How to Crochet a Star Stitch Beanie
I know many of you enjoyed the Great Star Pumpkins that I designed. While I was in the middle of making one, I had a brilliant idea…I could make this a hat! And so, I did! Some ideas are worth setting things down and pursuing, and this was definitely one of those ideas. And so the Great Star Beanie was born. This star stitch beanie might just be my favorite hat of the season thus far.
If you would like to purchase the ad-free PDF, you will receive the original stitch counts for Color Made Easy as well the printable pattern for other yarn weights. You can purchase the PDF pattern in my Ravelry or Etsy shops.
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About the Hat
This hat is really fun! As you may have gathered from my designs thus far, I have a thing for slouchy hats. So naturally this one can be worn slouchy. But it can also be folded to be worn fitted. But wait…there’s more! Alternatively, you can just make the hat shorter so its completely brimless. So really this beanie can be worn three different ways. Mind blown!
It’s also very versatile in sizing. I have included a size chart in the pattern to work from that goes from Newborn to Adult. But basically once your rectangle reaches the appropriate size, you’re ready to assemble it!
About the Yarn
So when I designed this star stitch beanie, I used Color Made Easy yarn. This yarn has since been discontinued, but you can substitute any aran weight or bulky 5 yarn. In my opinion, category 5 weight yarn can vary greatly in size, and Color Made Easy was on the lighter side of this category. My testers were having trouble meeting gauge with different yarns and my original size estimates were way off. So with a little collaboration from some very patient testers, I adjusted the sizes to work off a size chart.
In switching my approach to working from a size chart, I realized I was no longer limited to a single yarn weight. So while the original pattern was just written for bulky 5, the finished pattern can be made in any yarn weight and for any size. I made my hat in Color Made Easy, but I made one for my 10 month old in Lion Brand Jeans, which is a light worsted weight. One thing to keep in mind is that lighter weight yarn will have a little more stretch to it, so you may want to lean to the shorter rectangle length from the chart.
About the Stitches
So just like the Great Star Pumpkins, you’ll need to know how to do a star stitch to make this star stitch beanie. I have put some written instructions for this in the pattern, but if you need a little extra help, check out my step-by-step stitch tutorial. It includes photos and video to help you out. Find the post here.
You’ll also need to know how to single crochet in the front loops and the back loops of a stitch. And how to do a half double crochet stitch. Because I use these stitches pretty regularly in my patterns, I assume many of you are already familiar with them. I always recommend looking up a quick Youtube video for a stitch you’re unfamiliar with in a pattern.
About the Gauge
So because different yarn weights can effect stitch count greatly, I devised a little trick to work around the gauge. You will simple need a measuring tape to help you figure out your foundation chain. Once you have that foundation row figured out, you’re all set to go on starting your hat.
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Materials Needed
60-240 yds of Color Made Easy (or any weight yarn)
Size K (6.5mm) Crochet Hook (or recommended size from yarn packaging)
Measuring tape
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Optional: Faux Fur or Yarn pom
Stitches Used
Ch – Chain
SC in BLO – Single Crochet in Back Loops Only
SC in FLO – Single Crochet in Front Loops Only
HDC – Half Double Crochet
Star Stitch
| Size | Avg Head Circumference | Suggested Rectangle Height (+2″ Child Brim, +3″ Teen/Adult Brim) | Suggested Rectangle Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 13″ | 4.5″ – 5.5″ | 11″ – 11.5″ |
| 0-3 Months | 14″ | 5.5″ – 6″ | 12″ – 12.5″ |
| 3-6 Months | 15″ | 6″ – 6.25″ | 13″ – 13.5″ |
| 6-9 Months | 16″ | 6.25″ – 6.5″ | 14″ |
| 9-12 Months | 16.5″ | 6.5″ | 14.5″ |
| 12-18 Months | 17″ | 6.75″ | 15″ |
| 18-24 Months | 18″ | 7.25″ | 16″ |
| 2-5 Years | 18″-19″ | 7.25″ – 7.5″ | 16″ – 17″ |
| Child | 19″-20″ | 7.75″ – 8″ | 17″ – 18″ |
| Teen | 20″-21″ | 8″ – 8.5″ | 18″ – 19″ |
| Adult Women | 22″ | 9″ | 20″ |
| Adult Men | 23″ | 9.5″ | 21″ |
Bulky Weight Yarn Pattern
(0-3 Months, 6 Months, 12 Months Child, Teen, Adult)
With Foldable Brim
With K Hook. Ch (27, 29, 31, 33, 39, 41).
Without Foldable Brim
With K Hook. Ch (21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31)
Row 1: Complete a row of star stitches doing the following.
Ch 3 (Note: this is in addition to foundation chains on the first row). Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
*Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.*
Repeat from * across until you finish the last star stitch. Hdc in last stitch. [With Brim (13,14,15,16,19,20) star stitches; Without Brim (10,11,12,13,14,15) star stitches]
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. 2 Hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last star stitch. [With Brim (27, 29, 31, 33, 39, 41); Without Brim (21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31)]
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in BLO in each stitch across. [With Brim (27, 29, 31, 33, 39, 41); Without Brim (21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31)]
Row 4: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in FLO in each stitch across.[With Brim (27, 29, 31, 33, 39, 41); Without Brim (21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31)]
Repeat Rows 1-4 for a total of (6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11) sets of Rows 1-4 or until work measures Suggested Length from Sizing Chart. Move on to Assembly.
Any Yarn Weight Pattern
Ch until foundation chain measures Suggested Rectangle Height from chart, being sure to have an even number of total chains. (Note: For a foldable brim, add 2” for baby/child sizes & 3” for teen/adult sizes to chart value)
Foundation Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (Foundation Chain – 1)
Row 1: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in FLO in each stitch across. (Foundation Chain – 1)
Row 2: Complete a row of star stitches doing the following.
Ch 3 (Note: this is in addition to foundation chains on the first row). Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.
Repeat from * across until you finish the last star stitch. Hdc in last stitch.
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. 2 Hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last star stitch. (Foundation Chain – 1)
Row 4: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in BLO in each stitch across. (Foundation Chain – 1)
Repeat Rows 1- 4 until rectangle measures desired length from Sizing Chart. Move on to ASSEMBLY.
Assembly
- Tie off leaving a long end, approx. 36”
- Fold the work in half so that the short ends meet. Using a tapestry needle and the long tail, sew the two ends together using the mattress stitch. Leave yarn attached.
- Using the tail and tapestry needle, weave the yarn in and out around the top edge of the piece approximately every 1 1/2” – 2”.
- Cinch the top closed and go around the edge of the cinched circle again to secure it. When it is securely closed, tie off and weave in ends.
- Optional: Attach faux fur or yarn pom to the top of hat
- Optional: For Brimless version, attach yarn to bottom of hat and loosely slip stitch around bottom edge for a neater edge.
Final Thoughts
I think you’ll have a lot of fun making this star stitch beanie and I can’t wait to see some of your work. Be sure to tag me on Instagram @craftingforweeks and use the hashtag #GreatStarBeanie.
Also, be on the lookout for some matching pieces that will be arriving on the blog very soon. Hope you enjoy the pattern. Happy Crafting!
