How to Crochet Your First Beanie (Easiest Method)

Making your first crochet beanie doesn't have to be complicated. This tutorial uses the most basic stitch—single crochet—and works up as a simple rectangular panel that you sew together. The best part? You can use any yarn weight and hook size, as long as you follow the measurements instead of stitch counts.

• Yarn – Any weight works (I used 100% acrylic yarn)
• Crochet hook – The size recommended on your yarn label (I used 5 mm)
• Tape measure – Optional, but very helpful
• Scissors – For cutting yarn
• Yarn needle – For weaving ends and sewing the top closed
• Stitch markers (2–3) – To mark the first stitch of each row

Step 1: Make Your Foundation Chain

Start with a slip knot on your hook. Then chain until your chain measures 12 inches (30 cm) long. This length determines the height of your beanie, including the brim.

• Don't worry about the exact number of chains—it depends on your yarn, hook, and tension
• For reference: with a 5 mm hook and medium-weight yarn, I made 40 chains to reach 12 inches
• If you use thicker yarn, you'll need fewer chains; thinner yarn means more chains

Safety note: Make sure your chain lies flat without twisting.

Step 2: Work Row 1 – Single Crochet in Back Loop Only

Chain 1 (this counts as your turning chain). Insert your hook into the back loop only of the second chain from your hook. Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over again, and pull through both loops. This is a single crochet (sc).

• Place a stitch marker in the top of this first stitch
• Continue working one single crochet in the back loop only of each chain across
• When you reach the end, you should have the same number of stitches as your starting chain

Step 3: Work Row 2 – Repeat the Pattern

Chain 1 and turn your work. Insert your hook into the back loop only of the first stitch (the one you marked). Make a single crochet.

• Move your stitch marker to this new first stitch
• Work one single crochet in the back loop only of each stitch across the row
• Count your stitches at the end—you should still have the same number as your foundation chain

Important: Always count your stitches each row. Missing stitches will make your panel shorter and your beanie won't fit properly.

Step 4: Repeat Until the Panel Fits Your Head

Continue repeating Row 2: chain 1, turn, work single crochet in the back loop only of every stitch across. Keep your stitch marker in the first stitch of each row.

Work until your panel measures your head circumference when stretched slightly.

How to measure:

• Option 1: Fold the panel in half (this will be the brim fold) and wrap it around your head. The back-loop single crochet is very stretchy, so it should fit snugly.
• Option 2: Measure your head circumference first (mine is 22 inches / 56 cm) and work until the panel stretches to that length.
• Make it slightly tighter than you want—crochet stitches loosen over time.

For reference: I worked 66 rows (33 "bumps" on the side—each bump equals 2 rows) to reach 22 inches when stretched.

Step 5: Join the Seam

Your yarn should be at the end of your last row. Now you'll slip stitch the first row to the last row to form a tube.

For the brim (first 10 stitches):

• Insert your hook through both loops of the first stitch on the last row
• Then through both loops of the first stitch on the first row
• Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook (slip stitch)
• Repeat for 9 more stitches (10 total for the brim)

For the rest of the seam:

• Turn your work inside out
• Continue slip stitching the edges together stitch by stitch
• Make sure you don't skip any stitches
• Work to the very end

Why join this way? When you fold the brim up, both seams will show their right sides, giving a clean finish.

Step 6: Close the Top

After joining the last stitch, chain 1. Don't fasten off yet—leave a long tail (about 20 inches / 50 cm) and cut the yarn.

Turn the beanie right side out. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle. Weave the needle in and out along the top edge of the beanie, going through each stitch. Try to keep your stitches even.

When you've gone all the way around, pull the yarn tight to gather the top closed. Tie a knot with the starting tail if you have one.

Step 7: Sew the Opening Shut

Turn the beanie inside out. Use your yarn needle to sew the small remaining opening closed. Take your time—you can redo this if the top doesn't look right from the outside.

When you're happy with how it looks, fasten off securely on the wrong side. Weave in any remaining ends.

Fold up the brim (about 2–3 inches / 5–8 cm) and your beanie is ready to wear!

1. Always count your stitches each row. Losing or adding stitches will make your panel uneven and your beanie won't fit correctly.

1. Use stitch markers religiously. Marking the first stitch of each row saves you from guessing where to work your last stitch.

1. Test the fit as you go. Don't wait until the end to check if your panel is long enough. Wrap it around your head periodically.

1. Block your beanie if needed. If the edges curl, lightly steam or wet block the finished beanie to flatten it.

1. Practice the back loop only stitch if you're new to it. This creates a stretchy, ribbed fabric that's perfect for beanies.