purlJam

# Little Cowboy Hat

A charming mini cowboy hat worked in UK crochet terms. Perfect as a pet hat (small dog/cat), a decoration for a teddy bear or doll, or a novelty photo prop. Finished with a stiffening agent so the brim curls up in true cowboy style.

**Finished size:** Approx. 12 cm (4¾") brim diameter, 4 cm (1½") crown height. Fits a small doll head or small pet (approx. 28–32 cm head circumference) with adjustment.

**Difficulty:** Beginner

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (UK Aran) in tan, brown, or black — approx. 30 g
- **Hook:** 4 mm crochet hook
- **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
- **Optional:** Fabric stiffener or starch spray, narrow ribbon or yarn for hatband (approx. 40 cm), small decorative buckle or button

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## Tension (Gauge)

16 dc x 18 rounds = 10 cm (4") square in double crochet, worked in the round.
Tension is not critical for fit but will affect finished size.

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## Abbreviations (UK Terms)

- **ch** — chain
- **ss** — slip stitch
- **dc** — double crochet (US sc)
- **tr** — treble (US dc) — *not used in main pattern*
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **MR** — magic ring
- **inc** — work 2 dc into the same stitch
- **BLO** — back loop only
- **PM** — place marker

> **Note:** This pattern uses UK crochet terminology. Work in continuous spirals — do **not** join rounds unless instructed. Move your stitch marker up at the start of every round.

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## Construction Notes

The hat is worked top-down in three sections:
1. **Crown top** — flat circle (increases each round)
2. **Crown sides** — work even (no increases)
3. **Brim** — flat increases worked outward

The brim is blocked and stiffened at the end so the sides curl upward into a classic cowboy shape.

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## Pattern

### Section 1 — Crown Top (flat circle)

**Round 1:** Make a magic ring. Work 6 dc into the ring. Pull tight. PM. *(6 sts)*

**Round 2:** Inc in each st around. *(12 sts)*
✓ *Check: 6 × 2 = 12*

**Round 3:** *1 dc, inc* repeat around. *(18 sts)*
✓ *Check: 6 + 6 inc × 2 = 18; net increase 6*

**Round 4:** *2 dc, inc* repeat around. *(24 sts)*

**Round 5:** *3 dc, inc* repeat around. *(30 sts)*

**Round 6:** *4 dc, inc* repeat around. *(36 sts)*
✓ *Check: crown diameter ≈ 36 sts ÷ 16 sts per 10 cm × (10 ÷ π) ≈ 7.2 cm*

The piece should now be a flat disc approximately 7 cm (2¾") across. If it cups, your tension is too tight; if it ruffles, too loose.

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### Section 2 — Crown Sides (work even)

**Round 7:** Working in **BLO** only, 1 dc in each st around. *(36 sts)*

> *Working this round in back loops only creates a crisp edge between the crown top and sides — this gives a more defined cowboy hat shape.*

**Rounds 8–10:** 1 dc in each st around (through both loops). *(36 sts each round)*

Crown sides should measure approximately 2 cm (¾") tall.

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### Section 3 — Brim (flat flare)

**Round 11:** Working in **BLO** only, *3 dc, inc* repeat around. *(45 sts)*
✓ *Check: 9 sets × (3 + 2) = 45*

**Round 12:** *4 dc, inc* repeat around. *(54 sts)*

**Round 13:** *5 dc, inc* repeat around. *(63 sts)*

**Round 14:** *6 dc, inc* repeat around. *(72 sts)*
✓ *Check: total brim diameter ≈ 12 cm (4¾")*

**Round 15 (edging):** 1 dc in each st around. Ss into next st to finish neatly. *(72 sts)*

Fasten off, leaving a 15 cm tail. Weave in all ends with tapestry needle.

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## Finishing & Shaping

This is the magic step that turns a soft circle into a cowboy hat!

1. **Block the brim:** Lightly spray the brim with water and press it flat on a towel. Pin if necessary. Allow to dry.
2. **Stiffen:** Spray both sides of the brim generously with fabric stiffener or starch. While slightly damp, **curl the two sides of the brim upward** (left and right of centre), pinching gently to hold the curve. Pinch the front and back of the brim into a soft downward dip if desired (classic cowboy "cattleman" shape).
3. **Pin and dry:** Pin into shape on a foam block or stuffed crown. Allow to dry completely (4–6 hours) before removing.
4. **Hatband:** Wrap a length of ribbon or contrasting yarn around the base of the crown (where Round 7 BLO ridge sits). Secure with a few small stitches at the back, or add a small buckle/button at the front.

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## Care

Hand wash gently in cool water. Re-shape and re-stiffen the brim after washing.

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## Stitch Count Summary (Verification)

| Round | Stitch Count | Notes |
|-------|-------------|-------|
| 1 | 6 | MR |
| 2 | 12 | +6 |
| 3 | 18 | +6 |
| 4 | 24 | +6 |
| 5 | 30 | +6 |
| 6 | 36 | +6 — crown complete |
| 7–10 | 36 | even — sides |
| 11 | 45 | +9 — brim begins |
| 12 | 54 | +9 |
| 13 | 63 | +9 |
| 14 | 72 | +9 |
| 15 | 72 | edging round |

All counts verified. ✓

Happy crocheting, partner! 🤠