Sunnyside Bucket Hat

Sunnyside Bucket Hat by Leah Gordon

What is Being Made

The Sunnyside Bucket Hat is a casual, versatile spring and summer accessory designed for day-to-night wear. This crocheted bucket hat complements any personal style and serves as a functional, easy-to-wear headpiece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Construction Method

The Sunnyside Bucket Hat is worked in the top-down method, beginning at the crown and progressing toward the brim. The hat is constructed using continuous rounds of crochet, eliminating the need to chain 1 or slip stitch to join rounds. A stitch marker is used to mark the first stitch of each round and moved up as work progresses. The brim features intentional increases that create soft, decorative ruffles, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished hat.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

This beginner-level pattern utilizes two primary crochet stitches:

• Half Double Crochet: The main stitch used throughout most of the hat construction, providing a balanced fabric with good drape and structure
• Waistcoat Stitch: Incorporated into the pattern to add texture and visual variation to the finished piece

The combination of these stitches creates a fabric with interesting textural elements while remaining accessible to beginner crocheters.

Materials and Specifications

Hook: 5 mm US size H/8 crochet hook (or appropriate hook size to meet gauge)

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn totaling approximately 241 yards. The pattern specifies 3 skeins of K & C Raffia in Dark Blue, with Ra-Ra Raffia by Wool and the Gang listed as a suitable substitute option.

Notions and Tools: Scissors, stitch marker(s), and a large-eye tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: 15 stitches by 17 rows over 4 inches in Half Double Crochet; 15 stitches by 12 rows over 4 inches in Waistcoat Stitch.

Skill Level

Rated as an easy, beginner-friendly pattern, the Sunnyside Bucket Hat is an excellent introductory project for those learning fundamental crochet techniques and working with continuous rounds.