Simple Crochet Beanie

Simple Crochet Beanie by Jenny Occleshaw

Project Overview

The Simple Crochet Beanie is a beginner-friendly crochet headwear project designed by Jenny Occleshaw. This pattern creates a classic pom pom beanie suitable for average ladies' head sizes (approximately 55cm in diameter) with built-in stretch for comfortable wear. The design is ideal for crocheters new to the craft as well as experienced makers seeking a quick, satisfying project.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a cozy crochet beanie topped with a decorative pom pom. The finished garment is designed to fit an average adult women's head and features a stretchy construction that accommodates various head sizes. The beanie works from the crown downward, creating a well-fitted, classic silhouette perfect for everyday wear.

Crochet Techniques Used

The beanie employs fundamental crochet techniques that make it accessible to beginners while remaining enjoyable for experienced crafters. The construction begins with a magic loop, a popular method for starting projects at the center crown. The pattern uses in-the-round construction, working in continuous rounds to build the hat from top to bottom. The crab stitch is featured for finishing, which involves working double crochet stitches from right to left rather than the traditional left-to-right direction, creating a decorative, textured edge.

Stitches Used

The Simple Crochet Beanie uses a limited selection of straightforward stitches, making it perfect for skill-building:

• Chain (Ch) - the foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Treble (Tr) - the primary stitch used for the main body of the beanie
• Slip Stitch (Sl st) - used for joining rounds and securing stitches
• Double Crochet - incorporated in the crab stitch edging technique
• Increases (Inc) - created by working 2 trebles into a single stitch to add width and shaping

Materials and Tools

The beanie requires minimal materials, making it an economical project. The pattern calls for 2 balls of 100-gram 8-ply (worsted weight) yarn in coordinating colors—the designer used pink and plum for the sample. The yarn can be worked doubled (using two strands together) to create a thicker fabric and faster construction, or alternatively, one strand of thick chunky yarn may be substituted if preferred. A 6.00mm crochet hook is used for working with the doubled yarn. Additional supplies include a 7cm pom pom maker for creating the decorative topper and a wool needle for weaving in ends and assembling the finished pieces. The designer recommends testing tension before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Construction Method

The beanie construction begins at the crown using a magic loop foundation, making it an excellent project for practicing this modern crochet technique. Rounds are worked in treble stitches with strategic increases to shape the crown and expand the hat to the desired width. This top-down approach allows for easy adjustments and fitting as you work. The pattern progresses systematically through rounds, building the main body of the beanie before finishing with the decorative crab stitch edging that frames the face opening.