🧶 Crochet Version – Easiest Hood with Collar

Sure! Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to make the easiest hood with a collar — perfect for crochet or knitting beginners. I’ll give you both a crochet version and a knitting version, so you can choose which method you prefer.

---

🧶 PART 1: Crochet Version – Easiest Hood with Collar

🪡 Materials:

• Medium-weight yarn (category 4) — about 300–400g
• Crochet hook size: 5 mm (H/8)
• Yarn needle for sewing
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional)

📏 Measurements:

You can adjust to fit your head, but here’s a simple standard:

• Width (collar circumference when flat): ~20 inches (51 cm)
• Height (from shoulder to top of head): ~14 inches (36 cm)

---

🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start with the Collar

1. Foundation chain: Chain 60 (or long enough to wrap around your neck comfortably).
2. Row 1: Half double crochet (HDC) in 2nd chain from hook, and across. Chain 1, turn.
3. Row 2–10: HDC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn after each row.
   • This makes a ribbed collar. You can add or reduce rows for desired height.

✅ Tip: For extra stretch, work in back loops only on every row.

---

2. Form the Hood

1. Set up row: After finishing the collar, continue from one edge. Chain 1, and work 1 HDC evenly across the long edge of the collar. This will form the base of your hood.
2. Work upwards:
   • Rows 1–20: HDC across, chain 1, turn.
   • You can adjust the number of rows for a taller or shorter hood.
3. Shape the Hood Top:
   • Fold the rectangle in half (like a book).
   • Use a yarn needle to whip stitch or slip stitch the top closed — this creates the “hood” shape.

---

3. Optional Edging or Drawstring

• You can crochet a simple border around the hood and collar with single crochet stitches.
• To make a drawstring: chain 80–100, weave it through the front edge of the hood.

✅ Tip: Add a button or toggle for closure if you want the collar to stay snug.

---

🌸 Optional Add-ons:

• Add pom-poms on the ends of the drawstring.
• Crochet a contrasting color edge for decoration.

---

🧵 PART 2: Knitting Version – Easy Hood with Collar

🪡 Materials:

• Medium-weight yarn (category 4) — about 300–400g
• Knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

---

📏 Basic Measurements:

• Collar length: ~20 inches
• Hood height: ~14 inches

---

🧶 Step-by-Step:

1. Knit the Collar

1. Cast on 60 stitches (or enough to wrap loosely around your neck).
2. Work in 2×2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) for about 3 inches (8 cm).
   • This makes a stretchy, cozy collar.

---

2. Knit the Hood

1. After finishing the collar, continue knitting in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for about 12–14 inches (30–36 cm).
2. Bind off loosely.

---

3. Form the Hood

1. Fold the knitted piece in half with the right sides together.
2. Sew along the top edge (the bind-off edge) to form the hood’s top seam.

---

4. Finishing Touches

• You can pick up stitches along the front edge and knit a few rows in garter stitch for a border.
• Add a drawstring by threading a long chain of yarn through the border.

---

🪄 Tips for Beginners:

• Choose soft acrylic or wool-blend yarn for comfort and flexibility.
• Keep your tension even — not too tight, not too loose.
• For crochet: practice your half double crochet stitch first.
• For knitting: master the knit and purl stitches before starting.

---

🎁 Why This Project is Great for Beginners:

• It’s worked flat — no complex shaping or counting.
• You’ll practice basic stitches only.
• The finished project is both wearable and cozy — great as a gift or winter accessory!

Watch tutorial: