Crochet Hat Too Big: 6 Ways to Resize a Finished Pattern
Discover 6 simple ways to fix big and bulky crochet hats. Try one of these tips before ripping out all your stitches.
We have all been there at one time or another. You work tirelessly on a crochet hat pattern for days. When you finally finish it, you try it on and it is way too big for your head.
This is a common problem with crochet hats, especially for newbie crocheters. Making the leap from a flat project like a scarf or blanket can be tough.
Pretty much every experienced crocheter has had a crochet hat end up far too large. If your crochet hat is too big, don't worry! There are actually ways that you can adjust the size of the final product without removing all of your stitches. Some simple stitches, added ribbon, or a hot bath might transform your project into a perfectly proportioned piece.
Check out our list of ways to resize a finished crochet hat pattern. Many of these techniques work best for a casual or slouchy hat as these patterns allow you to resize the brim easily.
If you're making a tight beanie, your best option may be to redo the entire project (even if it is more time-consuming). We have more suggestions below that will help you determine how to adapt a hat if it's too big.
Love the hat featured in the image above? Check out the Simple Double Brim Hat from Wilmade.com.
Suggestions for How to Resize a Hat:
1. Wash and Dry in High Heat
Just like other pieces of clothing, you can wash and dry your crocheted projects in high heat in order to help them shrink. This is a great idea for those items that are way bigger than you expected. One thing to keep in mind, however, with this technique is your make of yarn. Some yarns shrink more than others and too high of a temperature might damage synthetic yarns
2. Surface Crochet on the Finished Product
Surface crochet refers to crocheting on the outside of a pattern. This is a fun way to add new elements and texture. You can also use this to tighten up your hat by crocheting tight elements. Learn how to do the crochet surface slip stitch from LookWhatIMade.com.
3. Add a Pull String
Weaving in a simple string around your hat to pull it tighter is an easy fix to this problem. The hat might look a bit big and bulky, but if you are creating a slouchy hat this is a great option.
4. Add Elastic
Hooking or sewing elastic into the rim of the hat can also create a smaller circumference. This is ideal for bulky, slouchy hats as it will only resize the brim of the hat and not the whole piece. Learn all about elastic with this guide from AllFreeSewing.
5. Take Out a Few Rounds
Depending on how much bigger your hat is than needed, sometimes taking out just a few rounds (up to 3-5) can make it fit just right. This is also an option for hats that have stretched on their own.
6. Take it Apart and Redo It
Sometimes, a crochet project does not work out the way we would like it to or a stitching error causes the entire final project to look less than perfect. There's no shame in redoing a project! In fact, a lot of crocheters pull out their stitches and redo a project, especially when the yarn is expensive.
Easy Crochet Hat Patterns
Now that you've learned how to work with crochet hats you already have complete, find patterns for new designs. Check out some of our easy crochet hat projects below. These hat patterns are easy-to-follow and ideal for beginners.
This simple crochet hat is great for beginners. Skip the annoying seam and make a seamless pattern.
This extra fast and extra chunky is super cozy and crazy warm. Includes a video tutorial.
Stunning and simple, this how to crochet a beanie pattern shows you 3 ways to create the lovely little hat.
This classic slouchy hat pattern is ideal for spring and summer. It's airy look allows you to accessorize without being overheated.
If you're looking for a full set of winter wear, consider this hat pattern! The unique color scheme is a fun way to up your style.
This intermediate hat pattern is a fun challenge for crocheters who are looking for a pattern with a bit more detail.
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elocin1104 2800379
Aug 18, 2018
These ideas for making a hat smaller are genius. Usually I do not have an issue with making hats too big when I follow the pattern. If I get any complaints in the future about a hat being too big, I will have to remember this article and try some of these tricks. If you do have to make the hat all over, just remember at least it isnt an afghan!
Cheryl Y
Aug 13, 2018
I tend to find a lot of hat patterns come out way to big. I appreciate all of these tips to re size the hats. I would like to add another, I tear out the big hat and use a smaller hook then called for. It seam to work for me. I have saved this one to come back to when needed. Happy to see this article on " hat too big". I too like my hat band to be snug and not loose. So thank you so much for sharing these 6 ways to resize a finished pattern.
JaneEK
Jul 31, 2018
Some hat styles seem to be more prone to this problem than others. Ive found that when Im working something with a band at the bottom of the hat, the trick is to drop down a hook size or two from what the body of the hat calls for. Id rather the band be a little bit too snug than too loose, and Im not afraid to frog a few rounds to get it just right.
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