Looking for the perfect summer project? This How to Make Crochet Sun Hat Tutorial will guide you through each step of creating a stylish, breathable, and functional sun hat that you’ll love to wear. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, tending to your garden, or enjoying an outdoor brunch, a handmade crochet sun hat is both a chic accessory and practical protection from the sun.
This pattern is ideal for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. With simple stitches, minimal shaping, and clear steps, it’s a great way to expand your handmade wardrobe without a complicated or time-consuming project. Plus, you get to play with yarn textures and colors to make something that truly reflects your style.
In this post, we’ll walk you through every part of the process—from gathering materials and making the crown to shaping the brim and adding finishing touches. Not only will you learn a fantastic new project, but you’ll also improve your skills with crochet and learn how to adapt this design to your own needs. Let’s dive into this easy and rewarding crochet pattern tutorial!
Materials, Yarn Types, and Essential Preparation
To begin your crochet sun hat, you’ll need a few basic supplies. These materials are widely available and affordable, making this project accessible to all.
First, choose your yarn. We recommend a 100% cotton worsted-weight yarn, which offers both structure and breathability. Cotton helps the hat maintain its shape while still being soft enough to wear comfortably. You’ll need around 100–150 grams (approx. 200–250 yards) of yarn for an adult-size hat.
For hooks, a 4.0 mm (G/6) and a 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook will be needed—use the smaller hook for the crown and top sections, and the larger one for the brim to provide more flexibility and ease.
In addition, you will need a stitch marker, yarn needle, measuring tape, and scissors. Optional additions include a decorative ribbon or leather band to wrap around the base of the crown for a finished look.
Gauge matters! Crochet a small swatch of 4” x 4” in double crochet (dc) to ensure your hat will fit as expected. For a standard adult size, you want approximately 16 dc x 10 rows = 4 inches. Adjust hook size if necessary.
You’ll also want to plan your hat’s diameter. A typical adult head circumference is around 22 inches (56 cm). We’ll build the crown in increasing rounds until the flat circle reaches around 6.75 inches (17 cm) in diameter before working downward to form the sides of the hat.
Crochet the Crown of the Sun Hat
Start your sun hat from the top of the crown using a magic ring, a great way to avoid a noticeable hole in the center. This part involves basic increases in the round.
To begin, using your 4.0 mm crochet hook and main yarn color, create a magic ring and chain 2 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 12 double crochets (dc) into the ring and join with a slip stitch. You’ll now be working in a circular shape.
In Round 2, chain 2 again and make 2 dc in each stitch around. You should now have 24 stitches. Mark the start of your round if you’re working continuously (spiral), or join each round if you prefer that method.
From Round 3 onward, increase the diameter by placing 2 dc in one stitch, 1 dc in the next, repeating around. In each subsequent round, increase the number of single dc stitches between increases (e.g., Round 4: 2 dc in one, 1 dc in next two stitches, etc.).
Continue increasing until the crown’s diameter measures approximately 6.75 inches (17 cm). For most people, this occurs around Round 7 or 8, but it may vary depending on your gauge.
After reaching the desired diameter, stop increasing and begin working even (1 dc in each stitch) for 6–8 rounds to form the sides of the crown. This will create the hat’s height and give it its recognizable shape.
Creating and Shaping the Hat Brim
Now that you’ve completed the crown and sides of the hat, it’s time to create the brim. The brim is what gives the sun hat its function and charm—blocking out rays and framing the face beautifully.
Switch to your 5.0 mm hook for the brim. This slight change in hook size will loosen the stitches just enough to allow the brim to flare naturally. Start by chaining 2 and working 1 dc in each stitch around to create a foundation row for the brim.
In the next round, begin increasing gradually: work 2 dc in every sixth stitch. This slight increase will help the brim start to widen without becoming too floppy or uneven. Join or work in spiral as you prefer.
For the third brim round, continue increasing slightly: 2 dc in every eighth stitch. Monitor your progress—if the brim is curling upward too much, increase more frequently. If it’s becoming ruffled, reduce your increases.
Continue in this pattern for 4 to 5 additional rounds, increasing slightly as needed to achieve a soft, flared brim. Most sun hats have a brim that’s about 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) wide. Adjust the number of rows based on how wide you’d like yours to be.
Once you’ve reached your desired brim width, finish with a row of single crochet (sc) to create a clean, firm edge. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends using your yarn needle.
This base sun hat design is perfect for customization. You can stop here or continue to add decorative elements like a bow, buttons, or a shell-stitch edge to elevate your hat’s design.
Customization Ideas and Project Variations
Once you’ve completed the basic sun hat, the real fun begins. One of the best things about crochet patterns is how easy they are to personalize. Your crochet sun hat can be tailored for different seasons, ages, or occasions.
Color is one of the easiest ways to customize. Use a striped pattern by switching yarn colors every two or three rounds during the crown or brim stages. Pastel stripes give a beachy vibe, while bold contrasts can make a fashion statement.
Add a decorative band. You can crochet a simple chain or slip stitch a ribbon around the base of the crown. Attach with a button, a bow, or a small crochet flower for a feminine touch.
To adapt the hat for children, stop increasing earlier so the crown is smaller, and adjust the number of side and brim rounds accordingly. Measure the child’s head circumference and use your gauge swatch to calculate the right diameter.
For a floppier hat, use a lighter yarn like sport weight and a larger hook. This creates a looser fabric that drapes more dramatically—great for beach looks or boho styling.
On the other hand, for a sturdier hat, especially for gardening or travel, use raffia yarn or double-stranded cotton. These provide more structure and resilience to the brim.
Finally, always label and save your own version of the crochet pattern if you’ve made modifications. It’ll make recreating the project or gifting it much easier in the future.
Final Thoughts on Making a Crochet Sun Hat
This How to Make Crochet Sun Hat Tutorial shows that with just a few hours, some yarn, and basic crochet skills, you can create a wearable, fashionable, and functional piece. Perfect for summer or as a handmade gift, the crochet sun hat is a project that is as fun to make as it is to wear.
Thanks to its simple construction, this project is beginner-friendly but also allows enough flexibility for advanced crafters to get creative with design variations. You’ll refine your skills in working in the round, increasing, and color changing—techniques essential for many other crochet patterns.
This hat is not only a great seasonal accessory but also a symbol of what makes crochet so fulfilling: turning simple stitches into something beautiful and useful.
We hope this tutorial inspires you to grab your hook and yarn and start crafting your very own crochet sun hat. Whether you’re making one for yourself, your child, or a friend, you’re sure to enjoy the process and the final result.
