Sous Chef

Sous Chef Crochet Hat by Marly Bird

What Is Being Made

Sous Chef is a crochet hat designed by Marly Bird as a hook-based adaptation of her popular knit pattern called Ratatouille. This intermediate-level project creates a hat with a saucy, playful aesthetic in a one-size-fits-most construction. The design maintains the simple, straightforward construction of the original knit version while achieving the same visual impact through crochet techniques.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Sous Chef hat employs fundamental crochet construction methods suitable for intermediate crafters. The pattern utilizes back loop only (BLO) stitching as a special technique, which creates distinctive texture and visual definition by working into only the back loop of stitches rather than under both loops. This selective loop insertion is a key design element that contributes to the hat's finished appearance and structure.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout this project is half double crochet (HDC), a versatile mid-height stitch that provides balanced fabric density and drape. The pattern specifies precise gauge requirements to ensure proper fit: 5 HDC rows worked in back loop only should measure 2 inches in height, while 10 HDC stitches should measure 2 inches in width. Foundational chain stitches (ch) are used to establish the base of the hat, with the pattern noting that the loop remaining on the hook is never counted as part of the chain count.

Materials: Yarn and Tools

This project calls for two distinct yarns to create visual interest and color variation. The primary yarn is Patons DK Superwash wool, a 100% wool yarn in the colorway Deep Blush (CA #12409), requiring 2 balls. The secondary yarn is Wisdom Yarns Poems Silk, a luxury blend of 75% wool and 25% silk (CB #802), requiring 1 ball. Both yarns are DK weight with yardage of approximately 125 yards per 1.75 ounces and 109 yards per 1.75 ounces respectively. The recommended hook size is a G/7 (4mm) crochet hook, or whatever size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. Choosing the correct hook size is essential for obtaining proper tension and ensuring the finished hat meets the intended measurements.