This crochet beanie is worked sideways in rows to create the vertical ribbed texture, and then seamed to form the hat shape. It uses a simple back-loop single crochet technique to achieve the stretchy ribbing effect. Choose a soft worsted weight yarn in multiple colors if you would like to recreate the striped look, and use a hook size that matches your yarn (typically 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm). To begin, chain a number that equals the height of the hat from the crown to the bottom edge, including the folded brim. For an adult size, this is usually between 30 and 36 chains depending on desired length and stretch. Add one extra chain for turning.
Start in the second chain from the hook and work one single crochet in each chain across. This first row establishes the height of the hat. At the end of the row, chain one and turn. For all following rows, work single crochet stitches in the back loop only of each stitch across. This back-loop-only technique creates the raised vertical ridges that give the hat its stretchy ribbed appearance. Continue working rows in this manner, always chaining one and turning at the end of each row. To create the striped effect shown in the image, change colors at the end of selected rows by completing the final yarn-over of the last stitch with the new color, then continue working with that color for one or more rows. Carry the unused yarn loosely along the edge if you prefer not to cut it, or fasten off and rejoin colors cleanly for a neater finish.
Continue adding rows until the rectangle comfortably wraps around the circumference of the head. For an adult, this is typically between 50 and 70 rows, depending on gauge and head size. The piece should stretch slightly when wrapped around the head but not feel tight. Once the rectangle reaches the correct width, fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming. Fold the rectangle in half with right sides facing each other (the ribbing running vertically). Using a yarn needle and the long tail, seam the short ends together with a whip stitch or mattress stitch, working through both loops of each stitch to create a strong and tidy seam. Turn the tube right side out once the seam is complete.
To close the top of the hat, thread a long piece of yarn onto a yarn needle and weave it in and out through the stitches along one open edge (the crown edge). Pull the yarn tightly to gather the stitches together, forming the rounded top. Secure the yarn firmly and weave in the ends. If desired, you may stitch the gathered opening closed more tightly with a few extra passes of the needle for durability. Finally, fold up the bottom portion of the hat to create the cuff as shown in the image. The cuff can be adjusted in width depending on preference. Weave in all loose ends securely, and lightly steam block if necessary to smooth the fabric. This construction creates a soft, stretchy, and comfortable beanie with prominent vertical ribbing and clean color stripes.
