Sundial Hat

Sundial Hat by Kristine Mullen

What Is Being Made

The Sundial Hat is a textured crochet hat designed by Kristine Mullen that combines warmth with an attractive fitted silhouette. Available in four finished sizes—Infant (12-14"), Toddler (16-18"), Child (18-20"), and Adult (20-22")—this hat suits multiple age groups and can be customized by adding extra repeats to create a slouch style for those preferring a more relaxed fit. The designer notes that the hat's texture and comfort make it appealing even to those who typically avoid wearing hats.

Crochet Techniques Used

This beginner-level crochet project employs several foundational techniques to create its distinctive textured appearance. The pattern uses the Magic Ring method to begin the crown, allowing for a seamless center start. The primary textural element comes from combining half double crochet (hdc) stitches with front post stitches, creating dimensional surface interest. The Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) technique is worked around the vertical bars of previous stitches, which produces the raised texture characteristic of this design. Increase rounds are worked separately from regular rounds to maintain proper gauge and shaping as the hat expands from the crown downward.

Stitches and Stitch Combinations

• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – the primary stitch forming the base fabric
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) – worked by inserting the hook from right to left behind the vertical bar of stitches to create raised, textured posts
• (hdc, FPdc) combination – a special stitch pairing where half double crochet and front post double crochet are worked into the same stitch, building dimensional texture
• Magic Ring – the cast-on method used to begin the crown with a seamless center

Materials and Tools

This project requires 3 ounces of #4 worsted weight yarn (also called aran weight), with the sample worked in I Love This Yarn brand. A Size I/9 (5.50 mm) crochet hook is used throughout. The only additional notions needed is a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 half double crochets equals 2 inches when measured on regular rounds (excluding increase rounds), which is important for achieving the correct finished hat size.