This hat is worked top-down, in joined, turned rounds, and is reversible. You can crochet either a simple, straight fitted beanie, or a watch cap style hat with a turned up brim.

This unique fabric is worked in a method developed by a Japanese designer, betibettin, called “Zigzag Crochet”. It is very stretchy, springs back into shape beautifully, and makes a lovely squishy fabric. See his YouTube channel for more info on this method, and for some other interesting design ideas. 


You can crochet this hat in other yarn weights, and easily adjust for any size you wish. I have tested and written this pattern for worsted weight yarn in Adult sizes, but you can easily customize your hat size -- just start with fewer stitches for a smaller hat (it is critical that you have an even number of stitches however), and work until your crown circle diameter is about 2/3 what you would normally crochet. Know that this fabric is so stretchy, a given size hat will fit many different size heads, and because the stitch pattern folds so beautifully you can make your hat extra tall and fold up the brim. I crocheted my “watch cap” style Large sample by working until I ran out of yarn, then frogged back one round and re-worked in the edge trim stitch to finish my hat.

This charity hat pattern was developed specifically for the “Hats for Sailors” group. If you download this pattern, please make at least one hat as a gift for your favorite charity or special loved one in “payment” for my design. I hope you enjoy the project!

I would be delighted to see the hat(s) you’ve made from these patterns, and please share any feedback or corrections you might have to the pattern.

Alert!
Errors in the original version of the pattern on Rnds 3-5. They should read…
Rnd 3: turn so you are working on RS, flat join and ch 1 as above, [inc twice, [Zigzag B, Zigzag F] ] around. (60)
Rnd 4: turn, flat join and ch 1 as above, [inc twice, [Zigzag B, Zigzag F] twice] around. (80)
Rnd 5: turn, flat join and ch 1 as above, [inc twice, [Zigzag B, Zigzag F] 3 times] around. (100)
(PDF has been updated, so these corrections only apply to the original version of the pattern)