times.
  • You will now have 15 SC stitches.
• Rounds 5 and 6:
  • Work 1 SC in each stitch around for both rounds.
  • You should have 15 SC stitches per round.
• Fasten Off: At the end of Round 6, fasten off the spike but leave a long tail for sewing. Tuck the ends inside the spike.

Assembly of the Spikes:

• After making the 5 spikes, position them along the top of the hat.
• Start placing the back spike about 4 rows above the ribbed brim.
• Use the yarn tail from the last spike to sew the spikes securely onto the hat.
• Make sure to space the spikes evenly, and securely stitch each one in place.

Enjoy your completed Dinosaur Spike Hat!

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