Merry Mischief — Free Crochet Hat Ornament Pattern
Merry Mischief Crochet Hat Ornament is a free pattern designed by Robyn Chachula for MarlyBird.com. This adorable 9″ colorwork ornament uses approximately 100 yards of worsted weight yarn in 3 colors and is perfect for first-time crochet colorwork makers.
⚡ Quick Answer:
Yes — the Merry Mischief pattern is completely free right here on this page. It uses ~100 yards of worsted weight yarn in 3 colors, works up in one to two evenings, and is designed for advanced beginners who want to try crochet colorwork for the first time. Scroll down to the Pattern Instructions section, or click the jump link below.
Hey, bestie 💛
This one is all Robyn — and I'm here for every perfectly stitched row. When she showed me the Merry Mischief design, I knew immediately it was going to be a game-changer for anyone curious about colorwork but nervous about jumping in. It's tiny. It's satisfying. It teaches you real skills without the time commitment or yarn investment of a full sweater.
Merry Mischief is part of our annual Sleigh the Holiday 2026 make-along — the same event where I designed the knit version, In My Ornament Era. Both patterns are free, both are quick, and both are sitting pretty in your scrap yarn pile's dreams right now.
If you've been sitting on the fence about trying colorwork… girl, this is your sign. And I promise Robyn made this approachable. Video tutorials included.
Why You'll Love This Pattern 💖
🎄 Perfect first crochet colorwork project — Small stitch count, low-stakes learning curve, zero regrets if you frog it and start over.
🧶 Scrap yarn heaven — About 35 yards per color. That means you're using yarn that's been sitting in your stash, waiting for the right project. This is it.
⚡ Quick and satisfying — Once the rhythm clicks, most crocheters finish in one to two evenings. There's something deeply satisfying about completing a whole project in that timeframe.
🎁 Makes a gorgeous handmade gift — Ornaments hit differently when they're handmade. People know. They feel it. And Merry Mischief is the kind of gift that ends up on someone's tree year after year.
📖 Skills checklist — You'll walk away knowing how to work back-loop-only ribbing, crochet in the round, change colors intentionally, follow a chart, and shape a crown with decreases. That's a real skill set.
Quick Pattern Overview
Merry Mischief starts with a back-loop-only ribbed brim (that stretchy, polished texture that makes the ornament sit beautifully), moves into the colorwork chart section where you'll introduce all three colors, then shapes a tidy crown with decreases. Finish it off with an optional pom pom on top and a hanging loop, stuff a clear ornament ball inside to keep its shape, and you've got a handmade treasure.
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Your First Crochet Colorwork Project — Getting Started 🌈
Crochet colorwork is exactly what it sounds like: holding multiple yarn colors at once and using them strategically to build a pattern or picture. You carry the unused colors inside your stitches (staying neat), switch colors according to a chart, and watch the pattern emerge. It's like painting with yarn.
- Small stitch count means less to frog if you goof (and everyone goofs once)
- The colorwork section is just a handful of rounds — you're not committing to hours of chart-following
- If the first attempt doesn't land, you've only “lost” ~35 yards per color — nothing compared to a sweater
- The finished ornament is *genuinely* adorable, which means your brain releases happy chemicals even if technique felt wobbly
Honestly? If you can single crochet in the round and follow a simple chart, you can do this. Trust the process, trust Robyn's design, and trust that your hands know how to do this work.
Video Tutorials 🎬
Yarn & Materials for Merry Mischief 🧶
The beautiful thing about this pattern is the yarn requirement: approximately 100 yards total across 3 colors. That's about 35 yards per color — the perfect scrap-yarn project. Raid your stash, mix brands, play with unexpected color combos. The pattern is small enough that yarn fiber meets stitch definition requirements more than fiber snob-ism.
My Pick: Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
If you don't have scraps on hand, Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted is genuinely my top pick for this pattern. The fiber is naturally anti-pilling, which means your finished ornament won't get fuzzy in the tree; the color range is *chef's kiss* for holiday work; and the stitch definition is so clear that your colorwork chart will pop. Every stitch is visible, every color change reads cleanly.
Other Worsted Weight Yarns That Work Beautifully
Great time to raid your stash! Any worsted weight (#4) works. Here are longtime favorites for colorwork:
- KnitPicks Brava Worsted — budget-friendly, huge color range, sturdy fiber
- KnitPicks Wool of the Andes — soft, great stitch definition, takes color beautifully
- Berroco Vintage Worsted — lush colors, excellent for colorwork, long yardage
- Cascade 220 Superwash — crisp stitch definition, washable, workhorse fiber
- WeCrochet Mighty Stitch Worsted — high quality, great for colorwork, good value
- Lion Brand Heartland — accessible everywhere, good stitch definition, soft feel
Materials List
- ~100 yards / 92 m total worsted weight (#4) yarn in 3 colors (approximately 35 yards per color)
- US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook OR size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry/yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Small amount of polyester fiberfill OR a clear round ornament ball
- Optional: Clover Pom Pom Maker Extra Small
- Optional: Crochet hook in similar size for hanging loop
- Optional: Jute Twine for hanging loop
- Optional: 3″ DIY Clear Glass Ball Ornament
Merry Mischief || Pattern Details
Designed by Robyn Chachula for MarlyBird.com
SKILL LEVEL
Advanced Beginner
MEASUREMENTS
Finished Measurements
Hat Ornament is 9” [23 cm] in circumference by 4.25” [11 cm] long (from ribbing to top of crown).
Gauge
8 sc x 8 rounds = 2” [5 cm] x 2” [5 cm] working single crochet in the round; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
MATERIALS
Crochet Yarn
Premier, Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (100% acrylic, 180 yds / 165 m, 3.5 oz/ 100 g, CYCA# 4 worsted), small amounts of the following:
Color A: #1016 Kiwi
Color B: #1007 Really Red
Color C: #1068 Aran
Hook
U.S. H/8 [5.00 mm] crochet hook, or size required for gauge.
NOTIONS
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Jute Twine for Hanging Loop (optional)
- Clover Pom Pom Maker (optional)
- 3″ DIY Clear Plastic Ball Ornament (optional)
ABBREVIATIONS
Ch – Chain(s)
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Tch – Turning Chain
WS – Wrong Side
SPECIAL STITCHES
⭐Back Loop: This is the furthest loop to you of the top 2 loops of the stitch indicated, regardless if you are on the RS or WS.
⭐️ Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog): *Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * in next stitch indicated, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook. (1 decrease)
NOTES
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round.
- Change your color when you have 2 loops left on your hook of the previous stitch.
- If the round starts with a new color, join with the old color and change to the new color in the first chain of the round.
- Hat ornament is worked in the round from the bottom up.
- A DIY ornament ball is placed into the finished hat to help it hold its shape.
- A hanging loop is attached to the hat.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
- Chain Stitch >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkNifQsYpQk <<
- Single Crochet >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6dsC-IwIGg <<
- Crochet Ribbing (Back Loop Only) >> https://youtu.be/3XVQqDhSk1A?si=H3oWy94CSZC42edG <<
- How to Bury Ends >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_NBGUKjO-E <<
- How to Make a Pom Pom >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRdcqTD13AE <<
- How to Crochet Merry Mischief Ornament (full tutorial) >> https://youtu.be/sHRaUurIK1M <<
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I'm thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don't copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
Merry Mischief || Pattern Instructions
RIBBING
With color B, ch 5.
Row 1: Sl st in the back bump of each ch across, turn – 5 sts.
Rows 2-59: Sl st in the back loop of each st across, turn.
Row 60: Fold ribbing in half to work on previous row and foundation row at the same time. Holding yarn to the inside of the brim, sl st in the back loop of the next st on the previous row and into the foundation ch at the same time across. This joins the first and last row. Do not fasten off.
BODY
Round 1: Working on edge of ribbing, evenly place 36 sc around edge, thread free loop through first sc to join, change color to A, do not turn – 36 sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn.
Rounds 3-9: Ch 1, follow color chart below changing colors as needed while placing a sc in each sc around, thread free loop through first sc to join each round, do not turn.
CROWN
Round 10: With color A, ch 1, *sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc; repeat from * around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 30 sc.
Round 11: Ch 1, sc in next sc, *sc2tog over next 2 sc, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * around to last 4 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc, sc in last 2 sc, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 24 sc.
Round 12: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc; repeat from * around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 18 sc.
Round 13: Ch 1, *sc2tog over next 2 sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 12 sc.
Round 14: Ch 1, *sc2tog over next 2 sc; repeat from * around, sl st to first sc, fasten off long tail for seaming – 6 sc.
Using tail, weave through remaining stitches to cinch closed top of crown.
Fasten off all remaining colors and weave in ends.
FINISHING
POM POM
Make pom-pom with leftover yarn and sew to top of hat.
ORNAMENT
Place clear plastic ornament inside of hat to fill out hat. Add twine to hang on tree
More Holiday Crochet Patterns You'll Love 🎄
Love a quick holiday project? Here are more favorites to keep that hook moving:
- Free Christmas Crochet Garland Projects — festive and fun, perfect for decking the halls
- Holiday Wine Cozy Patterns — another quick gift that always lands beautifully
- 30 Free Mini Christmas Ornament Patterns — if you've caught the ornament bug (zero shame), here's a whole collection
- In My Ornament Era — Free Fair Isle Knit Ornament Pattern — the knit companion to Merry Mischief, also for Sleigh the Holiday 2026
- Merry Lights Crochet Pillow Pattern – Free Holiday Decor… — a free holiday crochet pillow to brighten up your home this season
- Stockbridge Crochet Cabled Christmas Stocking — a gorgeous cabled stocking that makes a stunning handmade heirloom for the mantle
- Yule Fuel Crochet Coffee Cozy — a quick colorwork cozy that pairs beautifully with Merry Mischief (same colorwork techniques, different canvas)
- Marly Bird's Most Colorful Crochet Patterns — once you've caught the colorwork bug, here's the whole collection to keep you going
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Merry Mischief crochet pattern really free?
Yes! The full pattern is free to read right here on the blog. Scroll up to the Pattern Instructions section or click the “Jump to pattern” link at the top of the page. An ad-free printable PDF will be available for purchase on Ravelry, Etsy, and my Shopify shop after the Sleigh the Holiday 2026 Make-Along event.
What if I've never tried crochet colorwork before?
This ornament is genuinely designed with first-time colorwork crocheters in mind! The colorwork section is just a handful of rounds, the stitch count is small, and the video tutorial walks you through every step. If you can single crochet in the round, you can do this.
Can I use any worsted weight yarn, or does it need to be a specific fiber?
Any worsted weight (#4) yarn works! For colorwork, look for smooth yarns with good stitch definition — you want to see each stitch clearly so the color pattern pops. Avoid fluffy or textured yarns like mohair or bouclé. Check out the yarn suggestions in the Yarn & Materials section above.
What size crochet hook do I need?
The pattern is written for a US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook, but use whatever size you need to obtain gauge. Gauge is not critical for this ornament, so don't stress it — just pick up your H hook and dive in.
How long does it take to crochet Merry Mischief?
Most crocheters finish in one to two evenings. The whole project uses about 100 yards — it's a very quick make once you get the colorwork rhythm going. Perfect for a movie night project.
Can I make this with two colors instead of three?
Absolutely! Simplify the colorwork chart to two colors by designating one main color and one contrast color. The finished ornament will look different from the sample, but it'll still be adorable. You can also go wild with four or more colors if your chart allows — this tiny hat handles creativity beautifully.
What is Sleigh the Holiday VIP and how is it connected to this pattern?
Merry Mischief was designed as part of the Sleigh the Holiday 2026 Make-Along — Marly Bird's annual event where crocheters and knitters stitch holiday ornaments together! The VIP version gives you access to the full exclusive ornament collection. The free Merry Mischief pattern is right here on this page — no VIP needed to make it.
Final Thoughts
Here's the thing about Merry Mischief: Robyn designed it to be achievable — and it delivers on every single level.
It's small. It's satisfying. It teaches real skills. It uses yarn you already own. It makes a gift that actually means something. And it looks completely adorable on a Christmas tree.
If you've been putting off trying crochet colorwork because it felt like too big a leap… this is your sign to start here. On a tiny ornament. With your scrap yarn. With video tutorials walking you through every step.
I cannot wait to see what color combinations you choose. 💛
When you make one, tag us! Find me as @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or #MerryMischiefOrnament so we can see your beautiful work.
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Free Patterns, Knitting, Our Free Patterns, Pattern
