Wheel Hat

Wheel Hat by Nicole Riley

What Is Being Made

The Wheel Hat is a crocheted adult-sized hat designed by Nicole Riley. This downloadable crochet pattern produces a finished hat measuring 9.5 inches in diameter and 9 inches in height, making it suitable for average adult head sizes. The hat features a distinctive textured appearance created through the use of decorative stitch clusters.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This beginner-friendly crochet project uses fundamental techniques that make it accessible to crafters new to the medium. The hat is constructed using a combination of basic crochet methods, including working in the back loop only to create specific textural effects. The signature design element is the Catherine's Wheel Stitch, which creates the visual interest and dimensional quality that gives this hat its distinctive character.

Stitches Used

The Wheel Hat pattern employs the following stitches, all written in US crochet terminology:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch used to begin the project
• Single crochet (sc) – a basic short stitch for structure and shaping
• Back loop only (blo) – a technique variation that works through only the back loop of a stitch to create textural ridges
• Double crochet (dc) – a taller stitch that builds height and drape
• Double crochet cluster (dc cl) – multiple double crochet stitches worked together to create the dimensional wheel-like texture
• Catherine's Wheel Stitch – the signature stitch pattern that defines the hat's appearance and texture

Materials and Tools Required

This pattern calls for Bernat Velvet yarn in a chunky weight, which provides a soft, plush texture ideal for a cozy hat. Two coordinating colors are used: Navy (dark blue) and Chilled Blue (light blue), allowing for color blocking or striped effects. A 6.0 mm crochet hook is used to work with the chunky yarn. Additional supplies include scissors for cutting yarn and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 2 rows by 7 stitches equaling 2 square inches when working a double crochet cluster. This gauge measurement helps ensure the finished hat reaches the intended adult size of 9.5 inches in diameter and 9 inches in height.