Cozy & Simple Crochet Split Shell Hat Tutorial

Each row adds to this unique design, making it not just warm but also stylish. Whether you're new to crocheting or have been doing it for years, this project turns yarn into a lovely hat that keeps you warm and adds a special touch to your winter wardrobe. Plus, it's a wonderful gift idea!

Materials:

• Red Heart Unforgettable yarn (100g ball, about 50g needed for one hat)
• 5.5mm Crochet hook
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Brim Construction:

• Start by chaining an even number (example: chain 8).
• Work 7 single crochets back along the chain.
• Chain 1, then work single crochet back loops only to create the ridged texture.
• Continue the single crochet back loop only pattern until you reach the desired circumference for the brim, ensuring the total length can be divided by 4.
• Slip stitch the two ends of the brim together, ensuring that you maintain an even number that's a multiple of 4 for the next round.

Body of the Hat:

• Chain one and single crochet around the top edge of the brim, maintaining a stitch count that is a multiple of 4.
• Slip stitch to join and chain 3 (counts as a double crochet).
• Work the split shell stitch pattern with the following steps:
• Skip 3 stitches, in the next stitch work 2 double crochets, chain 1, and work 2 more double crochets (split shell completed).
• Skip 3 stitches, work a split shell in the next stitch, continue this pattern around.
• Once you reach the end of the round, slip stitch to the top of the chain-3 to join.

Continue with the Pattern:

• Chain 3, then work a split shell in each chain-1 space from the previous round's split shells.
• Repeat the established pattern for about 6 rounds without any decreasing.

Shape the Crown (Decrease Rounds):

• Start decreasing after 6 rounds of the established pattern by working a split shell in one chain-1 space and then single crochet in the next chain-1 space alternatively around the hat.
• Next round without decreasing: Work a split shell in each chain-1 space from the previous round's split shells and slip stitch to the single crochet between the split shells.
• Alternate between decreasing rounds and non-decreasing rounds until the hat begins to cinch at the top.

Closing the Top:

• Once the top of the hat has closed sufficiently, cut the yarn leaving a tail.
• Use the yarn needle to weave through the remaining stitches at the top to draw them tightly together.

• Finish by weaving in the ends and flipping the hat to the right side to reveal the split shell pattern.

Finished Product:

You will have a split shell stitch hat with a ribbed brim and a closed shell pattern on the top. The hat is finished with a neat and tidy seam.