Whimsical Willow Crochet Hat: A Free Storybook-Inspired Pattern

Wrap yourself in the charm of a storybook forest with this textured, leaf-adorned crochet hat. The Whimsical Willow features a unique, ribbed brim created with post stitches and a playful golden leaf motif that adds a pop of warmth against the deep forest green body. This pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills with front post and back post double crochet, and the result is a cozy, rustic accessory that transitions beautifully from crisp autumn days to fresh spring mornings. Designed for an adult medium (21-22 inches), this unisex hat is a delightful weekend project that feels like a gentle woodland walk.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Forest Green (approx. 180-200 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC): Golden Yellow (approx. 20-30 yards for leaves)
• Crochet Hook: G/6 (4.0 mm) hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing leaves, scissors

Gauge: 16 dc x 9 rows = 4 inches in double crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finished Size: Adult Medium (21-22 inches head circumference)

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• rnd = round
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• MC = Main Color
• CC = Contrast Color

Special Stitches

Leaf Stitch (worked in rows): In the same stitch, work (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc) to create a leaf shape. This is used for the decorative motif.

Hat Body (Worked in continuous rounds from the crown down)

Note: The ch 2 at the beginning of each round counts as your first double crochet unless otherwise stated.

Rnd 1: With MC, make a magic ring. Work 10 dc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the center. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (10 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-2. (20 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (30 dc)

Rnd 4: Ch 2. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (40 dc)

Rnd 5: Ch 2. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (50 dc)

Rnd 6: Ch 2. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (60 dc)

Rnds 7-15: Ch 2. Work 1 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-2. (60 dc each round) This creates the smooth, dense crown of the hat.

Creating the Textured Brim

This section uses post stitches to create a stretchy, ribbed cuff that stands out from the crown. Pay close attention to where you insert your hook.

Rnd 16 (Setup): Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (60 sc)

Rnd 17 (Ridge 1): Ch 2. Work 1 fpdc around the post of each dc from Rnd 15. To do this, insert your hook from front to back to front around the vertical post of the stitch below the sc row. Join. (60 fpdc)

Rnd 18: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each fpdc around. Join. (60 sc)

Rnd 19 (Ridge 2): Ch 2. Work 1 bpdc around the post of each sc from Rnd 18. Insert your hook from back to front to back around the post. Join. (60 bpdc)

Rnd 20: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each bpdc around. Join. (60 sc)

Rnd 21 (Ridge 3): Ch 2. Work 1 fpdc around the post of each sc from Rnd 20. Join. (60 fpdc)

Rnd 22: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each fpdc around. Join. (60 sc)

Rnd 23 (Ridge 4): Ch 2. Work 1 bpdc around the post of each sc from Rnd 22. Join. (60 bpdc)

Rnd 24: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each bpdc around. Join. (60 sc)

Rnd 25 (Final Edge): Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off MC and weave in the end securely. (60 sc)

Leaf Motif (Make 2)

Switch to your Contrast Color (CC) yarn. These leaves are worked flat in rows.

Foundation: With CC, ch 8.

Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. (7 sts) Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in the first st, 1 hdc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 1 tr in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 1 hdc in the next st, 1 sc in the last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approx. 12 inches) for sewing.

Finishing & Assembly

Now it's time to bring your Whimsical Willow to life.

1. Position the Leaves: Lay your hat flat. Identify a spot on the side of the hat, just above the ribbed brim (around Rnd 15 or 16).
2. Sew the First Leaf: Thread your yarn needle with the long tail of one leaf. Sew the leaf onto the hat using a whip stitch around the edges of the leaf, ensuring you catch the yarn of the hat body. Keep your stitches small and neat.
3. Sew the Second Leaf: Take the second leaf and position it so it overlaps the first leaf slightly, as if one leaf is resting on another. Sew it on the same way.
4. Weave in Ends: Weave in all remaining yarn tails securely on the inside of the hat using your yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Whimsical Willow Crochet Hat is complete! The dense double crochet crown and the stretchy post-stitch brim create a warm, comfortable fit, while the golden leaves add a touch of whimsical forest magic. This hat makes a wonderful handmade gift or a charming addition to your own autumn or spring wardrobe.