How to Crochet the Winterberry Hat – A Complete Guide

The Winterberry Hat is a cozy, textured crochet hat worked flat and then sewn into shape. It’s ideal for beginner-to-intermediate crocheters who want to learn fun stitch combinations like the Berry Stitch and Half Double Slip Stitch. Designed by Daisy Farm Crafts, this hat combines elegance and warmth — perfect for cold winters or holiday gifting.


Materials Needed

To make the Winterberry Hat, you’ll need:

  • Yarn: Worsted weight (medium, size 4).
    Suggested: Patons Canadiana or any similar acrylic yarn.

  • Hook: 5 mm (US H-8)

  • Tapestry Needle: For sewing edges and weaving in ends

  • Scissors

  • Measuring Tape

  • Optional: Pom-pom with snap attachment


Sizing Guide

The hat is worked flat as a rectangle and seamed into a tube, so you can adjust the height by your foundation chain and the head circumference by the number of rows.

Size Height (chain length) Width (finished rows)
Toddler (1–2 yrs) 8.5 in (approx. 40 chains) 16 in (stretched)
Child (3–10 yrs) 9–9.5 in 17–18 in
Teen/Adult S 10 in 19–20 in
Adult L 10.5 in 21–22 in

Crochet Stitches Used

Here are the stitches you’ll use in this pattern, with a brief explanation:

Stitch Abbreviation Description
Slip Stitch SL ST Insert hook, YO, pull through both loops
Half Double Slip Stitch HDSS or HDSLST YO, insert, YO, pull up loop, pull through all loops
Single Crochet SC Insert, YO, pull up loop, YO, pull through two loops
Half Double Crochet HDC YO, insert, YO, pull up loop, YO, pull through all three loops
Berry Stitch Berry YO, insert, YO, pull up loop, YO, pull through one loop, YO, insert in same st, YO, pull up, YO, pull through all 5 loops

✨ Special Techniques

Back Loop Only (BLO): Insert hook only under the back loop of the stitch.
Front Bottom Loop (FBL): Insert hook under the horizontal bar below the front loop — gives the hat its signature ridged texture.


Pattern Construction Overview

  1. Start with a foundation chain for the hat’s height.

  2. Work rows across, combining brim and textured sections.

  3. Repeat the rows until you reach the desired width (circumference).

  4. Sew the short ends together to form a tube.

  5. Gather the top of the hat closed.

  6. Add a pom-pom, if desired.


Pattern Instructions (Toddler Size Example)

You can adjust the chain number and number of rows to resize for other ages.

✅ Foundation Chain:

  • Chain 40 (this determines the height of the hat, including brim).

✅ Row 1:

  • SL ST into first 5 chains (this forms the brim).

  • HDC in remaining 35 chains.

  • Chain 1, turn.

✅ Row 2:

  • SL ST into back loops only for 5 sts (brim).

  • HDSS in BLO for 14 sts.

  • SC in next st.

  • (Berry stitch in next st, SC in next) repeat until 5 sts remain.

  • SL ST in BLO for last 5 sts.

  • Chain 1, turn.

✅ Row 3:

  • BLO SL ST in 5 sts (brim),

  • HDC in next 19 sts,

  • BLO HDSS in next 14 sts,

  • HDSS in final stitch.

  • Chain 1, turn.

✅ Row 4:

  • HDSS in 1st st,

  • BLO HDSS for next 14,

  • FBL HDC in next 19,

  • BLO SL ST in last 5.

  • Chain 1, turn.

✅ Row 5:

  • BLO SL ST in 5 sts (brim),

  • BLO SC in next 19,

  • BLO HDSS in next 14,

  • HDSS in final stitch.

  • Chain 1, turn.

✅ Repeat Rows 2–5

Repeat the 4-row sequence until the piece is wide enough to wrap around the head.

For toddler size: ~48 rows
For adult size: ~64–70 rows (adjust for your yarn and tension)


Assembly

Once the rectangle is wide enough:

  1. Fold the piece in half with right sides facing.

  2. Sew the starting chain edge to the last row (use slip stitch or whip stitch).

  3. Gather the top of the hat:

    • Use a long strand of yarn and weave it through every few stitches along the top edge.

    • Pull tight to close the top and secure with knots.

  4. Attach a pom-pom (preferably one with a snap base for easy washing).


Finishing Touches

  • Weave in all loose ends.

  • Lightly block the hat if needed.

  • Use a blow dryer to fluff up a faux fur pom-pom.


Tips for Success

  • Keep your tension loose when doing slip stitches to avoid a stiff hat.

  • Use stitch markers to track where your brim ends and texture begins.

  • Practice the Berry Stitch on a swatch — it’s not hard but needs precision.

  • Make a matching scarf or mittens using the same texture for a full winter set!


Final Thoughts

The Winterberry Hat is a perfect mix of style and comfort. With its varied textures and clean construction, it’s a rewarding project whether you’re crocheting for a loved one or your craft market booth.

The flat construction method also makes it beginner-friendly — no increasing in the round, just rows and beautiful stitchwork.

Video Tutorial:

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