knit. crochet. design.
Goodie Gumdrops (crocheted cap)
This crocheted cap is a good stashbuster project as it uses the equivalent of a skein or so of worsted or three quarters of a skein of bulky yarn. The colors can be varied endlessly and the size is easily adjusted. The finished caps with bright colors and bulbous shapes remind me of gumdrops, my favorite. candy when I was young. Sizes: Small, medium Skills: Chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet Finished Measurements: Youth/Adult Small 19-20 inches circumference; Adult Medium 21- 22 inches circumference
Materials:
220 yards (200m) of worsted weight wool yarn, or equivalent in other weights. A bit more for larger size. Use what you have for yarn, choosing colors that amuse you and create the effect you want: varied, tonal, skinny stripes, wide bands. The crown of each sample was crocheted with one skein of Noro Kureyon, 50 gms/100 m, 100% wool (held double) and the rolled brims_ with either 100 yards of solid color yarns such as Cascade 220, Lamb's Pride Worsted, and Cascade Eco Wool (held double) OR 50 yards of Lamb's Pride Bulky or Nashua Creative Focus Chunky. Crochet Hooks Size K(6.5mm) and Size J(6.0 mm)
Gauge:
Approximately 9 stitches and 6 rows in a 4x4 inch(10 x10 cm) square in double crochet (dc), but it is easy to add or subtract stitches for the fit you want. Notes: This hat is worked from the top down which makes it easy to customize, if the intended wearer's head or head measurements are available. This pattern uses US crochet stitch terminology. (For British equivalents use this conversion. table.) I find chain stitch circles to begin round projects difficult to manage, so I use the adjustable. or disappearing loop (a circle of yarn with a free end) method. Use a Ch-4 circle if you prefer.
| Abbreviations (US t terminology): | |
| dc = double crochet | ch = chain stitch sl st= slip stitch |
| sc = single crochet | rep = repeat (s)1S = stitch(es) |
Directions:
Set-up Round: Round 1 : With larger hook and worsted weight yarn held double, begin the work with an adjustable loop. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) into the loop, followed by 11 dc. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (12 sts) Increase Rounds: Round 2: Ch3 (counts as 1dc in this and all following. dc rounds), dc in same base stitch as Ch3; 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch3. (24 sts) Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same base stitch, dc in next st; \* 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, rep from \* around, join with sl st. (36 sts) Round 4: CH 3, dc in same base stitch, dc in next 2 sts; \*2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, rep from \* around, join with sl st. (48 sts) Work even: Rounds 5-7: Ch3, dc around, join with sl st. Brim: Switch to sc Round 8: Ch 1 (counts as one sc in this round and all following sc rounds), sc around, join with sl st. (In the samples, the first 8 rows were worked in the multicolored Noro Kureyon, which consumed one skein, The remaining rounds were knit in solid color chunky yarn, held singly, or solid color worsted yarns held double.) Rounds 9-14: Work as for Round 8. For the Youth/Adult Small size (or for a snug rolled brim) switch to the smaller hook at this point. For a slightly looser fit, or for Adult Medium size stay with the larger hook. Rounds 15-18: Ch 1, sc around. Fasten off. For Adult Medium size work two additional rounds (19 and 20) before fastening off. Optional finishing: For a very snug rolled brim, after completing the final sc round finish with sl st in the back loop all around. Fasten off.
Modifications
If you desire a more classic beanie look without the doubled rolled brim, you can fasten off when you have reached the length you want, somewhere in the Round 1i-14 vicinity. For a less snug brim, do not switch to the smaller hook at Round 15. For a larger hat, work an additional dc in round 1, the set-up round. With the increases worked as described this will yield a 52 st round which will be approximately 2 inches larger in circumference.
