I knit a lot of gifts this last holiday season. With the completion of a belated scarf last week, I’m just about knitted out. I needed a new project that would satisfy my short attention span and was something different.

I found a simple crochet hat pattern on TangledHappy.com that used the herringbone half double crochet stitch. I’d never heard of it, but after a couple of video tutorials, it looked easy enough.

I didn’t have the hook size the pattern called for, but I had something close, so I used what I think was an N size hook (it’s unmarked for some ridiculous reason). This made the gauge off for the original pattern so I had to wing it, which is why I’m posting a pattern on my blog. I also added contrasting trim and pompom.

These are incredibly quick to complete. I made two yesterday and one this morning. They are a great way to use up excess yarn, especially if you double up worsted weight and crochet two strands at once, which I did with the blue hat shown in this pattern.

Quick, Chunky Crochet Hat with Pompom — A Free Pattern from Alaska Knit Nat

Materials:

1 skein of chunky yarn such as Lopi or Lion Brand Thick and Quick OR two strands of heavy worsted yarn crocheted together as one strand.

1 skein of contrasting yarn, weight can vary

Size N crochet hook

Darning needle

Two toilet paper tubes (opional)

Sharp scissors

Removable stitch marker

Abbreviations:

sc = single crochet

sl = slip stitch

Hhdc = herringbone half double crochet (I recommend this video tutorial)

Please bear with my poor pattern instructions. I’m a knitter and I’m still new to crochet so I apologize for any bizarre language.

Directions:

With chunky yarn, create a magic ring and Hhdc 10 into it. Tighten up the ring and do not sl into the first stitch. You’re going to crochet in a continuous spiral. Instead, Hhdc into the first Hhdc, place marker, Hhdc into same stitch. Hhdc 2 times into each remaining stitch (20 stitches).

Remove marker, Hhdc into next stitch, place marker, Hhdc 2 times into next stitch. *Hhdc into next stitch, 2 Hhdc into next stitch.* Repeat * till end of round (30 stitches).

Remove marker, Hhdc into next stitch, place marker, Hhdc in next stitch, 2 Hhdc into next stitch. *Hhdc in next two stitches, 2 Hhdc into next stitch*. Repeat * till end of round (40 stitches).

Repeat Hhdc around until hat is the depth you prefer. I did about 12 rounds.

Sl into final stitch and cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Bring in contrasting yarn and chain one stitch. Sc one round. Sl into first single chain. Tie off and weave in all ends.

For the pompom:

If you want a giant pompom, I find an easy technique is to wrap the yarn around two toilet paper tubes. When you’ve used a whole ton of yarn, take a doubled up piece of yarn about 12 inches and tie it around the bulk of yarn, between the two toilet paper tubes. Tie a loose knot and gently slide out the tubes. Cinch the knot closed as tightly as you can and trim the yarn loops till the pom pom is to your liking. I don’t trim the long ends I used to tie the pompom. Instead I use those to affix it to the hat with a darning needle.