Swirls Hat in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino - W663 - Downloadable PDF

Swirls Hat in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino – Crochet Pattern by Anna R. Simonsen

The Swirls Hat is a beautifully textured crocheted beanie designed by Anna R. Simonsen and published by Cascade Yarns as a free downloadable PDF pattern (W663). Worked in the round from the crown downward, this hat features a distinctive swirling stitch pattern created through the strategic use of front post and back post double crochet stitches. The result is a visually dynamic, ribbed-effect fabric that spirals outward from the center of the crown, giving the finished hat its signature look and name.

This pattern is rated Easy/Intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent project for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to explore post stitches and working in the round. The swirl effect may look complex, but it is achieved through a straightforward and satisfying repeat that builds naturally as the hat grows.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a classic fitted beanie-style hat available in two sizes: Women's and Men's. The Women's size finishes at 20 inches wide (unstretched) and 8 inches tall, while the Men's size measures 22 inches wide and 9 inches tall. The hat is designed to have a comfortable, slightly stretchy fit thanks to both the nature of the stitch pattern and the elasticity of the yarn used.

Construction Method

The hat is constructed top-down in continuous rounds, beginning at the crown with a magic ring. The pattern opens with a chain-3 and 12 double crochet stitches worked into the magic ring, which is then tightened and joined. From this starting point, increase rounds are worked outward to shape the crown, with the Women's size completing increases through Round 6 and the Men's size extending increases through Round 7. After the crown shaping is complete, the body of the hat is worked straight until the desired length is reached. This top-down approach allows crocheters to easily adjust the length of the hat before finishing.

Techniques Used

• Magic ring (magic loop): Used to begin the hat at the crown with a tight, seamless center — an essential technique for any top-down circular crochet project.
• Working in the round: The entire hat is crocheted in joined rounds, giving it a seamless, tubular structure.
• Crown increases: Systematic increase rounds expand the flat crown circle before the sides are worked straight.
• Post stitches: The swirl texture is created using front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc), which are worked around the post of the stitch below rather than through the top loops. This technique creates raised, three-dimensional ribbing and is the key to the swirling visual effect.
• Slip stitch joining: Each round is closed with a slip stitch to maintain a clean, even edge throughout.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Front post double crochet (fpdc)
• Back post double crochet (bpdc)

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino, a premium DK weight yarn made from 100% Superwash Merino Wool. Each skein contains 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 oz). The sample is shown in color #19, Passion Flower — a rich, vibrant hue that highlights the swirl texture beautifully. The Women's size requires 1 skein, while the Men's size requires 2 skeins. The Superwash treatment makes this yarn machine washable, adding practical everyday appeal to the finished hat.

A US size 7