Crochet Top Down Hat Free Pattern

(BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet for Knitters: Lesson 11)

We are ready for the next lesson in BiCrafty Bootcamp. You’ve already learned so much. And yet, it’s time to level up and start a 3-dimensional project that we can wear. It is time to make a hat! This will be a crochet top-down hat worked in the round.

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BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 11 Crochet Video: Crochet Top-Down Hat

It’s often easier to learn from video instruction than just from written instructions, isn’t it? Therefore, in addition to the detailed written instructions below, here’s the crochet top down hat video tutorial.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Top Down Hat Basic Free Pattern Details

Here are all of the details that you need in order to complete the crochet top down hat worked in the round.

Finished Measurements of Crochet Top Down Hat

To fit these sizes, you want to have a hat that measures close to the measurements below: 3-6 months (6-12 months, 12-24 months, Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult X-Large)

	3-6 months	6-12 months	12-24 months	Toddler	Child	Adult Small	Adult Medium	Adult Large	Adult X-Large
Circumference
Inches	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25
Centimeters	43.18	45.72	48.26	50.8	53.34	55.88	58.42	60.96	63.5
Height of Hat
Inches	6	6.25	6.5	7.25	7.5	8	8.5	9	9.5
Centimeters	15.24	15.875	16.51	18.415	19.05	20.32	21.59	22.86	24.13

Gauge: 10 dc = 4″ (10 cm)

Materials used in Crochet Top Down Hat

Yarn: Wonderfluff 1 – 2 balls, depending on size.

Hook: K/10.5 (6.5 mm) or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Stitch Markers, Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations used in Crochet Top Down Hat Pattern

• ch     Chain
• sl st   Slip Stitch
• sc      Single Crochet
• hdc   Half Double Crochet
• dc     Double Crochet
• beg ch   Beginning Chain

General Diagram for Crown Increases of Crochet Top Down Hat

We’ve worked a lot with learning how to read crochet symbol charts throughout BiCrafty Bootcamp. You’re going to learn how to read them in a circle in the round now for this hat, which builds on what you already learned from working with granny squares. Read the chart from right to left and in rounds. NOTE: You will not turn on this project.

Another Free Crochet Hat Pattern: Chic and Simple Crochet Hat Pattern

Are you looking to try something a little different? Take a look at the Chic and Simple Crochet Hat Pattern. It is made from the bottom up and is very easy to master. This free crochet hat pattern can be found here on the MarlyBird website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a top-down crochet hat and how is it different from a standard hat?

Most crochet hats start at the brim and work up toward the crown… you cast on or chain up, work the brim, then increase or work even through the body, then decrease to close the crown. A top-down hat starts at the very top of the crown, begins with a small circle, and increases as you work downward toward the brim. This is actually how many knitters construct hats (especially in the round), so it’s a familiar approach for knitters learning crochet through the BiCrafty Bootcamp series. Neither method is “better”… they just have different construction flows.

Why is this hat Lesson 11 in the BiCrafty Bootcamp?

The BiCrafty Bootcamp is a structured series of lessons teaching crocheters how to knit (and knitters how to crochet). By Lesson 11, you’ve built up foundational crochet skills from earlier lessons. This hat represents a practical application of those skills: working in the round, increasing to create a flat circle, then working even for the hat body, and adding a brim. It’s a real, complete project that demonstrates everything you’ve learned so far in the bootcamp series and gives you a wearable finished object as a reward.

What yarn and hook do I need for this hat?

Check the pattern materials section for the specific recommendations! BiCrafty Bootcamp patterns typically use widely available worsted weight yarn (easily found at craft stores) and standard crochet hook sizes to keep things accessible. Worsted weight is the most forgiving weight for learning… the stitches are big enough to see clearly, it works up quickly for satisfying progress, and the finished hat will be warm and practical.

Is a top-down hat harder to make than a regular crochet hat?

The construction is slightly different but not harder! The main difference is that you’re doing increases at the beginning (to build out the crown circle) rather than the end (to close the crown). Once you understand the circular construction logic, both approaches feel equally manageable. Many crafters actually prefer top-down construction because they can try the hat on as they work and stop at any length they want… very convenient for customizing fit.

Can I use this hat pattern for the whole family?

Yes with size adjustments! The pattern includes a specific size, but you can easily resize by working more or fewer rounds of the flat crown circle before working the body. A smaller hat needs fewer crown rounds; a larger hat needs more. Check your gauge and use the head circumference measurements of each family member to calculate how many rounds you need. This basic top-down construction is very adaptable… once you understand it, you can make any size from infant to adult.