This crochet plaid hat is a classic. You need one in every color and you will love this fun and unique crochet plaid technique! Once you start plaid, you can’t stop. Enjoy this free crochet pattern! This post included affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!)Thanks for supporting Whistle and Ivy!
Growing up, we spent most of our holidays in the very tip-top of Utah at my Grandma’s house. She made delicious meals, personal-sized pies for each grandchild, and the most amazing cheeseball you ever tasted. It was always snowy and wonderful. My grandpa, a retired dairy farmer, also wore a plaid jacket around the house during the cold months, and I especially remember it during our Christmas get-together. Every time I see red and black checked plaid, it reminds me of those wonderful snowy Christmas’s surrounded by family and my beloved grandparents. I don’t incorporate a ton of plaid into my wardrobe (I don’t wear a lot of red), but it screams HOLIDAY to me, and I love how this crochet plaid slouchy hat turned out, perfect for this time of year!
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This hat is almost ALL dc stitches (yay!), and works up pretty quickly. The color changes can slow you down a bit, but I made this hat in just a couple hours. My first had I put a yarn pom-pom on top which was okay, but when so many people suggested adding a fur pom-pom I decided I must give it a try! Quite a winning combination, I must say.
This hat is almost ALL dc stitches (yay!), and works up pretty quickly. The color changes can slow you down a bit, but I made this hat in just a couple hours. I wished I had a fur pom-pom on hand (fur and plaid đ), but I couldn’t wait to share this cute plaid hat with you. I will have to make another one, I guess :)
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CROCHET PLAID HAT – FREE CROCHET PATTERN
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Watch a video tutorial:
What you need:
Medium Weight Yarn (Knit Picks Brava in Red, Wine and Black, plus Dove Heather for pom-pom)
I Hook
Darning Needle
Abbreviations: (click for videos)
St – Stitch
Sc – Single Crochet
Ch – Chain
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Gauge: 14 dc = 4″ (gauge pattern)
Ribbed Band (use black)
Ch 7.
1. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Hdc 5. Turn. (6 sts)
2. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 4 in BLO. Hdc in last st, going through both loops. Turn. (6 sts)
Repeat row two until your band reaches about 18″ – 19âł for adult. â¨â¨You will get this measurement by gently stretching your band and measuring the length, not the pre-stretch length. You want the hat to be snug and due to differences in yarn stretchiness, I am not providing a row count. Instead, use your measuring tape. Donât break yarn.
Note: You can make the hat band longer to make the hat larger ( or visa versa). When you begin the hat body, make sure your first round is worked in multiples of 6.
Fold long piece in half and sl st up the side, making a band. Turn so the seam is on the inside and your loop is at the top.
Hat Body:
1. Continuing where you left off from the band, Ch 1 and sc in same space. Sc all around the top of the band, working 3 sc over a 2 row space, achieving a total of 72 sts. Join with a sl st.
Join Wine.
2. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Dc in next st. Begin a 3rd dc, but finish the final pull through with black. Drop wine and carry it through the next 3 stitches. Work 2 dc with black. Finished 3rd dc with wine. Continue this pattern all around the hat. Join with a sl st. (72 sts)
Join Red.
3. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Dc in next st. Begin a 3rd dc, but finish the final pull through with Wine. Drop Red and carry it through the next 3 stitches. Work 2 dc with Wine. Finished 3rd dc with Red. Continue this alternating pattern all around the hat. Join with a sl st. (72 sts)
4. – 15. Repeat rows 2 and 3 respectively until you reach 14 total rows.
Tie off your yarn and weave in ends.
To close the hat, cut a length of yarn longer than the circumference of the hat and thread it through your darning needle. Turn your hat inside-out. Sew a running stitch all around the top of the hat.
Once you reach the beginning, pull the thread tight cinching the hat closed. Tie a firm and sturdy knot. Clip ends. Turn hat right-side out.
Make and attach a pom-pom using this tutorial.
Are you mad about plaid?!
I hope you love your new crochet plaid hat :)
Want more crochet plaid awesomeness? Check out these!
-
- Toddler Trapper Hat
-
- Messy Bun Hat
-
- Boot Cuffs
-
- Adult Trapper Hat
-
- Wreath
-
- Chunky Pillow
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Happy crocheting!
Hi Bethany,
I love this hat and would love to make it greens. Any ideas? I’d make it with the black yarn in it too.
Thanks! I would maybe do two shades of green and black. The darker green would be your mid, the lighter green would be your light and the black would be your dark.
Thank you for your input.
Another good reason to go yarn shopping. ;)
Love love love!! Just finished my first, going to put a fur pom in and start another! I did go a few extra rows at the top tho. Thank you!
Yay! So glad you like it! You are welcome!
Love your patterns! Made my first plaid last night and it turned out beautiful thanks to your tutorial. Can you tell me how to size this for a infant/toddler?
I don’t have an infant size (which I really need to remedy!) but you can find a toddler and child size here:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/toddler-and-child-crochet-plaid-hat/
I tried the pattern and LOVED it!!! Came out super cute! My family and friends are I fly hinting that they want one too :-)
yay! So glad you liked it!
I was wondering if this pattern can be adjusted to make a regular fit crochet hat and not a slouchy hat?
Bethany, thank you for the pattern, I’m looking forward to trying it out. I am such a fan of that pattern, being Canadian and all.
That said, please don’t use fur and don’t encourage others to use it either. The brutality that animals suffer so people can decorate is shameful. Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself and I’m sure you will agree – there are better ways to make something cute.
This is faux fur.
<3
i started to use the I hook and found that it made it wayyyyy to big
Did you achieve the gauge?
Omg I love it!!!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the pattern. I made the plaid hat with Red Heart Soft. I counted stitches and had gauge correct. My finished had looked great. However it did not fit me but did fit my four year old. What can I do to for my next one so itâs bigger?
You will just need to go up a hook size. Did you work a separate gauge swatch or measure your hat for the gauge? This is how I make a gauge swatch:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/lazy-gauge-swatch
I really love your plaid week patterns. I plan on making the hat scarf and the arm warmers for a gift and the baby cocoon set. Thank you so very much for sharing.
Thank you! I am so glad you like the patterns! :)
I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful pattern. I choose to do it in greens, but I love this pattern.
You are very welcome!!! Green would be lovely :)
Hello, I want to make one of these hats for a man. What would the brim count be? I am going to use the colors black, white and gray.
It’s quite stretchy, I wouldn’t change the count (if you are getting the gauge right). Hats stretch out over time, so it’s best to make it small to begin with. What type of yarn are you planning on using? I have had some people struggle with the gauge using a stiff yarn like RHSS or similar yarn.
That was my problem it was too big using RHSS. So i had to take it apart and get a different yarn . Then i’m sure it will work. Your band was the easiest pattern to follow,it worked up pretty fast to . The only problem is working with black is hard on my eyes. Thank you for your patterns.
This seems to be my problem too. I’m using RHSS and hat seems monstrous! I still have to stretch it to get it on my head, but it’s for a teenage boy and I’m nervous about the size. Do I need to switch yarns? Or just change hooks?
Unfortunately, different yarns work up differently. It would be nice if all medium weight yarns were truly the same weight! I have found RHSS to be a bit thicker than other medium weights. If you are worried it’s too small, you can switch hook sizes. A hat for a teen boy should be similar to an adult hat in size.
Hmmm, I’m actually worried it’s going to be too big. And the other yarn I have on hand seems thicker than Red Heart. So I just try to go down one hook size and see how that goes. Thanks!
I’m trying to make this for a guy too. I’m using Deborah Norville everyday yarn. It doesn’t seem to have a ton of stretch in it, so what would I want the brim to be & have it still match up with your pattern? Thanks :)
It would unfortunately be a bit of trial and error on your part. If there isn’t must stretch then I would make it a bit bigger. Maybe 20-22″ inches.
Ashley, what colors are you using? I love Deborah Norville yarn and would prefer to use it.
Hi, I have looked all around this Blog for the Bum Hat pattern, and can’t seem to find it.
Hm, I don’t think that is my pattern, sorry!
Late reply but just google bun hat free pattern and youâll find one!
Could you make a pattern for matching mittens please?
I’ll put it on my list! I will be doing another plaid week in the fall.
Brilliant pattern I love it thank you wish I could share my hat hee for you
đ
Thank you! Tag me on Instagram or share on my Whistle and Ivy Page, I would love to see!
I’ve left a message on your FB page xx
any chance you have a pattern for a blanket – that looks just like this. but obviously larger?
not sure how to do this when not working in the round!
I don’t yet! But I have had lots of suggestions, so I put it on my list! You can possibly work it the way I worked this wreath:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/crochet-plaid-wreath.html
Hi, Bethany! I LOVE your pink plaid hat!! Can you list the brand of yarn AND the colors you used for it?
Thanks a bunch!
Joy
Thank you! I have it listed in the post :)
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2017/01/crochet-pink-plaid-slouchy.html
Love this pattern!! Super cute and will work up quick! but how come your plaid rows look so straight up and down and mine are slanted a bit?? does that make sense?
Thanks!
Thank you! I am not sure why is would slant, dc stitches are usually very straight. Are you working through both loops? Are you working a dc in the same st as the ch, or are you coming the ch as the first st?
Yes I am working in both loops, and no I am no including my chain 2 as a double crochet… I’m confused as to what I’m doing wrong… Thanks
Love it, really attractive. Pinned! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you! You are welcome!
I am having trouble with your web site. I have now subscribed to your email, but am still having problems (not responding….) I’d love to have the pattern for the red/black plaid hat and the pink plaid hat. Where can the actual pattern be found without all the pictures? Thank you!
The pattern is on this page. It is currently the only version, sorry!
Hi. I am making crocheted things to sell at a booth thingy at a fair, can I sell these cute hats? I just love them and I want to sell them. I could give credit to this site if you want.
Yes you can! Credit would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much! I will definitely give credit. đ
I am making this adorable hat for my daughter in law…….her head measures about 21″ in circumference…. I have completed the band of 46 rows = 15 inches……. just want to make sure it’s in the range of size and will stretch the right amount so it is not too snug, but like you said in an above comment, not to loose to slip off……, it just seems short to me !! haha…….thanks for you help!!
ps. also have the infinity scarf already done – just love the plaid patterns :)
wondering where you find your fur pom poms??
Bernat makes a faux fur one. http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarn/faux-fur-pompom.html
Any suggestions on how to keep your yarn from tangling? Mine is a mess!!
Yes! I explain it in the video :)
Love this pattern!! I have a question about carrying the two colors not being used. When I first started, I didn’t pull them tight, and I could see the colors in my stitches. It looked better when I pulled them a little bit, but the result was a very non-stretchy hat! :( What are your thoughts on this? Thank you!!
You want it somewhere in between. Pull them SNUG, not tight.
If your yarn is rather stiff like RHSS, that makes a difference too.
I’ve been thinking I need a new hat and was not sure what to try – thats all been decided now I’ve seen this. I love it – thanks so much, I’ll have to sort though my stash, see if I have everything I need or if I need to pop to the shops!
MY band measures 15 inches unstretched. And has only 39 rows. If I go by my # of rows, when I join and begin around how many chains around will I do? You had 46 rows and over 70 stitches after you joined
You can continue the same, or you can do 66 around the hat instead.
I had the same issue. I did a gauge swatch to start which is
14 DC =4″ and I still only get 39 rows for 15″. My swatch was bang on so how did you get 46 rows?
It could be a number of factors. Are you using the exact yarn that I suggested? I provide the 15″ measurement because so many people think they need inches, and since the band is so stretchy (but doesn’t snap back once stretched), it was the most accurate way I could think of. You can use your own head as a guide if all else fails.
Has anyone tried this in a different yarn brand? Like an I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby? Knit picks is sold out or low stock on some colors. If so, What shade did you use for the wine? Cranberry? Thanks! đ
I am just about to start the project with I Love This Yarn – It looks like it is the same weight to me so it should work fine
I used I love this Yarn from Hobby Lobby as well as Red Heart yarn. I used black and red from Red Heart and I love this yarn in the color Aubergine. Turned out perfect. I used an I hook and only crochet 40 rows in the band because it measured 17 inches at that point. I still did 72 double crochet in first row after the band was done.
oh ya and I only did 10 rows after the headband and prob should have done 8 because I did a hat, not a slouchy
Love this project! I didn’t listen to your instructions on 15 inches unstretched for the band, so my hat came out a little more slouchy. Never fear, I’m gearing up to make 5 more, so I’ll follow the directions moving forward. Thanks for sharing this great pattern. Excited to play around with different poms.
Thank you! Onward and upward :) Glad you like the pattern!
Is there a way to make it a beanie. I don’t look so good in slouchy hats. :(
Yes, you can use my messy bun hat as a guide work one more row to close it.
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/messy-bun-plaid-hat.html
How much medium weight yarn. This doesn’t say how many balls I will need to buy of each color. Please advise cause I may be missing it somewhere.
Less than one (100 g) ball of each color.
Thanks so much for this great pattern and the supporting tutorial video on YouTube.
When I hadn’t quite finished it, I sent a photo to my daughter and she has claimed it. My daughter-in-law came over and it matches her coat, so I guess I’ll be making at least one more, a bit smaller. Probably there will be lots of these in my futures because the grandkids have buffalo plaid flannel shirts. Good thing it’s so fun to make.
You are so very welcome! I am so glad you (and others) like the pattern :)
Any thoughts on how to convert this pattern into one of the messy bun hats? Or if it would even be possible?
yes, you can work fewer rounds of the plaid stitch and work a few rounds of decreases.
How much smaller do you need to make the band so that it fits a child? Say 6 years old
I have a pattern for children’s sizing here: https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/toddler-and-child-crochet-plaid-hat.html
I would love to make this in a newborn. Any thoughts on how big to make the band? I want the hat about 14=16″ if that makes sense. I’m not sure how to shorten it or make it smaller. this is a great pattern. Love the plaid Thanks
I have a toddler version here, you can maybe make it with a smaller hook, but to make its smaller, work less rows on the band, and make sure the body of the hat is in multiples of 6.
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/toddler-and-child-crochet-plaid-hat.html
thank you so much for the link and help. Can’t wait to try this out
You’re welcome!
Very woodsy indeed! I’m up in the Northwest, and plaid is quite popular here as well. Thank you for sharing this pattern. :)
You’re welcome!
I am working on my 2nd one but changed to greys and black on the second. The result on the red ,wine and black is great and the grey is pretty good too. I made a mistake on not doing multiple of 6 and it shows but will wear it to the back . The lesson is pay attention to the instructions! To close the top I chained a strand and wove it through. Mine is slouchy and I really like it. Thank you.
I want to make one in gray too! I bet it’s super cute. Glad you like the pattern :)
What size should this hat fit when completed? Women’s?
Thanks
Yes, women’s (it’s in the title).
omg!!!! now I feel Silly lol. Thank you :)
lol! No problem :)
I love the plaid. It’s so sharp! I only wish I could make it from the top down. Any idea on how I would do that? Thank you for the pattern.
You know, I am not sure! Doing the increases while keeping the square check patterns would be a bit tricky, but I will see if I can figure it out.
I started to make one,but I a little confused about the band part,from having 46 stitches how can you ended having 72? I made theasy Increase every 6,but still don’t get the 72.do I need to make more increases every how many stitch????
Sorry! It’s a bit hard to explain. It depends on where you are working your stitches. I work doubt 3 sts per 2 rows or hdc. If you work that any stitches and you increase every 6 is should get you there. Try this, and count your stitches when you are halfway around to see if you are on track.
Just finished my first hat! It’s beautiful and was so easy to do, using the same colors here. Looks more complicated than it really is. Very nice pattern and great instructions! Now I’m digging through my stash to see other color combinations to use!
Thank you! So glad you liked it!!
Hi! I love this hat it is sooo cute! I’m really new to crocheting and want to know what -46 ch. 1 mean. I don’t know what the negative 46 means.. can you help me out?
It means rows 2 through 46 :)
Love this hat!!. Thank you. Is definitely on my To Do List. I wish I could figure out how to make a scarf without the back side looking messy!! Any ideas anyone??
I have a pattern coming soon! Plaid Week will be Dec 5- 9 with lots of fun plaid ideas :)
Woo hoo! Looking forward to it. Thank you.
:D
I did mine without a pompom it looked cute. just pull it tightly as per her last step. If there is still a hole you can sew it up tight by grabbing a few back loops using a needle and same color yarn. do this with the hat wrong side out of course.
I love this! and want to try it. I’m a little confused. When you say “carry it through the next three stitches” do you mean bring the yarn behind your new stitches, or join it into the new stitches? So does the wrong side have some short lengths of yarn that are not worked in? Like loops?
It means to lay your yarn behind your two loops and work it within the stitch so it is hidden. Does that make sense?
Do you have a knit pattern for a slouch hat??
I don’t really knit, I am sorry! I can do a knit stitch washcloth and that is about it!
Hi! If I add 6 to my ribbed brim, how many sc do I have to put for the start of the hat? Thanks!
The body of the hat needs to be in multiples of 6.
Hi, this might be a silly question but when you slip stitch at the end of the round, does it go into the top of the chain 1 and 2 or into the 1st sc and dc?
Not silly at all! It goes into the first st of the round. (the ch doesn’t count)
Ok, thank you!
This hat is adorable! I am thinking about making it without the pom pom. Do you have any suggestions on how to finish off the hat, and still have it look clean? Thank you so much for this beautifully written pattern :)
Thank you! The only way I can think is to do maybe 3 rows without the color casing and work increases.
What an adorable pom-pom hat Bethany. I love the mix of colors. Do you sell these?
Welcome by and linkup with my brand-new, recent Thursday Moda. Come share your latest posts and style with me and my readers. Thanks and enjoy the weekend!
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-6-remix-neutral-gray-plaid-blanket.html
I’m pretty new at crocheting. So would u have a link on a tutorial on how to do the plaid pattern
I don’t have one yet,but I am hoping to get it finished next week.
Can you just use 2 colors or do you have to have 3? I am using dark purple instead of your black and light purple instead of your wine. I don’t know what to use instead of your red.
You need three colors to make the plaid pattern. You could use black, dark purple instead of wine, and light purple instead of red?
THank you! I picked grey. I looks great. How can we share our finished projects with you?
You can share it on my Facebook page, or tag me on Instagram! @whistleandivy
When crocheting this left handed, would I turn the band so the seam is on the outside instead if in? I hope the question makes sense. I’ve just found some stuff work up backwards for us lefties.
That depends. When your working left handed, is your stitch facing you or facing away from you? Would you turn the hat inside out when you are finished, or would it be right, side out? The seam should be on the same side as the wrong-side of the stitches.
Also,,, do you carry through all 3 colors or only 2 at a time. ??
Only two at a time, I drop the third until I come back around.
Love this pattern and can’t wait to try it. Thank you so much for sharing it. For those looking to print this pattern and as yet no PDF, what I do is simply screen shot each part and then print the screen shots.
Thank you! Glad you like it!
You say this makes a women’s adult size, but what is the diameter ? I thought I had pretty tight tension, but when I got to end of row 46 mine is about 18″ long. My head circumference is 22″. Will this fit too tight? I know it should stretch some, but I’d hate to continue and it’s too small. Thank you
Its really very stretchy. As indicated, your band should be 15″ unstretched. The measurement is a bit hard though, because once you “test” it around your head, you have stretched it, so your measurement will be off, it doesn’t immediately spring back to the length it was. I wear mine slouchy though, so I hate when it slides off the back of my head and prefer my hats snug.
Mine is very tight and not stretchy at all once i get to the pattern, i think it’s because i carries the yarn through the stitches but i’m not sure why mine is so tight in comparison, i use a 5mm hook with worsted weight yarn and i added six stitches to the hat body. It still only fits a 19″ circumference :(
Really? Hm..The band is not stretchy? What is your gauge? The gauge should be 11 dc is 3″ long. I crochet rather loose, I can only think that maybe you crochet tighter than me and it makes for a denser, less stretchy fabric.
I tried to find a print button to print out just the pattern,did i miss it or how do I print it out?I dont want all the stuff on the side of web page in the print out.
Thanks,
Cathy
Sorry, I don’t have a print friendly option! I will have a downloadable ad-free PDF available after the CAL is over.
Any chance you have a patter for child sizes too?
Not yet! Working on it :)
When bc I made my first one for myself and I’m making a bearded beanie with this hat what do you recommend on how many foundation chains I should do and how many rows for the body to make just a beanie for a toddler and a 6 yo
Thanks again :)
I will actually be released a toddler and child version next week!
Omg how exciting can you email me let me know when it’s up I would love to make one of these for Christmas for my little newphews I have 4 of them :)
If you subscribe to my blog you will get an email notification!
Absolutely gorgeous hat. Thank you for the pattern. :)
Just finished mine in the colors you used and LOVE it! About to start another with 2 shades of pink and a gray! Pattern perfectly written~ easy to read! Thanks so much for sharing. I had to increase th size a bit and you made that easy too!
Yay! So glad you like it! You are very welcome!
Hello, Thanks for sharing this beautiful pattern, this is whatever i have been looking for. I Will do one for myself and for my 4 years old son. Do you have a pattern smaller sizes? Or do you have any suggestions for making a smaller size of it?
Thank you! So glad you like it! I have plans to make them smaller for sure, but you can give it a go by making less rows for the band (not too many head sizing does not very a very huge amount between kids and adults) and doing the hat body in multiples of 6 (you can do multiples of 3 if you are in a pinch, but you might end up with 2 same colors in a row at the seam.
Thanks for your kind answer. I Will try it.
Thank you so much! Love this pattern and I’ve already started. I do have a question though- to go from the hat band- 46 stitches- to the body and increase to 72 stitches- it seems like you’d have to add an increase more than every 6 stitches? More like every other stitch?
It completely depends WHERE you are working your stitches. Since hdc rows are taller than sc sts, I work 3 sts for every 2 rows. Plus the increase every 6 sts. Does that make sense?
Yes! Thank you! Working on my hat now :)
thank you. I perfect reason to start crocheting
Haha! You are welcome!
Love this hat and am looking forward to making it asap! One question: when you say to carry the other color through the 2nd color’s stitches, what does that mean?
It means you will lay the yarn behind the stitches, and work them into the stitch so they are hidden. It’s not necessary, but it keeps the inside clean.
love this.
It’s 4:30 a.m., I’m doing my best to NOT go searching my stash for yarn to start this hat. I can see it in Seahawk colors (blue, green, grey). I absolutely love how you close the top. I now see more bottom up hats in my future.
Thank you for a simple & free pattern.
Haha! Well I hope you have time later :) Love your color choice! I would love to see it!
I’m in love with this :) I’ve already started on it! Thank you for sharing
Yay! Awesome! You are very welcome!
How much yarn for each hat and what size hook?
Size I (check materials list) and I don’t have exact yardage. Less than 1 half skein of each color.
Love it! Do you have video tutorial. It`s easy for me
No, but I have plans to. Stay tuned!
Does BLO mean back loop only?
Yes!
Fantastic hat! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your pattern! I also cherish my Christmas memories with my grandparents :)
Thank you so much!! <3 <3
What size hat does this pattern make if followed as written?
Adult women
Love, love, love this hat!! I will be working on this tonight, after I get my house cleaning done! Thank you for the awesome pattern. Love your patterns!
Thank you!! You are very welcome!!
Absolutely love this plaid hat, may have to make a pillow too, thank you!!!
Thank you so much!
Wow! Thank you, this hat is awesome!
Thanks! You’re welcome!