Master the Classic Look: Your Free Adult Beanie Crochet Pattern Guide

ByEmila Lorein

Are you ready to crochet a timeless accessory that’s both stylish and practical? A handmade beanie is the perfect project, offering warmth, comfort, and a touch of personalized charm. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just picking up your hook, mastering an adult beanie crochet pattern is incredibly rewarding. Beanies are celebrated for their simple elegance and comfortable fit, making them a go-to choice for gifts or a cozy addition to your own wardrobe.

Here at A Box of Twine, we adore crocheting beanies from the top down. This method allows you to try on your creation as you go, ensuring a perfect fit and adjustable height. Today, we’re thrilled to share an easy, free adult beanie crochet pattern designed for two different sizes: Small/Medium (ideal for teens or women) and Large/Extra Large (perfect for men). You’ll find all the step-by-step instructions below, making this a truly beginner-friendly project. Let’s get started on your next favorite crochet hat!

My teenage daughter modeling the Brandeis Beanie on a chilly day.

The Anatomy of a Crochet Beanie Hat

The beauty of an adult beanie crochet pattern lies in its construction. We begin by crocheting a flat circle for the crown, gradually increasing stitches to achieve the perfect dome shape. Following this, you’ll work the sides of the beanie, building height. Finally, the project is completed with a comfortable, often ribbed, brim. This top-down approach ensures a smooth finish and a hat that truly fits like a dream. Once finished, you can even add a charming “Handmade” tag for that extra special touch!

Gather Your Supplies

Ready to create your own “Brandeis Beanie”? This easy adult beanie crochet pattern requires just a few basic tools. The pattern is designed to work well with a single skein of yarn, making it a fantastic stash-buster project!

To make one adult-sized beanie, you will need:

  • Size J (6mm) crochet hook
  • Size 4 Medium worsted weight yarn – approximately 145 (185) yards (e.g., Lion Brand Wool Ease in Natural Heather)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle (also known as a yarn needle)
  • Stitch marker
  • Optional: ‘Handmade’ leather tag (find our preferred tags on our Favorite Craft Supplies list, or explore more options in our Crochet Supplies category)

Common Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. If you’re new to crochet or need a refresher on basic stitches, be sure to check out our guide on How to Crochet 5 Basic Crochet Stitches.

  • Ch – chain
  • BLO – back loop only
  • dc – double crochet
  • FPdc – front post double crochet (work dc around front post of designated stitch)
  • BPdc – back post double crochet (work dc around front post of designated stitch)
  • hdc – half double crochet
  • rep – repeat
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • RS – Right Side
  • WS – Wrong Side

Introducing the “Brandeis Beanie”

We love to name our crochet and knit patterns after charming New England landmarks. This particular adult beanie crochet pattern is affectionately named the “Brandeis Beanie” after Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. With its classic, timeless appeal and soft, neutral yarn color (Natural Heather), this hat effortlessly fits into any setting, from a bustling campus to a cozy coffee shop. It’s a versatile accessory that truly never goes out of style.

Get Your Free Pattern or Ad-Free PDF!

The complete, beginner-friendly adult beanie crochet pattern is provided below for free! We believe everyone should have access to beautiful, simple patterns. However, if you prefer an ad-free, printable PDF version with helpful photos, you can grab the complete Crochet Beanie Hat Pattern Bundle directly from our Etsy shop.

Promo for Fast Fall Crochet Workshop

Click the image to learn more about our Fast Fall Workshop!

Expand Your Crochet Skills with Quick Projects!

Before you dive into your new beanie, are you looking for more quick and satisfying crochet projects? We’ve got something special for you! Join our “Fast Fall” workshop to learn how to create 5 fabulous fall-themed pieces – an ear warmer, purse, pumpkins, scarf, and wall hanging – in just 5 days! It’s perfect for those short on time or new to crochet. Click HERE to discover the ease and simplicity of these wonderful projects, suitable for any season.

Beginner-Friendly Adult Beanie Crochet Pattern

Yes, you can crochet a simple hat, and you can do it quickly with this easy adult beanie crochet pattern! Using basic stitches and straightforward techniques, we’ll guide you through each step for both the Small/Medium (S/M) and Large/Extra Large (L/XL) adult sizes.

Gauge:

4″ (10cm) square = 12 sts by 13 rounds (of Round 11-12 pattern repeat).

Finished Sizes:

  • The S/M size should fit a teen or woman, with an approximate 8″ height and 22″ circumference.
  • The L/XL size should fit a man, with an approximate 9″ height and 24″ circumference.

Pattern Notes:

  • The first Ch 1 in each round does not count as a stitch.
  • The hat will be worked from the top to the bottom, with increases on alternate rounds.
  • You will turn after each round, which creates a slight seam in the same place.
  • The finished hat is reversible!
  • Use a stitch marker (SM) to mark the first stitch in each round.

Crown of Hat:

With your size J hook, make a Magic Loop (also known as a Magic Ring or Magic Circle) with your size 4 yarn.
(Stitch count for the top of the hat will be the same for both sizes through Round 9.)

  • Round 1: Ch 1, work 8 sc into the Magic Loop. Pull tail to close loop. Join with sl st to first sc. Turn. (8 sts)
  • Round 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. (16 sts)
  • Round 3 and all odd-numbered Rounds: Ch 1, sl st in BLO of each st around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn.
  • Round 4: Rep Round 2. (32 sts)
  • Round 6: Ch 1, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. (48 sts)
  • Round 8: Ch 1, *1 hdc in each of next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. (64 sts)

For Size S/M only:

  • Round 10: Ch 1, *1 hdc in each of next 15 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. (68 sts)

For Size L/XL only:

  • Round 10: Ch 1, 2 hdc in next st, *1 hdc in each of next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. (74 sts)

Sides of Hat:

  • Round 11: Ch 1, sl st in BLO of each st around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. 68 (74) sts
  • Round 12: Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first st. Turn. 68 (74) sts

Repeat Rounds 11-12 until your piece measures approximately 7 (8)” from the center of the crown, ending with a Round 11. Feel free to adjust the height – stop approximately 1” before your desired final height if you want a longer, slouchy hat.

Ribbed Brim of Hat:

The ribbed brim adds a classic finish to your adult beanie crochet pattern and is created using double crochet stitches worked around the posts of the previous round.

  • Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in next st and in each st around. Join with sl st to top of tch (1st dc). Turn. 68 (74) sts
  • Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1st st), BPdc around next st, *1 FPdc around next st, 1 BPdc around next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to top of tch. Turn. 68 (74) sts
  • Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1st st), alternate working FPdc around front posts and working BPdc around back posts all around. Join with sl st to top of tch. 68 (74) sts

Fasten off.

Optional Finishing Touches for Your Beanie

Once your beanie is complete, you can add a few finishing touches to make it truly unique!

  • Handmade Tag: Attach an optional ‘Handmade’ leather tag to the brim. Placing it at the front can help minimize the visibility of the slight seam. We share our favorite sources for these tags on our Favorite Craft Supplies page.
  • Pom Pom: Add a cozy yarn pom pom (easily made with a pom pom maker) or a luxurious faux fur pom pom to the top. Just remember that adding a pom pom will make the hat no longer reversible.

Important Tips for Crocheting Your Beanie Hat

Keep these helpful pointers in mind as you work through this adult beanie crochet pattern:

  • Increase stitches for the crown are worked on even-numbered rounds.
  • Turning after each round ensures a consistent seam placement.
  • Always use a stitch marker (SM) to clearly mark the first stitch of each round.
  • This pattern includes two adult hat sizes: S/M for teens/women and L/XL for men.
  • Don’t hesitate to try on your hat as you go to customize the height to your preference!

The Perfect Fit: Finished Size Details

Your completed crochet beanie will measure approximately 8 (9) inches in height by 22 (24) inches in head circumference at the brim. While blocking is an option for refining the shape, it is not strictly necessary for this pattern.

More Pattrens