Red Riding Hood & The Wolf in Red Heart Super Saver Economy Solids - LW2583

Red Riding Hood & The Wolf Crochet Hat Set in Red Heart Super Saver Economy Solids (LW2583)

This delightful crochet pattern, LW2583, designed by Michele Wilcox and published by Red Heart, delivers two imaginative character hats in one downloadable PDF: a Red Riding Hood Hat and a Wolf Hat. Perfect for Halloween dress-up or year-round creative play, these whimsical accessories are sized to fit children and are worked in easy-care yarn that stands up to repeated washing and plenty of adventurous wear.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two distinct crocheted character hats, each inspired by the classic fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. Both hats share the same basic construction method and finished circumference of 18 inches, making them a matching set that brings the beloved storybook characters to life. The designs are detailed enough to be recognizable and charming, yet approachable for an intermediate-level crocheter.

Materials Used

• Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Economy Solids, an aran-weight (worsted) yarn celebrated for its durability and easy-care properties. The pattern calls for one skein each of four colorways:
  • 886 Blue (Color A)
  • 316 Soft White (Color B)
  • 312 Black (Color C)
  • 319 Cherry Red (Color D)
• Crochet Hook: 5mm (US size H-8)
• Notions: Split-ring stitch marker, yarn needle, a small amount of stuffing, and two 12mm brown buttons for eyes

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a properly fitting hat. The pattern specifies 14 single crochet stitches = 4 inches and 14 rows = 4 inches. Crocheters are encouraged to switch hook sizes as needed to match this gauge before beginning the main project.

Techniques and Construction Method

Both hats are constructed using a clever combination of flat and in-the-round crochet techniques. The process begins with a ribbed band worked flat in rows, which gives the hat a stretchy, comfortable fit around the head. This ribbing technique — working single crochet through the back loops only — creates a flexible, textured fabric that mimics the look of knitted ribbing. Once the ribbing is complete, stitches are picked up along the row ends to begin the body of the hat, which is then shaped through a series of decrease rows.

The crown shaping uses systematic decrease rounds that reduce the stitch count progressively, pulling the fabric into a neat, rounded top. Character details such as ears, facial features, and embellishments are added separately and attached, with the 12mm brown buttons serving as expressive eyes and a small amount of stuffing adding dimension to three-dimensional elements like ears or snouts.

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) — the primary stitch used throughout the ribbing and hat body
• Double crochet (dc) — used in alternating rows of the hat body to add height and texture
• Sc2tog (single crochet two together) — a special decrease stitch defined in the pattern, worked by drawing up a loop in each of two consecutive stitches and pulling through all three loops on the hook; used to shape the crown
• Back loop only (BLO) single crochet — used throughout the ribbing rows to create a stretchy, ridged texture

Pattern Structure and Notes

The PDF includes clear, step-by-step written instructions for both the Red Riding Hood Hat and the Wolf Hat. A helpful notes section explains how to use a split-ring stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds when working in continuous spirals — a technique that avoids the visible seam that joining rounds can create. Color changes between the four yarn colors bring each character's distinctive palette to life, with Cherry Red (