Four Kisses

Four Kisses Crochet Baby Hat by OneLoopShy Designs

What is Being Made

Four Kisses is a downloadable crochet pattern for a slip-stitched baby hat designed by OneLoopShy Designs. The hat features four distinctive "kiss-shaped" sections constructed using a unique assembly method that combines slip stitches, knots, and braids. The pattern offers two finished size options: Baby (14" circumference, 4.5" deep) and Toddler (16" circumference, 5.5" deep), making it a versatile design suitable for infants and young children.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several key construction techniques. The primary technique is slip stitch crochet, worked exclusively into the front loop only for a distinctive textured appearance. The pattern uses a structured approach with three knots and two braids to join the four kiss-shaped sections together, followed by one seam to complete the hat. Strategically placed yarn tails (10" length left on all color changes and when ending off colors) serve dual purposes: closing the hat and creating the decorative braids. This countdown construction method—four kisses, three knots, two braids, one seam—creates a perfectly proportioned and sweet baby hat.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a limited but effective stitch vocabulary appropriate for intermediate crocheters:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used to establish the foundation rows for each kiss-shaped section
• Slip stitch (sl st) – the primary stitch throughout the pattern, worked into the front loop only to create the textured fabric
• Place marker (pm) – used to identify key stitch positions during construction

The exclusive use of slip stitch creates a dense, fabric-like texture that differs from traditional crochet stitches, requiring loose tension and careful gauge matching for proper results.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Four Kisses calls for aran weight yarn, with yardage requirements of 65 yards for the Baby size or 80 yards for the Toddler size per hat. The pattern features three colors: Colors A and B serve as the alternating "kiss" section colors, while Color C functions as the accent stripe and edging detail. A size J (6 mm) crochet hook or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge is required. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 20 rows equals 4 inches in slip stitch, making accurate gauge matching essential for proper fit and finished dimensions.

The pattern was modeled by Jil Eaton and features MinnowMerino yarn, indicating compatibility with merino-based aran weight yarns. The downloadable PDF format provides complete pattern instructions for crafting this charming slip-stitched baby hat.