These fuzzy little figures stand about six inches tall, sporting oversized pointed hats that slump charmingly over their round, bulbous noses. A heavy base of poly-pellets keeps them upright on a mantle or bookshelf, while the soft, brushed yarn creates a beard that feels like real fleece. Whether you are a beginner picking up a hook for the first time or a long-time maker looking for a quick holiday gift, these ornaments offer a satisfying result in just one evening. You will master the magic ring technique to build a tight, seamless sphere and work through simple increase and decrease rounds to shape the body.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet ribbed beanie offers a classic, fitted silhouette that relies on the elasticity of the half double crochet stitch worked in the back loop only. The vertical construction creates natural stretch, making it a comfortable piece for varied head shapes. You will appreciate the minimal finishing required, as the hat is worked as a flat rectangle and seamed at the end. It is an ideal project for clearing out single skeins of worsted weight yarn, and the repetitive nature of the stitch pattern provides a meditative rhythm for busy evenings.

I finished this hat in one sitting while watching a movie. The instructions were easy to follow and the ribbing looks professional without being complicated.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Flat rectangle worked in rows, seamed to create a tube, and cinched at the top
Finished Dimensions: 18 inches circumference (unstretched) by 9 inches tall

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted #4 weight, wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm / H-8
Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape, and scissors.
Safe yarn substitutions: You can use a cotton blend for a heavier, structural feel, but note that cotton has less “memory” and stretch than wool or acrylic. If using a thinner #3 weight yarn, add 10 extra rows to the starting chain and work until the piece reaches your desired width.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
st/sts = stitch/stitches
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch only to create a ribbed texture)
sl st = slip stitch
FO = fasten off

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Main Body

The hat is worked flat. You will start with a foundation chain that determines the height of the hat. Each row consists of half double crochet stitches worked in the back loop only.

Row 1: Ch 35. Hdc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Row 2: Hdc in the BLO of each st across. Ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Rows 3–60: Repeat Row 2 until the rectangle measures 18 inches wide when laid flat.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the rectangle in half, matching the foundation row to the final row.
Sl st through the back loop of the last row and the corresponding loop of the foundation chain to join the edges, creating a tube.
FO, leaving a long tail of approximately 12 inches.
Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle. Weave the yarn in and out of the ends of every other row along the top edge of the tube.
Pull the yarn tail tight to cinch the top closed. Secure with a knot on the inside.
Weave in all remaining ends securely to ensure the seam does not unravel.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your hat in cool water using a mild wool detergent to maintain the integrity of the fibers.
Lay the piece flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight to dry completely.
Reshape the hat gently while damp to ensure the ribbing remains uniform and stretchy.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining consistent tension is the most important part of this project, as variations in your hook movement will show up as uneven gaps in the ribbing. Use a stitch marker on the first stitch of every row to ensure you do not accidentally drop a stitch, which can happen easily when working in the back loop. When seaming, keep your slip stitches loose so that the seam remains as stretchy as the rest of the fabric. To adjust the size, add or subtract chains at the beginning; every 2 chains added will increase the height of the hat by approximately 0.5 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute a different yarn weight for this pattern?

You can use a different weight, but it will change the dimensions. If you use a bulky yarn, decrease the number of starting chains. If you use a lighter weight yarn, you will need to increase the number of rows to reach the 18-inch width.

Is this project suitable for a total beginner?

Yes, this project is ideal for beginners. It focuses on the half double crochet stitch and introduces the concept of working in the back loop, which is a fundamental technique for creating texture in crochet.

How do I know if the hat will fit me?

The hat should have about 2 to 3 inches of negative ease to stay on your head comfortably. If your head circumference is 21 inches, an 18-inch wide rectangle will stretch to fit perfectly.

Can I sell the finished items made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern. I ask that you credit me as the designer and use your own photographs to represent your work.

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Your finished gnome looks wonderful sitting among evergreen boughs or perched on a side table during the holiday season. You might experiment with variegated yarn for the hat to give each piece a distinct, folk-art appearance or swap the weighted base for a small cardboard circle if you prefer a lighter ornament to hang from a tree branch. Share a photo of your creation with us on social media so we can see your color choices. Please visit our main archives for more free patterns to fill your gift list.