How to Make a Striped Beanie with Single Crochet Stitch

Q: What materials are needed to make a striped beanie using single crochet stitch?

To make a striped beanie with single crochet stitch, you'll need two contrasting colors of worsted-weight yarn (approximately 200 yards of each color), a size H (5mm) crochet hook, and a yarn needle for finishing touches.

Q: How do I work in the round on my striped beanie project?

To work in the round on your striped beanie, insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook and work a single crochet (sc). Continue around the ring, always working into the next stitch. Slip the first stitch of each round to create a seamless spiral.

Q: How do I change colors every fourth round to make stripes on my beanie?

To change colors every fourth round, yarn over (yo), place the new color onto your hook, yo again, and complete the single crochet stitch with the new color. Continue this pattern until your beanie reaches approximately 120–140 stitches in length.

Materials & tools you'll need

Worsted-weight yarn in two contrasting colors (~200 yards each) · Size H / 5mm crochet hook · Yarn needle · Scissors

Step 1 — Gather your materials

Before you begin, pull together everything you need. Choose two contrasting colors that'll make your stripes pop — a warm and cool combination works especially well. You'll need approximately 200 yards of worsted-weight yarn in each color, a size H (5mm) crochet hook, and a yarn needle for finishing. Having everything ready before you start makes the project flow much more smoothly.

Step 2 — Create the foundation ring

Begin by creating your foundation ring. Chain 30 stitches, then join the chain with a slip stitch to form a closed ring. This ring serves as the base for your entire beanie, so keep your tension even throughout the chain — too tight and the hat will pull; too loose and the join will gap. Once you have a firm, even ring you're ready to start working in the round.

Step 3 — Work in the round

With your first color on the hook, insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook and work a single crochet (sc). Continue around the ring, working one single crochet into each stitch. At the end of each round, slip the first stitch to create a seamless spiral — this is the key technique that keeps your rounds flowing continuously without a visible seam or jog in your stripe pattern.

Step 4 — Change colors to create stripes

Every fourth round, switch to your second color to build those eye-catching stripes. To change colors cleanly, yarn over (yo) with your current color, place the new color onto your hook, yo again with the new color, and complete the single crochet stitch. Carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the hat as you work so you don't have too many ends to weave in later. Continue alternating colors every four rounds until your beanie reaches approximately 120–140 stitches in total length.

Step 5 — Create the brim

To add structure at the base of the beanie, work 18 double crochets (dc) evenly spaced around the bottom edge. Join the round by slipping the first stitch with your hook. This border forms the foundation of the brim and gives the hat a neat, finished edge that sits comfortably against the forehead. Space your double crochets as evenly as possible so the brim lies flat without rippling or pulling.

Step 6 — Work the ribbed effect and heighten the brim

For the next few rounds, work 2 single crochets into each stitch to create a ribbed texture on the brim. This gives the beanie a professional, polished look and adds a comfortable stretch that helps the hat stay in place. After the ribbed section, work 5–6 rounds of plain single crochet — changing colors again if you like — until the brim reaches your desired height. The brim can be worn folded up for a snugger fit or left unfolded for extra warmth.

Step 7 — Add the finishing touches

To finish, sew the two sides of the brim together using a blanket stitch or whipstitch for a neat, secure seam. Create a drawstring at the top of the hat by threading a length of yarn through the stitches around the crown, then pull the ends together and tie them off to cinch the hat closed. This drawstring allows easy adjustment for a custom fit. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely, and your handmade striped beanie is ready to wear.

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed to make a striped beanie using single crochet stitch?
You'll need two contrasting colors of worsted-weight yarn (approximately 200 yards of each color), a size H (5mm) crochet hook, and a yarn needle for finishing touches.

How do I work in the round on my striped beanie project?
Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook and work a single crochet (sc). Continue around the ring, always working into the next stitch. Slip the first stitch of each round to create a seamless spiral.

How do I change colors every fourth round to make stripes on my beanie?
Yarn over (yo) with your current color, place the new color onto your hook, yo again with the new color, and complete the single crochet stitch. Continue this pattern, switching every four rounds, until your beanie reaches approximately 120–140 stitches in length.

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