Suzette Hat

Suzette Hat by Nicole Riley

What Is Being Made

The Suzette Hat is a beginner-friendly crocheted hat designed by Nicole Riley and published by Nicki's Homemade Crafts. This adult-sized hat features a classic structured silhouette measuring 9 inches in diameter and 8.5 inches in height (excluding the pom-pom topper). The finished hat is perfect for everyday wear and showcases a distinctive textured appearance created through the use of the Suzette stitch.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners, making it an excellent introductory project for those learning to work with textured stitches. The hat is constructed using a combination of basic crochet foundations and a signature stitch pattern. The back loop only (blo) technique is incorporated into the construction, which creates a ribbed or ridged effect that adds visual interest and dimension to the finished piece. The crown is topped with a generous pom-pom, created using a pom-pom maker in the largest size setting, adding a playful and polished finishing touch.

Stitches Used

The Suzette Hat pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches in US terminology:

• Chain (ch) – Used to create the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Single crochet (sc) – A fundamental short stitch used for structure and shaping
• Back loop only (blo) – A variation technique that works through only the back loop of stitches to create textured ribbing
• Double crochet (dc) – A taller stitch used for drape and coverage
• Suzette stitch – The signature stitch that gives this hat its distinctive name and textured appearance

Materials and Tools

The Suzette Hat pattern calls for aran weight yarn, which provides excellent stitch definition and a balanced fabric weight ideal for hats. The original pattern uses two coordinating purple yarns: Premier Yarn Everyday Collection in solid Purple and I Love this Yarn from Hobby Lobby in Purple Gradient, with one skein of each required. A 5.0 mm crochet hook is used to work the stitches at the specified gauge of 3 rows by 2 Suzette stitches per 1 square inch. Additional tools include a pom-pom maker (largest size), scissors for finishing, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembling the final piece.