Free Crochet Pattern: Alma Hat

Turban-style hats are so elegant. I recently knitted one in seed stitch based on a 1940s pattern but wanted something that was a little easier to wear, so I scooted over to Jo-Ann Fabrics and picked up a trusty skein of Lion Brand Vanna's Choice for a crocheted version. I'm really happy about this color. I've always been drawn to mustard yellow, especially during the fall, and Vanna's Choice has it in the perfect hue.

At the time, I also happened to be reading The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, so this pattern is named after Alma Singer, a clever, quirky character in the story. Here's to you, Alma.

Materials:

• Vanna's Choice Yarn in "Mustard" (worsted-weight yarn, one skein)
• H hook (5.00 mm)
• tapestry needle

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

st: stitch

sl st: slip stitch

dc: double crochet

bpdc: back post double crochet

Gauge:

4 sts and 2 rows = 1" in double crochet

Hat:

This hat best fits a 21" - 22" head. Adjust the size by adding or removing increase rounds.

Note that you will be joining the end of each round with a sl st in the first dc of the round, skipping the chain-2. The chain-2 does not count as a stitch but is used to minimize the obviousness of the join in the first six rounds. (Sarah at Repeat Crafter Me has pictures demonstrating the method!) The seam is going to be visible in rounds 7 through 22 due to the bpdc stitches used, but it will conveniently serve as a guide when you have to baste. It will later be hidden by flowers in the last step.

Round 1: Create a magic ring, ch 2, 12 dc in magic ring, join with sl st. (12 st)

Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st. (24 st)

Round 3: Ch 2, (dc in first st, 2 dc in next st), repeat from ( to ) around, join with sl st. (36 st)

Round 4: Ch 2, (dc in first 2 st, 2 dc in next st), repeat from ( to ) around, join with sl st. (48 st)

Round 5: Ch 2, (dc in first 3 st, 2 dc in next st), repeat from ( to ) around, join with sl st. (60 st)

Round 6: Ch 2, (dc in first 4 st, 2 dc in next st), repeat from ( to ) around, join with sl st. (72 st)

The piece should measure approximately 6" in diameter at this point.

Round 7: Ch 2, bpdc in each st around, join with sl st. (72 st)

Round 8: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join with sl st. (72 st)

Round 9-22: Repeat rounds 7 and 8. (72 st)

Fasten off, leaving a tail at least 12" long. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and baste along the seam from round 7 to round 22. Pull to gather and sew in place.

Flower (make 3):

Ch 48.

Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, (ch 1, dc) four times in the same ch, skip 2 ch, sl st in next ch. [Skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, (ch 1, dc) four times in the same ch, skip 2 ch, sl st in next ch], repeat from [ to ] across. (8 petals total)

I've also drawn up a chart in case this helps you visualize the pattern better:

Fasten off, leaving a tail at least 20" long. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle. Begin rolling up the piece from one end, sewing the tail through the bottom edge as you roll.

Sew each completed flower over the gathered part of the hat.

And you're done! Please use the hashtag #thebunnystudio if you share pictures on Instagram or Twitter. I would love to see your take on this project!

"Alma Hat" is an original pattern by Gladys of The Bunny Studio. All photos and text are copyrighted © The Bunny Studio. Please do not sell, reprint, or distribute this pattern in part or in whole without my written permission. If you would like to share this pattern, you are welcome to link to this page.