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The Cascading Icicles Beanie Crochet Pattern is a free, easy pattern for a hat featuring lovely texture! This winter cap pattern can be made with a pom pom or as a ponytail hat. This pattern uses the spike stitch and has both written directions and step by step photo instructions for completing this fun stitch!
It Started With…
The idea for this hat originally came to me when I was looking at the icicles hanging from our metal roof. As a way to achieve the look I wanted, I used the spike stitch in half double crochet form so the camel stitch could be used as well.
This gives those lovely horizontal lines around the hat, providing another layer of texture.
If you like texture, this basket weave hat pattern could be another you enjoy!
I made this hat in a few different color ways because you never know what someone will like and I want to spark as many creative minds as possible!! Which one did you spot first? Tell me in the comments below!!
The Pattern
Skill Level
Easy. This pattern uses foundation chain stitches and the spike stitch. It also has stitches worked in the 3rd loop of a half double crochet.
Finished Size
- Small Hat
- Hat circumference: 18 inches
- Hat height: 8 ½ inches
- Medium Hat
- Hat circumference: 19 inches
- Hat height: 8 ½ inches
- Large Hat
- Hat circumference: 20 inches
- Hat height: 8 ½ inches
Gauge
with size G6 hook
16.5 SC x 16 rows
4 inches wide X 4. inches tall
Materials Needed
- Worsted Weight Yarn: I used Red Heart Super Saver in
- Color A (Soft White in my example)
- Color B (Light Blue in my example)
- Color C (Delft Blue in my example)
- Color D (Blue in my example)
- Pom Pom of Choice (Unless making a ponytail beanie)
- F5/ 3.75 mm hook
- G6/ 4 mm hook
- Ruler or Measuring Tape
- Tapestry or yarn needle
- Scissors
Stitches Used
- Slip Stitch (SS)
- Single Crochet (SC)
- Spike Half Double Crochet (SpHDC) – The length of the spike depends on where you are in the repeat. Follow the directions carefully until you get the hang of it. Pictures are included for clarity.
- Single Crochet 2 Together (SC2TG) aka SC Decrease. Work this stitch in the front loops only. This is only worked in the last repeat at the top of the hat.
- Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC)
- Half Double Crochet (HDC)
- Half Double Crochet 2 Together (HDC2TG)
Pattern Notes
When working the spike stitches, the repeat is [SC, SSC to 2nd row, SSC to 3rd row, SSC to 4th row, SSC to 3rd row, SSC to 2nd row]. The pattern repeats over and over around the beanie.
When making the small size you will repeat the pattern 12 times for a total of 72 stitches in each row (until the decrease). For a medium size beanie you repeat the pattern 13 times for a total of 78 stitches in each row. A large size repeats the pattern 14 times for a total of 84 stitches in each row.
This hat is made from the bottom up. Meaning you start at the brim and then work your way up. The brim is made in a long thin strip and then joined at the short edges, forming a ring. You then turn your work and work around the ring on one of the long edges of the thin strip. Use the photos for reference as needed.
Make sure to check the length of the brim before you join it. If it isn’t the right size, your whole hat will be off. Double count your rows. And I also suggest measuring before you join the ends.
Once you turn and are working the hat, each row should have the number of stitches associated for the size you are making. The number you need is noted at the end of each row. The chain stitches made at the start of each row are not part of the count. The number is consistent until you work row 27, then the rows will get shorter as you make the crown of the hat.
When you are directed to single crochet 2 stitches together, work only in the front loops of the stitches being worked. This is also known as an invisible decrease and will decrease the number of stitches without leaving holes in your work where it decreases. The exception to this rule is when you are working into a row of HDC. Then work in the 3rd loops.
To make the ponytail version of this beanie, you simply stop working when instructed and weave in the end.
Brim of Hat: Worked with Size F5 hook
Row 1. FHDC 10.
Row 2. Ch 1 and turn. HDC in 3rd loop of first 9 st. Ignore the first “FHDC” made, which is comprised of chains.
Row 3 – {72} [78] (84). Ch 1 and turn. HDC in 3rd loop of each 9 sts across.
Make sure to double count your rows and measure before joining. If your number of rows is off, the pattern for the hat will not work correctly.
- Small – 72 rows = 20 inches
- Medium – 78 rows = 22 inches
- Large – 84 rows = 24 inches
Form the Brim Into a Ring
Put the ends of the strip together, making sure not to twist it.
Ch 1 and turn so you are working along the short edges. SS through the 3rd loop of the HDC and both loops of the bottom of the foundation stitches from row 1.
After you crochet the ends together, turn the work inside out, making sure to turn it so the yarn is not threaded through the ring. Flip the bottom edge of the ring toward the center of the ring and back over the top.
You’ll have to turn your work around again so you can work along the edge of the ring where the hook is attached.
Above picture is before the flip, the below picture was taken after.
You’ll know you’ve got it right when the stitches that join the strip into a ring are on the inside and your yarn is not going through the ring’s hole.
Starting the Hat: Worked with size G6 Hook
With Color A (Brim Color)
Row 1. Switch to the larger hook. Ch 1 and turn so you are working along the long edge of the now joined strip. HDC into the sides of the brim rows, picking up only 1 stitch per row. See the photo for clarification. Join with SS to 3rd loop of 1st HDC. {72} [78] (84)
Row 2. (Ch 1 and HDC) into 3rd loop of 1st stitch of the previous row. HDC into 3rd loop of each st around. Join with SS to 3rd loop of 1st HDC. {72} [78] (84)
Row 3. Repeat row 2.
Row 4. (Ch 1 and SC) into the 3rd loop of st. SC into each 3rd loop around. SS to top of 1st SC. {72} [78] (84)
Row 5. (Ch 1 and SC) into first st from previous row. SC in each stitch around. Join with SS to first st in row. {72} [78] (84)
Row 6 – 8. Repeat row 5. Tie off at the end of row 8. {72} [78] (84)
With Color B
Row 9. With color B (light blue in my example hat), Join with a standing HDC to the stitches SS together from the previous row. SpHDC to the 2nd row down. SpHDC to the 3rd row down. SpHDC to the 4th row down. SpHDC to the 3rd row down. SpHDC to the 2nd row down. *SpHDC to the top row. SpHDC to the 2nd row down. SpHDC to the 3rd row down. SpHDC to the 4th row down. SpHDC to the 3rd row down. SpHDC to the 2nd row down. Repeat from * around. Join with SS through 3rd loop of 1st HDC.
Row 10. (Ch 1 and HDC) into 3rd loop of first HDC from the previous row. HDC into each 3rd loop around. Join with SS through 3rd loop of 1st HDC.
Row 11. Repeat row 10.
Row 12. (Ch 1 and SC) into the 3rd loop of the first HDC from the previous row. SC into each 3rd loop around. SS to top of 1st SC. {72} [78] (84)
Row 13. (Ch 1 and SC) into first st from previous row. SC in each stitch around. Join with SS to first st in row. {72} [78] (84)
Row 14 – 16. Repeat row 13. Tie off at the end of row 16. {72} [78] (84)
With Color C
Row 17 – 24. Repeat rows 9 – 16 with Color C. {72} [78] (84)
With Color D (Top Color)
Row 25 – 26. With color D repeat rows 9 & 10 once more. After completing row 26 (the repeat of row 10) from the directions above, work row 27 from the directions listed below. {72} [78] (84)
Row 27. Ch 1 and HDC into the 3rd loop of the first HDC from the previous row. HDC into the 3rd loop of the next 3 st. HDC2TG. *HDC in 3rd loop of next 4 sts. HDC2TG. Repeat from * around. Join with SS. {60} [65] (70)
Row 28. Ch 1 and SC into the 3rd loop of the first HDC from the previous row. SC in 3rd loop of each stitch around. Join with SS. {60} [65] (70).
NOTE: For the remaining rows you will be directed to SC2TG. When working these stitches, work in the front loop only!!
Row 29. Ch 1 and SC into first st from the previous row. SC in next 2 st. SC2TG. *SC into next 3 st. SC2TG. Repeat from * around. Join with SS. {48} [52] (56).
Row 30. Ch 1 and SC into first st from previous row. SC in each stitch around. Join with SS. {48} [52] (56).
Row 31. Ch 1 and SC into first st from the previous row. SC in next st. SC2TG. *SC into next 2 st. SC2TG. Repeat from * around. Join with SS. {36} [42] (48).
Row 32. Ch 1 and SC2TG in first two stitches from the previous row. * SC2TG. Repeat from * around. Join with SS. {24} [30] (36).
Row 33. Ch 1 and SC into first st from the previous row. SC in {6} [7] (8) st. SC2TG. *SC into next {7} [8] (9) st. SC2TG. Repeat from * around. Join with SS and tie off. Leave a long tail if you want a pom pom. {12} [18] (24).
At this point you could choose to stop and weave in your ends. It makes a wonderful ponytail beanie!
Keep Going to Add A Pom Pom
Attach a yarn needle to the end of the long tail you’ve left. Weave the ends in and out of the tops of the stitches from the final row.
Once you’ve gone around the whole ring pull on the tail to cinch the ring shut.
Sew through the cinch a few times to ensure it is shut for good. Then sew on your pom pom.
I used detachable pom poms so I sewed on the clasp and then attached the pom pom.
Happy Hooking!
Hi Caitlin: What an excellent tutorial, very detailed, love the photos.
Thanks for your kind words, Sandy! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pattern 🙂
I love this hat. It’s beautiful. Thanks
Janice, Thank you for the compliment. I am so glad to hear that you like my pattern. <3 ~Caitlin
I normally prefer knitting my hats, but this pattern makes me want to pull out the crochet hooks. I love the blue one. I wonder if this pattern would work well with long blended color changes in the yarn instead of juggling yarn colors.
Jasmine, I’m so happy to hear I have inspired you to break out those hooks! The blue one is my personal favorite also 🙂 I haven’t tried it with a long blended colorway, but if you do I’d love to see your result! Please like my page on Facebook and post a picture there so I can see your finished creation! You might also add a photo to the listing for this pattern on Ravelry 🙂 Thank you for reaching out to me, I love hearing from you ~Caitlin
This is beautiful. I will try it. Actually I love changing colors. Something must be wrong with me. LOL. Thank you for posting this pattern. I have several furry pom poems to use. I like the idea of adding a snap.
Brenda, Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad you like the pattern and I hope you get wonderful use out of it! The snap was included in the pom poms I purchased, and I thought they were genius! What an easy way to be able to wash your hat without ruining the pom pom on top 🙂 ~Caitlin
Very cool pattern! Pinning for later.
Michelle, Thank you for commenting. I’m so glad you like it 🙂 I’d love to see the color combos you choose! ~Caitlin
It’s a beautiful pattern, thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party this week. Pinned!
how do I get the free pattern?
Rose, The page you commented on is the free pattern. I hope you enjoy it 🙂 Caitlin
Hi Caitlin, I would love to make this for a child. Would you know how to work the count for this? Thanks
Barbara, Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad you like my cascading icicles beanie pattern. Unfortunately, I have not worked out the sizing for child size hats for it yet. However, the multiple you need to start with is 6. I would recommend starting with 60 rows for the brim of the hat so the circumference of your hat is made up of 60 stitches. That should yield a circumference of about 15″ (based of gauge provided in the pattern). That should fit most kids from about 2 to 7ish. I hope that helps you!! If that is not the size youa re looking for, just remember to start the brim rows with a multiple of 6 so the icicle pattern works properly. Good Luck!! ~Caitlin