Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern Free

Grannies & Stripes 
Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern (FREE)

Crochet Bucket hats have become a real trend lately!! So why not crochet one for yourself?

There are so many options out there, but I just adore Granny Squares, so I figured I'd use them to design this cute bucket hat. 

If you've never crocheted a bucket hat before, I'll show you exactly how to crochet a granny square bucket hat one step at a time.

All you need are 4 colours of yarn, a crochet hook, yarn needle & scissors and you're good to go! (Material details below)

For more ideas and inspiration for colours, lengths and textures, have a look at my Pinterest Board below.

Crochet Bucket Hats

To crochet this sweet Granny Square Bucket Hat, you'll need to know how to crochet 4 things:

1. A Classic Granny Square

2. A Flat Circle

3. Increases in rows for a ruffled brim.

4. How to work the dc2tog (double crochet 2 together). This is optional as it will be used to attach the Granny Squares together. I chose this method because it creates some distance between the squares, a look that I really like.

If this feels too complicated for you, you can also use any other method to attach your Granny Squares.

Have a look at Anastasia's Video Tutorial to learn the different methods of joining your Granny Squares:


In previous posts, I showed you how to crochet a Granny Square, and how to crochet a flat circle. If you're not sure how to do these, you can refer to these posts and come back here for the Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern.

For the brim of the Granny Square Bucket Hat, we're going to use what's called Hyperbolic Crochet.

Interesting Note: Did you know that the technique used to crochet curly or ruffled surfaces is called hyperbolic crochet? When I discovered this was actually a mathematical term for "negative curvature", I was really intrigued! 

Think of the types of curvature you see in coral reefs or lettuce leaves. These organic shapes can be replicated in crochet by adding stitches at a constant rate to each row of crochet.

The more frequently you add stitches, the curlier/more ruffled (and more negatively curved) your crochet project gets.  Isn't that awesome?! You can watch a video about hyperbolic crochet here.

Now let's experiment with hyperbolic crochet with the brim of our Granny Square Bucket Hat...

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Crochet Hat & Beanie Sizing Chart + Template
Free Download

Free crochet hat sizing template

What You’ll Learn


Materials Needed

Some classic Aran yarn (4 colors of your choice). Any yarn would do really, just make sure it's not hairy or fuzzy and that they are all similar weight yarns.  I used Paintbox Yarns for this crochet bucket hat.
(Summer Garden by Kate Eastwood). The colors include:

  1. Blush Pink (353) - Color A
  2. Raspberry Pink (343) - Color B
  3. Ballet Pink (352) - Color C
  4. Lime Green (328) - Color D
  5. Vanilla Cream (307) (did not use this color from this set for this project) 
Paintbox Yarns
  • Crochet hook that fits your yarn. Generally I use between a size US G-6 / 4mm to US H-8 / 5mm hook. For this project I used a US Size 7 / 4.5 mm hook.

Bucket Hat Kit

There is a crochet kit available for this bucket hat at YarnSea.com. You can purchase the kit that includes all needed yarn for this hat + PDF pattern as well (can also be bought separately).

Crochet Bucket Hat Kit

Abbreviations

mc = magic circle

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

st = stitch

sts = stitches

dc2tog = double crochet 2 together

fo = fasten off


Skill Level

Advanced Beginner / Intermediate


Gauge

16 stitches and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in double crochet


Yardage

Approx. 125 yards (114m) for a child's hat (6 years old)

Please check Hat Size Template Below for other sizes.


Like this pattern but not ready to work it yet? Save it to Pinterest!

Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern Free

Crochet Bucket Hat Measurements

I made this bucket hat for my 6-year old daughter. Here are the measurements for this sized hat:

- Top of hat (hat crown circle diameter) = 6" (15 cm)

- Each Granny Square size = 3.5" (9 cm) x 5 Granny Squares = 17.5" (44.5cm)

- Total hat circumference = 19" (47.5 cm)

- Hat side length (from top of crown to top of ears = 6.7" (17cm)

To check what size hat you are making, multiply the diameter of your beginning circle by 3.14.

Bucket Hat Top

For the top of the hat (the flat circle), I've prepared a simple template that you could download and print (below). Find the size you are aiming for and place your crocheted circle on the paper to check sizing.

Crochet Hat & Beanie Sizing Chart + Template
Free Download

Free crochet hat sizing template

Crochet Bucket Hat Sides

- For this project I find it best to try on the hat for a comfortable fit. Depending on the size you're aiming for, you might only need to make 4 Granny Squares for a child, 5 for an older child and maybe 6 for an adult.

- For this bucket hat, I crocheted 3 rounds for each Granny Square. If you want to make this bucket hat for a baby, you might only want to crochet 2 rounds, use finer yarn or a smaller crochet hook.

- If you need an in-between size, you can crochet a round or two of sc (single crochet) around each Granny Square to make them slightly bigger. 

- Remember that the joining method using sc2tog will also create some more space between the Granny Squares, so once you have them all joined, check to see that you have the circumference size you are happy with.

Crochet Bucket Hat Brim

Bucket hat brims come in all widths and styles. For this project I chose to make a ruffled brim in 4 colors.  

  1. The first row is a dc (double crochet) in lime green.
  2. The second row is a dc increase in Raspberry Pink
  3. The third row is hdc (half double crochet) increase in Ballet Pink
  4. The fourth row is a sc (single crochet) increase in Blush Pink.

The ruffled effect is made by increasing in every other stitch.


Notes

- Please note that I use US crochet terms.

- You can use any type of yarn as long as you have a corresponding crochet hook size (check yarn label for recommendations). Granny squares are great stash busters, so you could easily make this bucket hat with leftover yarn.

- For this bucket hat I used acrylic yarn (Aran). I find it more forgiving than cotton yarn and it's a little more stretchy which makes it easier for fitting.

- You can make the pattern larger or smaller by changing the type of yarn and/or hook size, adding a row or 2 of sc around each Granny Square or increasing/decreasing the number of squares.

- Numbers at the end of each row (in brackets) indicate the number of final stitches in that row/round. 

- If you're making this hat as a gift or wanting to sell your hat at a market, you may want to check out these PDF printable beanie tags 🙂

discover printable crochet tags & labels (1)

Pattern PDF (Printable Version)

Would you prefer to print out this pattern? You may purchase the ad-free printable version from my shop. You can also buy the whole kit for the Granny Squares & Stripes Bucket Hat from YarnSea.com

Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern
PDF Printable 

Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Kit

Crochet Bucket Hat Kit

Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern Instructions

For the top our out hat, we are going to crochet a flat circle. You may refer to this post to learn how to crochet a flat circle in more detail. 

How to crochet a flat circle tutorial

You may also print out the diagram below for more visual reference.

Crochet-Circle-Diagram


Top of Bucket Hat

  • With Lime Green yarn, start off by tying a slip knot, then Ch 3
  • Join to first stitch with slip stitch to form a circle.

Round 1

  • Into that circle you just created, work 12 dc stitches
  • Join to first dc stitch with a sl st (12)

Round 2

  • ch 2 (counts as first dc in this and all rounds)
  • dc into same st as ch 1
  • 2 dc in each stitch around 
  • Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch (24)

Round 3: 

  • ch 2 
  • dc into same st as ch 1
  • *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around
  • Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch (36)

Round 4: 

  • ch 1 
  • dc into same st as ch 1
  • *dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around
  • Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch (48)
  • Leave a long tail (about 3 times the circumference of your circle to attach the top to the Granny Squares in the end)
  • Cut your yarn. Pull through loop tightly to secure.

Note: Depending on what size hat you're making, you'll have fewer or more rounds for the crown of the hat. Measure the crown size required with this template.

Crochet-Bucket-Hat-Top-Pattern

Sides of Bucket Hat (Classic Granny Square Pattern)

Crochet
Granny Square Diagram / Chart

Free Printable

Crochet Granny Square Diagram

There are several ways to crochet a classic Granny Square, but what I'll show you here is the simplest and most straight forward in my opinion. If you'd like more detailed instructions, you can check out this post on how to crochet a Granny Square.

How-TO-Crochet-Granny-Square-Pattern-Tutorial


Here we go:

  • Start off by tying a slip knot with the Blush Pink yarn, then Ch 4. 
  • Join to first stitch with slip stitch to form a circle.
  • You could also try the Magic Circle for a tight & closed center if you wish.

Round 1: (Color A: Blush Pink)

  • Ch 3 (counts as first double crochet)
  • 2 dc into center of circle, ch 2, (3 dc into center of circle, ch 2) repeat brackets 2 more times.
  • Join with sl st to top of first ch 3 at beginning of this round. Leave a 3 inch tail, cut off your yarn. Pull through loop tightly to secure.

You should have 4 clusters of 3 dc at this point and 4 corners (the ch 2 after each cluster creates a corner).

Round 2: (Color B: Raspberry Pink)

  • With your Raspberry Pink yarn, make a slip knot. 
  • Put your hook though the ch1 space to the right of your Blush Pink yarn tail and hook on your Raspberry Pink slip knot from the back.
  • Optional: Try to hold your Blush Pink & Raspberry Pink yarn tails as you crochet over them with your Raspberry Pink working yarn now so you don't have to weave in these ends later.
  • Ch 3 (counts as first dc, 2 dc into same corner space, ch 2,  3 dc into same corner space, ch 1 (This is a corner cluster)
  •  *[skip to next corner space (big hole) and work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into same corner space, ch 1.]
  • Repeat from * 2 more times (one in each corner space) 
  • Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3 (remember that chain 3 counts as a dc stitch)
  • Leave a 4" tail, cut off your yarn. Pull through loop tightly to secure.

Round 3: (Color C: Ballet Pink)

  • With your Ballet Pink yarn, make a slip knot. 
  • Put your hook though the ch1 space to the right of your Raspberry Pink yarn tail and hook on your Ballet Pink slip knot from the back of your Granny Square.
  • Optional: Try to hold your 2 yarn tails as you crochet over them with your Ballet Pink working yarn now so you don't have to weave them in later.
  • Ch 3, 2 dc into same space, ch 1,
  • *[Skip to corner space and work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1
  • Skip to next ch 1 space and work 3 dc, ch 1]
  • Repeat from * to end of brackets 3 times.
  • Work final corner, 3 dc, ch 2, and join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3. 
  • Leave a 4" tail, cut off your yarn. Pull through loop tightly to secure.
  • When you're done with your Granny Square, take a tapestry needle and weave in your ends for a clean finished look. If you've already crocheted over them as you worked your rounds, then just snip off the excess with your scissors and weave in your last tail only.
  • Once you're done with your first Granny Square, repeat the steps above to make 4 more (or depending on the size you're aiming for, reduce or increase the number of squares).
Crochet-Bucket-Hat-Granny-Squares

How To Join Granny Squares

For this project, I chose to join my Granny Squares using the dc2tog method (double crochet 2 together) using a contrasting color (lime green). This is optional.
I feel it gives the hat a nice look and allows for some space between the Granny Squares. There's a video tutorial below, but if you prefer a written pattern, you may follow these directions:

Crochet-Bucket-Hat-Granny-Square

Here's a diagram to show you the steps:

Granny Square Hat Joining Squares Diagram
  • Diagram Step 1-2:

A. Lay all your Granny Squares side by side in one row, right sides facing up.

B. Lay the first 2 Granny Squares right sides facing up and start working your first stitch in a corner space of one granny square.

C. Make a slip knot on your hook, yo, insert hook into corner space, pick up a loop, yo (yarn over), pull through 2 (you will have 2 loops remaining on your hook)

D. [Yo, go into the corner space of the next granny square you're joining, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2, yo, pull through all 3 loops on your hook.)

E. *(Back to first granny square, skip a stitch, yo, pick up a loop, yo, pull through 2

F. Over to the second Granny Square, skip a stitch, yo, pick up a loop, yo, pull though 2, yo, pull through all 3 loops on your hook)]

G. repeat * brackets to the end of your granny square side (7).

  • Diagram Step 2-3:

H. Once you've reached the end of that joining side, *(ch2, dc into the same corner space, skip a stitch, dc along every other stitch) (7)

Notes:

- Ensure your Granny Squares are all facing the right side up and that your joins are all facing the same direction outward

- Ensure that you crochet your dc stitches quite loosely so your Granny Squares don't bunch up.

  • Diagram Step 3-4: Join the next Granny Square:

Ch2

Yo, insert hook into the corner space of the next granny square you're joining, pick up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook (you are left with 2 loops on your hook).

Back to first granny square, insert hook into same corner space, yo, pick up a loop, yo, pull through 2 (you are left with 2 loops on your hook).

Over to the second Granny Square, skip a stitch, yo, pick up a loop, yo, pull through 2, yo, pull through all 3 loops on your hook

*[Back to first granny square, skip a stitch, yo, pick up a loop, yo, pull through 2

Over to the second Granny Square, skip a stitch, yo, pick up a loop, yo, pull though 2, yo, pull through all 3 loops on your hook]

Repeat * [brackets] to the end of your granny square side (7).

  • Diagram  Step 4-5: Move up the side: When you reach the end of that join, you will repeat H as above * in brackets for the other side of the Granny Square.
  • Diagram Steps 5-8: Continue to join the remaining Granny Squares using the same method described above (Diagram Step 3-4). Note: Turn your work so that the right side of your granny square is facing you. You will be joining the new Granny Square to the ones that are already joined.
  • Diagram  Step 8-9: Move up the side: When you reach the end of that join, you will repeat H as above * in brackets for the other side of the Granny Square.

    Measure the length
    of your granny squares now that they are attached to ensure you're getting the desired circumference.
  • Diagram Step 9 - 10: Join the last Granny Square to the first one using the "Join next Granny Square Method"
  • Diagram Step 10 - 11: ch2, dc loosely into the same corner space, skip a stitch, dc along every other stitch) (7)
  • Diagram Step 11 - 12: To move from one completed Granny Square to the next, ch2, sl st loosely across green border till you get to the next granny square corner (8)
  • Diagram Step 12 - 13: dc in next corner (counts as 1st dc), dc along skipping a st in between, join to next green corner with a sl st (7)
  • Diagram Step 13 - 14: sl st across green border till you get to the next granny square corner (8)
  • Diagram Step 14 - 15: dc in corner of next granny square (counts as 1st dc), skip a stitch & dc in every other stitch across, join to next green corner with a sl st (7)
  • Diagram Step 15 - 16: sl st along green border till you get to the next granny square corner (8)
  • Diagram Step 16 - 17: dc in next corner (counts as 1st dc), dc along skipping a st in between, join to next green corner with a sl st (7)
  • Diagram Step 17 - 18: dc in next corner (counts as 1st dc), dc along skipping a st in between, join to next green corner with a sl st (7)
  • Diagram Step 18 - 19: sl st along green border till you get to the next granny square corner (8)
  • Diagram Step 19 - 20: dc in next corner (counts as 1st dc), dc along skipping a st in between, join to next green corner with a sl st (7)
  • You have now completed the circle of granny squares (hat circumference)

For a video tutorial of how to use this dc2tog joining method, have a look at this video below:


How To Crochet Hat Brim

You may choose to crochet a solid-colored brim or multi-colored as below.

  • Continue with Green, *(2 dc in first st, 1 dc in next 2 sts), repeat brackets around. Leave a 4 inch tail, cut yarn and fasten off.
  • Change color to Raspberry Pink *(2 hdc in first st, hdc in next), repeat brackets around. Leave a 4 inch tail, cut yarn and fasten off.
  • Change color to Ballet Pink, *(2 sc in first st, sc in next), repeat brackets around. Leave a 4 inch tail, cut yarn and fasten off.
  • Change color to Blush Pink, sc in each st around, leave a 4 inch tail, cut yarn and fasten off.

Note: If you want your brim to be even more wavy, simply add more stitches on regular intervals for each round. (eg. 2 sts into each st around)


How To Join Bucket Hat Top With Granny Square Sides

Now depending on the size you chose for your flat circle (top of hat) and the number and size of the granny squares (for the sides), you will most probably have a different number of stitches on the circle circumference that you'll want to attach to the granny square circumference.

Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat Attaching Top

What I did was attach one stitch of the flat circle (top) to one stitch of the Granny Squares and secure those with a stitch marker or simply tie a knot with a snippet of yarn (contrasting color for better visibility).

I then folded both the top circle and granny square circumference circle in half and attached the opposite ends in the same way.

I continued to do this 2 more times by folding in half and attaching pieces of yarn to the edges of these folds. 

That way, I could more or less hold a quarter of the circle in my hand at a time and attach it to the corresponding granny square without losing or gaining too many stitches.

I proceeded to whip stitch the two parts together (top & side) with a darning needle all the way around using the Lime Green yarn. 

If you chose different colors for your top, you might want to use a seamless invisible join.

After cutting off the yarn and weaving in the end, I removed the snippets of yarn I used as references.

Make sure you weave in all the granny square ends.

And there you have it! Your very own Granny Square Bucket Hat 🙂

I hope you enjoyed this pattern and are loving your new Bucket hat!

Crochet-Bucket-Hat-Granny-Squares-Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Square Crochet Bucket Hats

Is it hard to crochet a hat?

Absolutely not! If you're new to crochet, making your first hat will feel like a real accomplishment! And it's quite easy too! All you need to know is:

For your hat sizing, you may print out the handy hat-sizing template for reference.

How do you make a granny square crochet bucket hat?

You can make your own Granny Square bucket hat in a few simple steps:

  1. Crochet a flat circle for the top of the hat (follow hat sizing chart above).
  2. Crochet 5 Granny Squares (3 rounds each).
  3. Join your 5 Granny Squares to form one long strip, then connect the 2 strip ends to form a round (for circumference of head).
  4. Join the flat circle to the top of the Granny Square round.
  5. Crochet a few rows at the bottom of the Granny Squares to form a brim (flat, wavy or ruffled).

Like this pattern, but not ready to work it yet? Save it to Pinterest!

Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern Free Granny Square

What do you need to make a crochet bucket hat?

The materials you need to make an adult-sized crochet bucket hat are:

  • 1.5 to 2 skeins of yarn or equivalent yardage of scrap yarn of complimenting colors
  • Crochet hook (corresponding size to yarn)
  • Yarn/tapestry needle
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers, hair pins or snippets of yarn
  • Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern

How many granny squares does it take to make a bucket hat?

The number of granny squared required for a hat may be different depending on:

  • the size of your hat (baby, child or adult)
  • the size of your Granny Squares (number of rounds, yarn & hook size)
  • the placement of your Granny Squares on your hat.

There are lots of ways you can crochet a bucket hat using granny squares. Some patterns call for 5 granny squares and include one granny square for the top of the hat, some use more granny squares for the brim, or smaller flower/daisy squares all around, but in this pattern above, I use 5 Granny Squares for the sides of the hat, a flat circle for the top, and rows of increases for the brim (either straight or ruffled/wavy).

How do you crochet a magic circle?

Starting off your hat with a magic circle is always a good idea. The magic circle is similar to a slip knot, except you don't pull it closed. You hold the open slip knot with your fingers and continue to crochet the required number of stitches into the circle. Once you've completed your stitches, pull the tail end of your 'slip knot' and pull your magic circle tightly closed.

For details on how to crochet the magic circle, check out this post below.

How to crochet a Magic Circle

How to crochet bucket hat brim

There are several styles of brims for crochet bucket hats. 

  • Straight brim
  • Wavy brim
  • Floppy brim
  • Ruffled brim

The style and length of the crochet bucket hat brim will all depend on the look you want and the instructions for how to crochet the different styles will be included in the pattern you’re following.

Your Crochet Bucket Hat Aesthetic

90's style Crochet bucket hats have made a real comeback this year! In the summer issue of Vogues,  these colorful crochet bucket hats are credited to give "an endless amount of mood-boosting effects. Essentially these hats can offer two feelings that encapsulate the essence of summertime—a sense of freedom and joy." (Vogue, April 2022)

Here are a few ways you could wear crochet bucket hats all year round:

  • Wear your cotton crochet bucket hat with a pair of shorts, graphic T-shirt, tank top or triangle bikini in summer.
  • Wear an acrylic crochet bucket hat with a preppy cardigan or sweater dress in Autumn
  • Wear a faux fur bucket hat with a heavy winter coat in the cooler months, and
  • Wear a colourful or flowery crochet bucket hat in the spring to add a pop of playfulness to your spring outfit.

Grannies & Stripes Crochet Bucket Hat Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this Grannies & Stripes Bucket Hat tutorial. All you need to do now is get started and you'll get the hang of it pretty quick!

Once you start crocheting one bucket hat, you'll find yourself wanting to try more color combinations. Think of whom you might want to gift them to. I'm sure they'll be thrilled!

Let me know if you have any questions and...

Happy crocheting!



Disclaimer: Information in this crochet pattern is given for reference only. Even though I do my best to ensure all patterns have no mistakes, occasional errors may slip through.

No liability is accepted for variations in finished projects. Please get in touch with me at [email protected] if you think there might be a mistake in the pattern or if you are unsure about how to interpret the instructions.

I’d love to see your finished item, so please tag me using @startcrochet.

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You may sell any finished products that you make from this pattern. However, when selling online, please include a link back to my blog startcrochet.com or tag me on social with handle @startcrochet 

Thank you!

© All rights for this pattern are reserved to Start Crochet. Copies and/or reproduction, translation or reselling of this pattern is a violation of the law. 

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