Bucket Ruffle Hat

Skill level: Intermediate
Construction: Top-down, in the round, seamless
Yarn weight: Worsted (category 4)

Sizes

Adult S (M, L)
To fit head circumference: 21 (22½, 24)" [53.5 (57, 61) cm]
Finished hat circumference (body, unstretched): 20 (22, 24)" [51 (56, 61) cm]
Crown diameter: 6½ (7, 7½)" [16.5 (18, 19) cm]
Body depth before brim: 4" [10 cm]
Ruffle brim depth: about 2¾" [7 cm]

Choose a size about 1" smaller than head circumference for a snug bucket fit.

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn, about 180 (210, 240) yd [165 (192, 220) m]
Sample idea: 1 skein of a smooth acrylic or wool blend (approx. 200–220 yd / 100 g).

Hook

US H/8 (5 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
US G/6 (4 mm) for optional ribbed band (optional)

Notions

Yarn needle, stitch marker, scissors
Optional: light brim stiffener or a few rows of surface slip stitch on the last brim round for extra structure

Gauge

16 sc and 18 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in sc, worked in the round, blocked.
Check gauge. A too-small gauge makes a tiny hat; a too-large gauge makes a floppy brim.

Abbreviations (US)

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
rnd — round
BLO — back loop only
MR — magic ring
inc — 2 sc in same st
rep — repeat

Notes

• Work in joined rounds unless stated. Join with sl st to first st of rnd; ch 1 at start of sc rnds does not count as a stitch.
• Move marker to first st of each rnd.
• Crown increases by 8 sts each increase rnd (classic 8-point circle) so the top stays flat.
• Bucket body is worked even (no increases) for a straight “bucket” wall.
• Ruffle brim uses dc (and hdc) with aggressive increases so the edge flares and ruffles.
• US terms only: sc, hdc, dc.

Pattern

Crown

With larger hook, make a MR.

Rnd 1: 8 sc in MR, join. (8 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (8 increases → 8 + 8 = 16 ✓)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (8 increases → 16 + 8 = 24 ✓)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (24 + 8 = 32 ✓)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, *sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (32 + 8 = 40 ✓)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, *sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (40 + 8 = 48 ✓)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, *sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (48 + 8 = 56 ✓)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, *sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (56 + 8 = 64 ✓)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, *sc in next 7 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (64 + 8 = 72 ✓)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, *sc in next 8 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (72 + 8 = 80 ✓)
Size S stop here. Crown should measure about 6½" across. Proceed to Body.

Rnd 11 (M, L only): Ch 1, *sc in next 9 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (80 + 8 = 88 ✓)
Size M stop here. Crown about 7" across. Proceed to Body.

Rnd 12 (L only): Ch 1, *sc in next 10 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around, join. (88 + 8 = 96 ✓)
Crown about 7½" across.

Stitch counts at end of crown: 80 (88, 96)

Body (even bucket wall)

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 80 (88, 96)
Rep Rnd 1 until body measures 4" [10 cm] from last increase rnd (about 18 rnds at gauge), or desired depth before brim. Do not fasten off.

Optional ribbed band (intermediate)

Switch to smaller hook if desired.
Rib rnd 1: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st around, join. 80 (88, 96)
Rib rnds 2–4: Rep Rib rnd 1.
Return to larger hook for brim.

Ruffle brim

Work into both loops unless noted.

Brim rnd 1 (setup): Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in each st around, join to first dc. 80 (88, 96)
Brim rnd 2 (double): Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, join. (80 × 2 = 160; 88 × 2 = 176; 96 × 2 = 192 ✓)
Brim rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, join. (160 + 80 = 240; 176 + 88 = 264; 192 + 96 = 288 ✓)
Brim rnd 4: Ch 1, hdc in each st around, join. 240 (264, 288)
Brim rnd 5 (edge): Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 240 (264, 288)

For a fuller ruffle, add one extra rnd after Brim rnd 3: *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, then work Brim rnds 4–5 on the new count.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block lightly over a bowl or hat form so the crown is flat, the body is cylindrical, and the ruffle flares. Do not over-block the ruffle or it will lose gathers. Optional: steam the brim only, holding the ruffle in place with pins.

Wear with the ruffle down (classic bucket) or slightly rolled for a softer look.