It's Hip to be a Square Felted Hat

It's Hip to be a Square Felted Hat by knot•sew•cute

What Is Being Made

This is a felted crochet hat featuring a distinctive square construction. The design creates a one-size hat with a finished inside circumference of 22 inches after the felting process, down from 27 inches before felting. The hat is crafted from Patons Classic Wool in the Cognac Heather colorway, making it a warm and durable accessory suitable for cold weather wear.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project uses fundamental crochet techniques combined with wet felting to achieve its final shape and texture. The pattern relies on double crochet stitches as the primary construction method, worked in a structured gauge to create a dense, feltable fabric. The square design is intentional and becomes more refined after the felting process shrinks and shapes the piece. Fiberfil or similar filling material is used during construction to help maintain the hat's form and structure, particularly important for achieving the square silhouette before and after felting.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – foundation and turning chains
• Double crochet (dc) – primary stitch for fabric construction
• Slip stitch (sl st) – joining rounds and finishing edges

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern calls for 1 ball of Patons Classic Wool (100 grams, 192 meters per ball), a worsted-weight yarn that is ideal for felting due to its fiber content. A 4.00 mm crochet hook is used to achieve the required gauge of 16 double crochet stitches and 9 rows equaling 10 centimeters (4 inches) in a square. Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a button for embellishment or closure, and fiberfil or similar filling material for shaping the hat during construction.

Gauge and Sizing Notes

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project, as the final dimensions are significantly affected by both the crochet gauge and the felting process. The pattern specifies that measurements are taken on the inside of the hat. Size is approximate and will vary depending on the specific brand of wool used, individual gauge tension, and how aggressively the hat is felted. Felting shrinkage reduces the circumference from 27 inches to 22 inches, so swatching and testing your felting method before committing to the full project is recommended.