Shameless Newsboy

Shameless Newsboy Crochet Hat by Becky Dirlam

What Is Being Made

The Shameless Newsboy is a crochet hat pattern that combines the structure of a classic beanie with the distinctive bill and shaping of a newsboy-style cap. This hybrid design creates a versatile hat that works for various occasions and personal styles. The pattern features a decorative top element that can be interpreted in multiple ways—as a flower, a snowflake, or simply as an attractive textured detail—making it visually interesting and unique.

Design Concept

Designer Becky Dirlam created this pattern with the philosophy that different textures and techniques work together harmoniously, much like people with different skill sets collaborate to create something special. The hat showcases this through the interplay of various stitch techniques that build upon each other to form the finished garment. The pattern is designed to coordinate with the Shameless Cowl, allowing crafters to create a matching accessory set.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Shameless Newsboy employs several intermediate-level crochet techniques that add depth and visual interest to the finished hat. The pattern utilizes post stitches—both front post and back post variations—which create textured ribbing and dimensional effects. These post stitches are essential for shaping the hat and creating the structured newsboy silhouette. Decrease techniques are also incorporated, including double crochet decreases and specialized decrease stitches that allow the crown to be shaped properly.

Stitches Featured

This pattern incorporates a variety of crochet stitches to achieve its finished look:

• Chain (ch) – The foundation stitch used to create the base of the hat
• Single Crochet (sc) – Used for creating dense, structured sections
• Double Crochet (dc) – A primary stitch for building height and drape
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) – Creates textured ribbing and dimensional effects
• Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) – Works in conjunction with front post stitches for raised texture
• Front Post Double Crochet Two Together (FPdc2tog) – A specialized decrease stitch for shaping
• Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog) – A decrease technique for crown shaping
• Bobble Stitch (BS) – Creates the decorative top feature with puffed texture

Materials and Tools Required

The Shameless Newsboy is designed to be worked with worsted weight yarn (also known as #4 weight), which provides good stitch definition and allows the textured stitches to show clearly. The pattern calls for a size H/8 (5.0mm) crochet hook, which is the appropriate hook size for working with worsted weight yarn at a standard gauge. Additional tools needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, scissors for finishing, a tape measure for checking gauge and sizing, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with post stitches and multiple decrease techniques. The combination of textured stitches and shaping requirements means this project is best approached by someone with some crochet experience, though dedicated beginners willing to learn new techniques could also attempt it.