Soft loops of yarn create the playful, dimensional effect of these holiday ornaments, making them a festive addition to any mantel or evergreen bough. This project suits beginners who want a quick way to decorate their homes, as it relies on simple back loop stitches to build a dense, ruffled texture that holds its shape beautifully over time. You will learn how to create distinct tiers using basic increases, resulting in a charming handmade decoration that feels substantial in the hand. Crafting these trees offers a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, whether you are building a full forest for a centerpiece or gifting individual pieces to friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet ribbed beanie pattern uses a simple rectangular construction that eliminates the need for complex crown shaping or increases. You work in flat rows, creating a stretchy fabric that conforms comfortably to the head without feeling tight or restrictive. Because the design relies on working in the back loops, the finished piece has a professional, knit-like texture that remains soft and pliable after repeated wears. It works up quickly in an evening, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gifts or a personal project that feels substantial without taking weeks to complete.

I finished this hat in one sitting while watching a movie. The ribbed texture is much more forgiving than standard double crochet projects and it looks like a high-end store item.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Worked flat as a rectangle, then seamed to form a tube, with the crown gathered shut.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 9 inches wide by 11 inches tall (laying flat). Fits most adult heads with a 21-23 inch circumference.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards.
Hook Size: 5.5 mm (US I-9).
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and seaming, locking stitch markers, scissors.
Safe yarn substitutions: You can use a lighter worsted or a heavy DK weight yarn, but be aware that using lighter yarn will result in a smaller hat unless you increase your foundation chain length by 5-10 stitches. Avoid heavy bulky yarns, as they will make the ribbing appear too thick and stiff.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain
st/sts: Stitch/stitches
sl st: Slip stitch
BLO: Back loop only. Insert the hook only under the back strand of the V-shaped stitch from the previous row.
Hdc: Half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in st, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Main Hat Body

Row 1: Ch 40. Hdc in the third ch from hook and in every ch across. Turn. (38 sts).
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st). Hdc in BLO of the first st and every st across. Turn. (38 sts).
Rows 3-60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 18 inches unstretched.
Finishing the Rectangle: Do not fasten off. Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short ends. Sl st through both the foundation chain edge and the current row edge to create a seam. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch long yarn tail.

Assembly and Finishing

Thread your tapestry needle with the long yarn tail from the fastening off point.
Run the needle in and out through every other row along the top edge of the tube.
Pull the yarn tight to cinch the hole closed at the top of the hat.
Secure the opening with several cross-stitches through the center to ensure it stays closed.
Weave in all remaining ends on the inside of the hat, trimming any excess yarn to finish.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to maintain the elasticity of the stitches.
Lay the beanie flat on a dry towel, patting it into shape, and allow it to air dry completely away from direct heat sources.
If the hat loses its shape over time, lightly steam it using a garment steamer from a distance of 3 inches, but avoid pressing the iron directly onto the ribbed fabric.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout every row; if your rows get tighter as you work, the hat will end up with a tapered shape rather than a rectangular one. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row to ensure you are not accidentally skipping stitches at the turning points, which is a frequent cause of uneven edges. Weave your ends into the thickest part of the ribbing on the inside of the hat to keep them invisible even when the fabric stretches. If you wish to adjust the size, add or subtract chains in increments of two, keeping in mind that each additional two chains will add about half an inch to the total length of the hat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?

Using a larger hook will result in a more open and drapey fabric. While it makes the project faster, it may also make the hat feel drafty, so it is recommended to stick to the 5.5 mm hook specified for a standard density.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, this is an excellent starter project. You only need to know how to chain and half double crochet. The main requirement is counting your stitches carefully to ensure the edges remain straight.

Can I sell the hats I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell the finished items you create. As a courtesy, please credit the pattern design to this website when listing your items online or at craft fairs.

How do I know if the hat is the right size?

The fabric is very stretchy. Before seaming the edges together, wrap the piece around your head. It should feel snug, but not so tight that it pulls the stitches apart, as the ribbing will naturally contract once the seam is closed.

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Displaying your handmade trees brings a warm, personal touch to your holiday decorations that store-bought items simply cannot replicate. You can try working with metallic thread held alongside your main yarn to give the branches a subtle holiday shimmer or adjust the base chain to create taller, thinner silhouettes. Seeing how others interpret the pattern is one of the best parts of this hobby, so please share your photos on Instagram. Feel free to browse through my archive for more holiday-themed projects to keep your hooks busy throughout the season.