Free Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a free bucket hat crochet pattern.
A bucket hat is a summer essential — cute, functional, and surprisingly easy to crochet.
This pattern will walk you through making your own cotton crochet bucket hat, perfect for sunny days and beach trips.
Whether you’re new to crochet or looking for a speedy project, this beginner-friendly pattern comes together in just an hour or two.
Scroll down to view the free pattern online, or grab the inexpensive ad-free PDF in my shop here.
Before You Get Started
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before diving in:
- Yarn choice matters: Use cotton for a soft, relaxed fit — or raffia yarn for a structured, chic look.
- No turning chains: This hat is worked in a spiral — use a stitch marker to keep your place.
- Make it yours: Adjust the length or brim width for a custom fit.
- Skill level: Beginner to advanced beginner — great if you’re comfortable with single crochet.
Tools & Materials
Here’s what you’ll need to make your hat:
Yarn
- 1 x We Are Knitters – The Cotton in the color Salmon Pink
- This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton/10g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
- Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
Hooks
Notions
- Scissors.
- Darning needle.
- Tape measure.
- Stitch markers.
Size + Gauge
- Finished Circumference: 20 inches (fits 22–24″ head)
- Top to Brim: 10 inches
- Gauge: 18 sts / 23 rounds = 4×4 inches using 5mm hook in single crochet
Tip: Try it on after Round 30 to adjust the fit before adding the brim.
Abbreviations
This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
You can grab a free list of US and UK crochet terms here.
- beg – beginning
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – Increase (2 sc in the next sc)
- sl-st – slip stitch
- RS – right side
- Rep – repeat
- WS – wrong side
Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern
Notes
- This pattern is worked in spiral rounds — do not join or chain at the start of each round.
- Use stitch markers to track the end of each round.
- Double-strand the yarn for the brim to give it more structure.
- Want a firmer hat? Try raffia yarn instead of cotton!
Pattern Instructions
With the 5 mm (US H/8) Crochet hook ch 2.
(Please note, rounds 1-17 are worked on the right side in a spiral.)
Round 1 > Work 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Please note > Keep track of where your rows start by placing a stitch marker on the last st of each round. There are no turning chains in the pattern.
Round 2 > 2 sc in each sc.
Round 3 > *sc in each of the next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (25 sc)
Round 4 > *sc in each of the next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (30 sc)
Round 5 > *sc in each of the next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (35 sc)
Round 6 > *sc in each of the next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (40 sc)
Round 7 > *sc in each of the next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (45 sc)
Round 8 > *sc in each of the next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (50 sc)
Round 9 > *sc in each of the next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (55 sc)
Round 10 > *sc in each of the next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (60 sc)
Rounds 11 and 12 > sc in each sc around.
Round 13 > *sc in each of next 14 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made), rep from * around. (64 sc)
Rounds 14 – 30 > sc in each sc around.
The hat should measure 7 inches from the top to the edge at this point.
Try it on to see if it is long enough to cover your head.
You could add rounds to make it a little longer if you wish.
The Brim
All of the following rounds are worked on the right side in a spiral.
Use two strands of yarn together to continue…
Round 1 > *sc in each of the next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc (inc made) rep from * around. (80 sc)
Rounds 2-8 > sc in each sc around.
(The brim should measure 2 inches from the beg of the brim)
To finish off, join with a sl-st into the beg sc of the round.
Cut yarn and weave in any loose ends.
Share Your Make!
I’d love to see how your bucket hat turns out!
- Tag me on Instagram @handylittleme or use #handylittleme
- Share a photo in our Facebook group
FAQs & Tips
→ Can I use a different yarn?
Yes! Cotton gives a soft, slouchy finish. For more shape, try raffia or hold cotton doubled.
→ How do I size this hat up or down?
Add or remove increase rounds at the crown for a larger or smaller circumference. Try it on as you go!
→ I’m new — is this hat beginner-friendly?
Yes! If you’re comfortable with single crochet and working in the round, you’re good to go.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Free Crochet Easter Eggs Pattern
- 50 Best Crochet Stitches For Blankets And Afghans
- Crochet Round Rug Pattern
- 35 Free Easter Crochet Patterns
- 35 Free Cotton Yarn Crochet Patterns
- Crochet Dishcloth Pattern Set
- Crochet Washcloth Pattern
- How To Crochet A Blanket
- 50 Stash Busting Crochet Patterns
- 40 Free Granny Square Crochet Patterns
- Free Cat Hat Crochet Pattern (5 Sizes for Beginners)
- Crochet Blanket Sizes And How Much Yarn
- Outlander Shawl Crochet Pattern
- 27 Free Crochet Sun Hat Patterns For The Summer
