How to Make a Crochet Hat with a Relief Stitch Pattern (Simple Method)

Here’s a simple, clear, and detailed guide to making a crochet hat using a relief stitch pattern, written for beginners or confident beginners.

---

How to Make a Crochet Hat with a Relief Stitch Pattern (Simple Method)

A relief stitch creates texture by working around the post of a stitch instead of into the top loops. The most common relief stitches are Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) and Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC). These stitches give your hat a beautiful ribbed or raised design.

---

Materials Needed

• Medium-weight yarn (Category 4 / worsted weight)
• Crochet hook (usually 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm, check yarn label)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker (optional)

---

Crochet Skills You Should Know

• Chain (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)
• Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC)

---

Common Relief Stitches (Quick Explanation)

• FPDC: Yarn over, insert hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarn over, pull through, complete like a double crochet.
• BPDC: Yarn over, insert hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over, pull through, complete like a double crochet.

Alternating FPDC and BPDC creates a stretchy, ribbed texture—perfect for hats.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Hat Band (Bottom Ribbing)

1. Chain 9–11 chains (this determines the height of the brim).
2. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across.
3. Chain 1, turn.
4. Single crochet in the back loop only across.
5. Repeat this row until the band fits comfortably around your head (about 20–22 inches for an adult).
6. Join the short ends with slip stitches to form a ring.

👉 This creates a stretchy brim.

---

Step 2: Work the Hat Body

1. Chain 2 (counts as first dc).
2. Work double crochet evenly around the top edge of the band.
   • Place about 1 dc in each row of the band.
3. Join with a slip stitch.
4. You should have around 60–72 stitches (adjust for size).

---

Step 3: Start the Relief Stitch Pattern

1. Chain 2.
2. FPDC in next stitch, BPDC in next stitch.
3. Repeat from * to * around.
4. Join with a slip stitch.

👉 This creates a ribbed texture.

---

Step 4: Continue the Pattern

• Repeat Step 3 for 5–7 inches, depending on how tall you want the hat.
• Always place FPDC stitches over FPDC and BPDC over BPDC to keep the pattern aligned.

---

Step 5: Shape the Crown (Top of the Hat)

1. Chain 2.
2. FPDC 2 together (decrease) around every few stitches.
3. On the next round, decrease more frequently.
4. Continue until the top opening is small.
5. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail.
6. Thread yarn needle through remaining stitches and pull tight.
7. Secure and weave in ends.

---

Tips for Success

• Use a light-colored yarn to clearly see relief stitches.
• Keep your tension relaxed—relief stitches are tighter than normal stitches.
• Try a FPDC/BPDC 2×2 pattern (two front post, two back post) for a chunkier look.
• Add a pom-pom or folded brim for extra style.

---

Final Result

You’ll have a stretchy, textured crochet hat with a professional-looking relief stitch pattern that’s warm, stylish, and beginner-friendly.

If you want, I can:

• Simplify this into a short pattern
• Adjust it for kids or babies
• Add photos/diagrams guidance
• Turn it into a written pattern format

Watch tutorial: