Felted Bowler Style Hat UK TERMS 1723

Felted Bowler Style Hat UK TERMS by Carla Malcomb

What is Being Made

This project creates a classic felted bowler style hat available in three sizes: Small (38–43 cm / 15–17"), Medium (46–51 cm / 18–20"), and Large (53–58 cm / 21–23"). The hat is constructed using crochet techniques and then felted to achieve the finished bowler silhouette and texture.

Craft and Technique

This is a crochet project designed for beginner level crafters. The pattern uses UK terminology throughout. The crocheted fabric is intentionally oversized before felting, as the felting process shrinks and densifies the wool fibers to create the final hat shape and structure.

The felting technique involves washing the crocheted piece in hot water with detergent and agitation to cause the wool fibers to mat and bond together. This transforms the loose crochet fabric into a firm, felted material characteristic of traditional bowler hats. A drying form—such as a pot, jar, can, bucket, or container with the desired hat circumference—is used to shape the hat while it dries, ensuring proper sizing and the distinctive bowler silhouette.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch details are not fully detailed in the provided content, the pattern employs standard crochet stitches worked in the round to build the hat structure before felting. Stitch markers are used to track the beginning of rounds during construction.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for medium worsted weight wool yarn suitable for felting. The recommended yarn is Patons® Classic Wool Worsted, which is 100% Pure New Wool at 192 meters (210 yards) per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) per skein.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Small size: Approximately 192 meters (210 yards) — 1 skein in #240 Leaf Green
• Medium size: Approximately 288 meters (315 yards) — 1.5 skeins in #210 Petal Pink
• Large size: Approximately 384 meters (420 yards) — 2 skeins in #226 Black

Important: Only wool yarn suitable for felting should be used, as non-felting fibers will not achieve the desired finished result.

Tools and Supplies

A 6 mm (J-10) crochet hook or size needed to achieve gauge is required for construction. Additional supplies include two stitch markers for tracking rounds, a mesh laundry bag (optional), laundry detergent, baking soda, and lint-free agitators for the felting process. A drying form with the measured circumference of the desired hat size is optional but recommended for shaping the hat during the drying phase.

Sizing

To determine the correct hat size, measure around the head at the hairline where the hat will rest above the ears using a flexible tape measure, ribbon, or string measured against a ruler. This measurement ensures proper fit before beginning the project.