As the sun starts to shine brighter and summer days stretch longer, there’s nothing better than a handmade sun hat to add a touch of style and protection to your warm-weather wardrobe. In today’s tutorial, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to crocheting a beautiful and easy sun hat using basic stitches and lightweight cotton yarn. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this project is quick, customizable, and perfect for summer.
This sun hat features alternating stripes of blue and white for a fresh nautical look, a gently flared brim, and the option to add decorative touches like bows or buttons. The hat is sized for an adult woman, but you can easily adjust it by changing the number of increase rounds or switching to a different hook size.
Crocheting your own accessories is a rewarding way to express creativity while making something practical—and this sun hat is no exception. Lightweight, breathable, and stylish, it’s an ideal beginner-friendly project that results in a summer essential you’ll actually wear. Whether you’re lounging poolside, walking the dog, or attending a picnic, this hat adds the perfect handmade touch to your outfit while keeping the sun off your face.
Easy Crochet Sun Hat Tutorial
🧵 Materials Needed
Item
Details
Yarn
Cotton yarn (DK or light worsted weight) – 100g each of blue and white
Hook
4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
Yarn Needle
For weaving in ends
Scissors
For cutting yarn
Stitch Marker
Optional, to mark the start of rounds
Measuring Tape
To size the hat correctly
📏 Finished Size
Head circumference: Approx. 21–22 inches (54–56 cm)
Crown diameter: ~6.5 inches
Height (including brim): ~7.5 inches
Brim width: ~2.5–3 inches
✨ To adjust the size, stop increasing earlier or continue increasing to fit your desired head circumference.
📚 Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
Abbreviation
Stitch Name
ch
Chain
sl st
Slip Stitch
sc
Single Crochet
dc
Double Crochet
st(s)
Stitch(es)
inc
Increase (2 dc in the same stitch)
BLO
Back Loop Only (for texture and structure)
👒 Crochet Sun Hat Pattern (Blue & White)
🎩 Step 1: Start the Crown (Top of Hat)
Using white yarn:
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. [12 sts]
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. [24 sts]
Rnd 3: Ch 2, (1 dc, 2 dc in next st) repeat around. Join. [36 sts]
Continue increasing as established (e.g., 4 dc, inc; 5 dc, inc…) until the crown measures approximately 6.5 inches in diameter. For most adult hats, this will be about 84 to 96 stitches total.
🧢 Step 2: Sides of the Hat (Body)
Switch to blue yarn.
Rnd 6–14: Dc in each stitch around (no increases). Join and change colors every 2 rounds to create stripes.
Feel free to customize the stripes to match your style.
🌞 Step 3: Brim
Continue with white yarn or alternate blue/white stripes if desired.
Rnd 15: (4 dc, inc) repeat around. Join.
Rnd 16: Dc in each stitch around. Join.
Rnd 17: (5 dc, inc) repeat around. Join.
Rnd 18–20: Continue increasing rounds as: (6 dc, inc) → dc around → (7 dc, inc) Try the hat on as you go. You can adjust the brim width by adding or removing rows.
💡 Optional: Work the last 2 rounds of the brim in BLO for a stiffer edge and cleaner finish.
🧵 Step 4: Finish & Weave in Ends
Fasten off and cut yarn.
Weave in all loose ends neatly on the inside using a yarn needle.
Steam block or gently shape the brim to give it a polished look.
🎀 Optional Embellishments
Make your sun hat even more unique with these charming additions:
Crochet a bow in blue or white and sew it on.
Add wooden or shell buttons to the brim.
Weave a satin ribbon around the base of the crown.
🧼 Care Instructions
Hand wash in cold water with mild soap.
Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry.
Avoid machine washing or wringing, especially if the hat is unlined.
This easy crochet sun hat is both functional and fabulous. Made with soft cotton yarn and simple stitches, it’s perfect for keeping cool and stylish all summer long. Whether you’re heading to the beach, relaxing in the garden, or going on vacation, this hat is sure to become a handmade favorite.