I love a hat that looks complicated but is actually pretty straightforward to make. This Winter Puff Stitch Hat is exactly that. The puff stitches give it such a lovely, cozy texture, and the simple repeat means you can get into a good rhythm pretty quickly. I used Mary Maxim Starlette Worsted Weight yarn in Light Aqua, and honestly, the stitch definition in this color is just beautiful. This puff stitch crochet hat works up in sizes from preemie all the way to adult large, so it is a great pattern to keep on hand whenever you need a gift in a hurry.
Materials and Tools
Here is everything you need to make this Winter Puff Stitch Hat:
- Yarn: Mary Maxim Starlette Worsted Weight, 3.5 oz (100 g) / 180 yds (165 m), 100% Acrylic, Medium Weight [4]
- Color: 1 skein Light Aqua (284-134)
- Crochet Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (yarn needle)
The Starlette Worsted is soft, durable, and machine washable, which I always appreciate. Any worsted weight yarn will work here, but the Light Aqua really does show off the puff stitches beautifully.
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge is approximately 13 stitches per 4 inches and 8 rows per 4 inches.
If you substitute yarn or use a different hook size, just keep in mind that your finished size and yarn usage may vary.
This hat is sized to fit from mid-ear to the base of the earlobe in length. Here are all the finished measurements:
- Preemie: 10 inches circumference x 4 inches height
- Newborn: 12 inches circumference x 4.5 inches height
- Baby 0-3 months: 14 inches circumference x 5.5 inches height
- Baby 3-6 months: 15 inches circumference x 5.5 inches height
- Baby 6-12 months: 16 inches circumference x 6 inches height
- Toddler 12-24 months: 17 inches circumference x 7 inches height
- Small Child (3-5 years): 18 inches circumference x 7 inches height
- Child (6-10 years): 19 inches circumference x 7.5 inches height
- Adult Small/Teen: 20 inches circumference x 7.5 inches height
- Adult Medium: 21 inches circumference x 7.5 inches height
- Adult Large: 23 inches circumference x 8.5 inches height
Pattern Notes
This Winter Puff Stitch Hat is worked from the top down, in joined rounds, in one piece. The pattern uses a multiple of 2 stitches.
A few things to keep in mind before you start:
You can substitute your favorite method for starting in the round if you prefer not to use the double magic ring (DMR). The initial ch 3 does not count as a stitch and we do not work into it. The slip stitch join is made in the first stitch of the round, skipping over the ch 3. You can make your slip stitches tightly since we will not be working into them. Work the first stitch of each round into the same stitch that has the slip stitch join and initial ch 3.
If you want to make the hat taller, work more repeat rounds. Every 2 additional repeat rounds will add approximately 1 inch to the hat height.
Abbreviations
US terminology is used throughout this pattern.
- bl: back loop
- ch(s): chain(s)
- ch1sp: chain one space
- dc: double crochet
- FPS: first puff stitch (see Special Stitches)
- g: grams
- m: meters
- oz: ounces
- PS: puff stitch (see Special Stitches)
- rem: remaining
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side (front facing/good side)
- sk: skip/skipped
- sl st: slip stitch
- st/sts: stitch/stitches
- yds: yards
- * to **: repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated
- [ ]: at the end of the round, the total number of stitches
- ( ): important notes AND sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch or space
Special Stitches
The puff stitch is what gives this winter hat its signature texture. Here is how to work both versions used in this pattern.
First Puff Stitch (FPS): Ch 2, (yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up 1 loop) 3 times, yarn over, pull through all 9 loops on the hook.
Puff Stitch (PS): (Yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up 1 loop) 4 times, yarn over, pull through all 9 loops on the hook.
Pattern Instructions
Preemie
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [32 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 4: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 15 PS, 16 ch1sp]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [32 dc]
Rnd 6-Rnd 7: Rep Rnd 4 and Rnd 5.
Rnd 8: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [32 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Newborn
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 8 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [40 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 5: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 19 PS, 20 ch1sp]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [40 dc]
Rnd 7-Rnd 8: Rep Rnd 5 and Rnd 6.
Rnd 9: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [40 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Baby (0-3 Months)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts** 10 times around. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to join. [46 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 5: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 22 PS, 23 ch1sp]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [46 dc]
Rnd 7-Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 5 and Rnd 6.
Rnd 11: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [46 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Baby (3-6 Months)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 5: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 23 PS, 24 ch1sp]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 7-Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 5 and Rnd 6.
Rnd 11: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [48 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Baby (6-12 Months)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 11 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [52 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 6: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 25 PS, 26 ch1sp]
Rnd 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [52 dc]
Rnd 8-Rnd 11: Rep Rnd 6 and Rnd 7.
Rnd 12: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [52 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Toddler (12-24 Months)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 6 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [56 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 6: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 27 PS, 28 ch1sp]
Rnd 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [56 dc]
Rnd 8-Rnd 13: Rep Rnd 6 and Rnd 7.
Rnd 14: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [56 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Small Child (3-5 Years)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts** 10 times around. 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [58 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 6: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 28 PS, 29 ch1sp]
Rnd 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [58 dc]
Rnd 8-Rnd 13: Rep Rnd 6 and Rnd 7.
Rnd 14: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [58 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Child (6-10 Years)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, 2 dc in the first st. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to join. [62 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 30 PS, 31 ch1sp]
Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [62 dc]
Rnd 9-Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8.
Rnd 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [62 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Adult Small (Teen)
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 9 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [66 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 32 PS, 33 ch1sp]
Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [66 dc]
Rnd 9-Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8.
Rnd 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [66 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Adult Medium
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 6 sts** 8 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to join. [68 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 33 PS, 34 ch1sp]
Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [68 dc]
Rnd 9-Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8.
Rnd 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [68 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Adult Large
Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):
Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]
Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [72 dc]
Repeat Rounds:
Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 35 PS, 36 ch1sp]
Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [72 dc]
Rnd 9-Rnd 16: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8.
Rnd 17: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [72 sc]
Proceed to finishing instructions.
Finishing Instructions
Fasten off and weave in all ends. That is it. Nice and simple.
Tips for Making the Winter Puff Stitch Hat
A few things I have picked up while making this hat that might save you some frustration.
Keep your starting chain 3 loose. If it is too tight it can pull the crown of the hat. You do not work into it, but the tension still matters for how the top sits.
Work your puff stitches consistently. Try to pull each loop up to the same height each time. This keeps the texture looking even and uniform across the hat.
If your hat is working up too small or too large, check your gauge before you get too far. It is much easier to start over on round 3 than to finish the whole hat and find it does not fit.
Want a taller hat? Just add more repeat rounds. Every 2 extra rounds adds about 1 inch to the height. It is a really easy way to customize the fit without changing anything else.
When you get to the final round worked in the back loop only, keep your tension consistent. This gives the brim a nice neat finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is the Winter Puff Stitch Hat?
This hat is listed as easy. If you are comfortable with double crochet and have made a puff stitch before, you will be fine. Even if puff stitches are new to you, the repeat is simple enough to pick up quickly.
What sizes does the Winter Puff Stitch Hat pattern include?
The pattern covers 11 sizes, from preemie all the way through adult large. It is a wonderful pattern to make for the whole family, or to build up a batch of charitable donation hats in multiple sizes.
Can I use a different yarn for this puff stitch crochet hat?
Yes, you can use any worsted weight yarn you like. Just keep in mind that a different yarn or hook size will affect your gauge, which will change the finished size and the amount of yarn you need.
Is the Winter Puff Stitch Hat worked flat or in the round?
It is worked entirely in joined rounds, from the top of the hat down to the brim, in one piece.
How do I make the hat taller?
Simply add more repeat rounds. Every 2 additional repeat rounds will increase the hat height by approximately 1 inch. This is a great way to adjust the pattern if you prefer a slouchy fit or need a bit more coverage over the ears.
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