Do you like watching the Olympics? I always look forward to it and I love summer and winter equally. Summer has gymnastics, hand ball, beach volleyball; winter has snowboarding, hockey, figure skating. It’s so amazing to see so many athletes excel. I was also pretty cool to see Ralph Lauren’s designs for the Team USA closing ceremonies uniforms. The crochet olympics team hat is awesome. But holy. Guacamole. I won’t be spending $200 on one, so I decided to make one.
Join me?
Don’t let the color work intimidate you, seriously. If you work slowly and steadily, this hat will be simple for you. It’s definitely not a quick project, but it’s a very rewarding project. It turned out even prettier than I imagined, and I think you will be seeing more graphs here soon.
The trick to getting the design to line up is simply working through the back loops! I learned this neat trick from the book Modern Tapestry Crochet. It’s a perfect book for tapestry crochet beginners. She makes it SO easy.
NEVA HAT (Crochet Olympics Team Hat)
Please remember: You are free to use this pattern to make and sell, but do not republish or distribute this pattern in any way. DO NOT use my photos in your listings. Please do share my blog links! It’s a quick and FREE way of supporting Whistle and Ivy and more free crochet patterns in the future.
PLEASE read my Disclaimer before working my free patterns!
What you need: (affiliate links)
– I Hook
– Mighty Stitch (Medium Weight Yarn) in Serrano, White and Navy
– Pom-Pom
– Bobbins
– Darning Needle
Abbreviations: US Terms
Ch – chain
Sc – single crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
St – stitch
BLO – Back Loops Only
Gauge: 14 sts = 4″ (Gauge Pattern)
**The PDF has been updated to include the mittens!**
Ribbed Brim:
Ch 8.
1. Hdc in 2ch ch from hook. Hdc in each ch. Turn. (7 sts)
2. Ch 1. hdc in same st. Hdc in next 5 sts in BLO. Hdc in last st going through both loops. Turn. (8 sts)
Repeat row 2 until your band reached approx. 19″ (or until it fits your head snugly). Achieve this measurement by gently pulling your band. You want the hat to be snug.
Fold the the band in half and sl st the ends together forming a band. Turn the band so the loop is on the top and the seam is on the inside. Continue on to the body:
Hat Body:
Work the hat body in BLO, this allows the stitches to line up properly.
1. Ch 1. Sc around the top of the band, echieving 72 total stitches. Join.
2. Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (72 sts)
Begin working the graph on row 3. (Be sure you are working in BLO)
The graph starts at the bottom right at the beginning of row 3. Work from right to left.
You will repeat the graph three times. The graph is 24 sts, so when you reach the end of the row, you begin again on the right side of the graph on the same row. Be sure to begin each round with a ch 1, and finish each row by joining with a sl st into the first st of the round.
When you are working the rows with three colors, I prefer to use a bobbin instead of carrying the yarn (see the bobbins in the materials list). You have a few when you join the red yarn for the middle of the diamond, but you will only have that many for 3 rows.
You have finished the graph. Finish your hat by working the decrease rows (26-27).
26. Ch 1. *Dc. Dc2tog* repeat all around the hat. Join. (48 sts)
27. Ch 1. Dc2tog all around the hat. Join. (24 sts)
Turn your hat inside out. Using your darning needle, sew a loose running stitch across the top of the hat and cinch it tight to close it. Tie a firm knot. Weave in your ends.
So pull on your new hat and tune in to the Olympics. They start this weekend, yay!
Stay tuned for more projects featuring color work, because it is so much fun.
Be sure to join our Facebook Community!
I think this is an intermediate pattern but well written, beautiful graph and great tut. This is my new WIP and having no trouble at all; just getting in the rhythm. I’m using a heavy wt 4; I.e., red heart super saver. And I used an H hook for the brim then switched to an I for the pattern. For my head, I use an I or J with Red Heart SS and 64 rows for the brim, 72 for my husband. For those having sizing trouble, I would suggest crocheting a hat including brim in plain color, SCBLO to check fit. Once they have obtain the correct fit WITHOUT CHANGING STITCH COUNT, they can then start your gorgeous hat. I have done this when I am starting a complex pattern with a graph then I have a hat to donate to St Vincent de Paul for the homeless and I KNOW FOR SURE that when I start the complex pattern, I will be happy with result. Thank you for your free pattern and taking time to answer all the questions.
Thank you Mary! Very helpful info, I appreciate it!
Wonderful idea about the stitching one in plain scblo first and donating it. :-)
Okay, one more thing I love about this pattern is that when I skip a stitch on the graph, it’s easy to catch the mistake. I don’t have to frog many stitches to fix it. Thanks for sharing this great pattern, Bethany!
I’m having so much fun with this pattern! I’m about half way through the chart and I must say I won’t dive right into the mittens but look forward to giving the set at Christmas!
And IMHO,Caron simply soft is what I call a “thin four.” I have some British yarn I love but the feel is more like a baby sport.
Would this be easy to convert to a scarf pattern? I’ve finished the hat and mittens thinking a scarf to go with the set would be awesome. Thinking taking the graph and possibly just doing a repeat of it until the scarf is long enough – does that sound like it would work? Since it’s your graph wasn’t sure if you had a scarf pattern that wasn’t up or wanted to see if you could provide input possibly on a way to do a scarf with the graph to match the hat and mittens.
Yes that would work! I don’t have a scarf at the moment, I am sorry!
Hi, when you chain one to start row, do you SC into bottom of that chain one or next stitch? Thanks
I personally sc in the bottom of the chain. You can do it either way, just make sure if you are working a sc in the same as the chain, then you are joining with the sc, not the chain. (and you would join with the chain if doing it the other way)
Thank you so much for your speedy response. I’ve made a start! My son has requested this hat for his trip to Poland. Thanks again x
You are welcome! How fun!
I am really late to the game on this hat but have loved the design since it came out. My husband wants one now so what hook size would you suggest to make it bigge? Also, should I go with 5 weight yarn or double strand 4 weight?
I would maybe go up one hook size and try a 5 weight and see what size it is! I may take a bit of trial and error.
Do you have any other sizes for this pattern?
For a toddler perhaps?
I’m sorry I don’t! The graph makes it hard to size down. You could make a shorter band and repeat the graph twice instead of three times and see what size you have.
Hello what you are making is just amazing, georgious!
Unfortunately I’ve tried one cap it was really nice but it looked like “mommy’ve done it to her big boy”… May be because of an 100% acrylic “wool ball”
(sorry for my English I’m French)
I’ll have a new try with a new “wool”…
But thank you for your sharing
I may sound dumb … but every row after the brim is BLO right? Do you mean the back loop of rhe right side or wrong side? If i zoom in on your images it doesn’t look like it’s worked in the back loops 😊
yes you will work in back loops only! You will work the back loop of the right side, you should be working from the outside with the right sides of the stitches facing you.
Hi Bethany,
I made this hat, but I used Caron Super Soft and the size hook you recommended, the hat came out small for a child not for an adult, Just an FYI
The pattern was easy to follow and on the left side for the red I went through both stitches but on the right side, I did as you recommenced. I did not find a spot to post you my finished hat so you can see it.
Hi Karen!
Did you make a gauge swatch before beginning?
Thank you for the pattern. I absolutely love the pattern and its challenge. It was my first time using bobbins and you just have to keep yourself organized. I posted a picture of if on Instagram and also in the FB group. Thank you again!!
You are welcome! It’s definitely slow going. I stopped after each row to untangle everything. But the fished hat is worth the effort. I am so glad you love the pattern, thanks for your kind comment!
Love this pattern! Would Caron Simply Soft be a good substitute for the yarn? I’m allergic to wool 😕
It’s slightly lighter, so be sure to make a gauge swatch, but it should work!
Hi Beth
This is an amazing pattern and I love the video tutorial. I would say I’m a confident beginner but I’m having massive trouble by the time I get to row 11.
My slip stitch ch1 looks messy since row 9, and my charts been lining up fine until row 11 where the left leaning reds look gappy. They look fine on the right- leaning section of the diamond
Am I doing something really obviously wrong?
Carly
No, you are doing right. If you look close at my hat, you will see. The stitches line up nicely when you are going diagonal to the right but they do look a bit choppy when you are doing diagonal to the left.
This hat was so cool to make. It took a lot of work but it was awesome in the end. I made it as a Dallas cowboys hat for my cousin. He’s gonna love it. Working on a scarf too. Pattern is much harder to capture flat but I won’t give up. You’ve inspired me to go deeper.
Thanks
It IS a lot of work, but totally worth! I would love to see a photo of yours! :)
It certainly is. I willl post it on the Facebook page when I’m done with the scarf.
what and how did you make the pompom
Thank you so much for all the different patterns, you do an awesome job!
thanks
Thanks so much! I have a fur pom-pom tutorial here:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2017/10/diy-fur-pom-poms.html
In the future, it would certainly help to show how to start the NEXT row after completing the previous rew. Particularly when starting row 4 on the graph. Like showing exactly where to slip stitch and chain For row 4. My first graph and it was nightmare to figure out with only one third of the graph visible….but I managed…I think. But to just stop without those instructions and automatically go onto the bobbin info ……YIKES. Thanks.
I guess I don’t understand, I am sorry! You mean, show where to join the row? You will always join with the first stitch of the row, and begin each row with a ch 1, exactly like other joined round projects. I thought it would be redundant to show the graph 3 times, so I thought the repeat would be a simpler method. I am sorry it was a struggle for you.
This looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it. I’ve never done a graph before, however, and I am left-handed. Any tips for doing it left-handed? Do I need to start from the other side instead? Thanks for your help!
Thanks Kathy! Yes, I think you need to work it backwards.
Noticed on the tutorial that you stated 8 stitches total on Row. It should be 7 stitches. When you ditched the band together you show slip stitch on the written pattern but in the tutorial you did mostly sc stitches, I saw only 2 slip stitches the 5th and 7th only, The rest appear to be sc as you did yarn over before completing the stitches
I am working slip stitches, I just do it in two motions. You are not the first to think I am sc!
Shouldn’t row 2 be 7 stitches? not 8?
THank you so much for this pattern! It reminds me of my Norwegian heritage traditional knitted sweaters. Your video tutorial and written intructions are so easy to follow! My hat was snug but not tight, perfect! Thank you again!
Yes I agree! I absolutely love that traditional-looking color work. Thanks for your kind words, I am so glad you liked the pattern!
Hi, I just finished this hat for my daughter and she loves it! It was easy to follow and turned out great. I do have one question…how can I make this bigger without using a bigger size hook?
Thanks Coralee! Unfortunately there is no way to make it larger without redesigning the entire graph. The easiest way would be to use a thicker yarn and larger hook.
I absolutely Love this pattern and was so excited to make it. I actually just finished it minutes ago. had a few issues with it though. The hat when finished is so tall that it looks more like a chefs hat I was getting worried about that issue when I was half way done with the graph. I did not hadd any rows and followed your pattern to the T. I even used a 5mm instead of the 5.5 mm because a lot of hat pattens I have to do that with because they tend to run big on my head.
Also the only part of the hat I could get on my head was the brim and the blue part with the red zig zag. I am going to tear it all apart and see if I can modify it to make the hat shorter and the graph part bigger so I can get it on ly head.. I do LOVE the pattern just hoping I can get it to work for me
Hi Melissa! Sorry you don’t like the hat design, it is a slouchy hat, so it’s a taller design. To make yours shorter you can eliminate the first 2 rows of sc, and the last 2 rows of decreases, or you can eliminate the red zig-zap part of the graph. What yarn are you using? The hat should be a tube, so it shouldn’t have gotten smaller after the brim and blue/zig-zag part. I am wondering what happened there.
I’ve never used a bobbin- how do you use it, and how much yarn do you wrap around it?
It’s a way to keep your yarn organized so you don’t have to carry it. So for this hat, you only need red in a few small spots, so instead of carrying the red around and around the hat, you just use it to work the one stitch, and then drop it, so it’s there next time you come around. The bobbin keeps it neat. You don’t need much yarn for this specific project, but I tend to put way more than I think I will need because I would rather have extra than not enough.
Hi, quick question when doing the graph part of the hat when I finish a row do I join with a slip stitch? Ch. 1? I’m having some trouble. Love this pattern tho!
Yes, just like the other rows you will join wit a sl st and ch 1 to begin the next row.
There’s a tutorial? Where is it. I’ve never done graph work but this looks doable. However, what stitch is this done in? Single crochet? Half double?
I am sort of confused about that part for sure. Do you have a video tutorial somewhere?
Thank you!!
Jana
Hi Jana! The video is above the pattern, under the abbreviations and gauge.
Hi Bethany. Im having truble with the gauge and the first round. Do you go in the stitch at the base of the turning chain or the stitch qfter it? I cant make it line up.
I go into the same st as the turning chain
Hello Bethany,
Wow what a great pattern and perfect timing this is just what i didn’t know I was looking for haha….I was wondering if you planned to design any pattern(s) for the other accessories in this collection like the fingerless gloves? I’m a sucker for crochet sets, I am currently making several of your plaid sets, I just adore them. Please let me know thanks.
The graph is not 72 sis is each square 1 st or 3 sis
1 st. Sorry, I forgot to mention you will repeat the graph 3 times.
Thks
So in the “repeat” for row 10….1st time to the end – you end with 3 white so when you go back to the right to start over do you do 2 white stitches or start with the blue?
You follow the chart and start again with white at the beginning of the chart. That is the bottom of the x pattern and there is 5 whites in a row.
Thanks Bethany, I was confused by this also.
Sis sorry
I bough the yarn today to make this hat! As soon as I saw it I knew I had to make it for myself! I absolutely love it! And who knew getting the graph to line up was as easy as using back loop only. I never have made a graph hat because it bugged me that they didn’t transition smoothly. Thank you!
Yay Toni! It really is fun! It’s definitely more slow-going, but super rewarding. I love the look of graphs!
Your tutorial was So helpful and I live this pattern! Can’t wait to see what the next colorwork looks like
Thank you!
Hi Bethany, wow girl, you are so talented and I love getting your blog. I always watch your tutorial before I start and since I’m awake (3:52 am) I’m going to start now. Will post a pic when I finish the hat. Thank you for all you do, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from you! Sincerely, Pam
Thanks so much Pam, you are so sweet!
I love this hat, so much! Well done! And thank you for the pattern!!
Thank you so much!
This hat is simply gorgeous! I will definitely be trying it.
Thank you Sara!
I love this hat ! Thanks for all you do , I love your blog !
Thank you so much Kate!
Looking forward to seeing if you can come up with a Team Canada Hat, I absolutely love this one ❤️
I love your clever designs and clear tutorials. Thank you!
Thanks so much Tracy!
This hat IS super cute. Beautiful job. cant wait to try it out. thank you.
Hi Beth!! Love your patterns and colors! You are really a great designer!!
I’m wondering if it’s posdible for you to put a printer friendly button on the patterns you offer us for free? The pop up ads are difficult to copy around!!
Thanks so much for being so generous!!
-Shelley
Thanks so much Shelley!
As I am sure you are aware, the ads enable me to make my patterns FREE! So I don’t provide a punter-friendly button, but I DO have PDF’s available for a small fee in my shop :) You can find the link above the video.
Thanks for your kind words!
Wow Bethany. I had to look up the original hat and I love yours even more! Beautiful!!!
I agree! I looked it up too, and am very impressed with your design. I like yours better!!
What a great pattern! I’ve admired crocheted colorwork for a long time, but have never tried it (although I knit colorwork on a regular basis. Go figure!). This looks like a really fun pattern to try it.
P.s. you have a teensy typo I’m round 1 of the hat. It says “Echieve” instead of Achieve. <3
Hey Beth! This is really beautiful! I have never tried to color crochet, but it looks so good! Thank you for the pattern!
Thank you very much! It really is easier than it looks and it’s so much fun. I hope you give it try!
Holy amazing hat!!! I’m so excited to try this one for myself!! Thank you for another beautiful pattern ❤️
Thanks so much Miranda!
Hi Bethany!! I am confused about the gaugue parameters for the Neva Hat. When you say 14 sts equals 4 inches, what stitch do i use? Hpw many rows do i crocheh the gauge swatch for? Ive never messed with gauge swatches so its a bit confusing. Thanks so much
Hi Jessica!
I have my gauge pattern linked right next the the gauge.
It’s not clear for me either. Which stitch do we use to create the gauge….your pattern has several – how does one choose?
You can do either sc or dc
Hi Beth! That is a very beautiful hat. Really enjoyed the video. Thank you very much for your kindness to share with us your ideas. Have a beautiful Sunday! ❤💐🐑🍀🐝
Hi Bethany! Love your patterns! I am trying to work this graph but keep getting stuck on row 11. Do you have the whole graph somewhere? I think for my brain I need all 72 rows to figure it out! Otherwise I don’t think my X’s come out right.
I’m having trouble on that too :(
Bethany, this is amazing! I love the colors you chose too! Awesome job! Also, I love the new photo of you in your profile on the homepage. So beautiful!
Thank you so much Mary!