Retro Caramel Flower Square Hat - Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
Meet the Retro Caramel Flower Square Hat, a cozy little baby beanie with a whole lot of 90s charm. It's made from four African flower hexagons joined in a 2x2 grid, so the crown looks like a patchwork of lavender-centered blooms framed in chocolate brown and caramel. The dense worsted cotton gives it a soft, sturdy feel that holds its shape, while the two-round caramel single crochet edging and the chocolate pom-pom finish it off with a sweet vintage touch. It's written for crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet and chain spaces, and it makes a lovely baby-shower gift for a 0-6 month little one.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn. Chocolate brown (MC): approx 80 yds. Caramel (CC): approx 40 yds. Lavender (A): approx 10 yds for the flower centers.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or the size needed to match gauge.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch marker, scissors, and a pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard for a 1.5 inch (4 cm) pom-pom.
- Finished size: To fit head circumference 14-16 inches (35.5-40.5 cm). The hat measures approx 7 inches (18 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) tall, excluding the pom-pom.
Abbreviations
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- sl st - slip stitch
- sp - space
- st(s) - stitch(es)
- MR - magic ring (an adjustable loop you crochet into, then pull closed)
- MC - main color (chocolate brown)
- CC - contrasting color (caramel)
- A - accent color (lavender)
Gauge
One African flower square measures 3.5 inches (9 cm) across after blocking. Work one square first and measure it flat; if it's larger, go down a hook size, and if it's smaller, go up a hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Each round of the square begins with a ch 3 that counts as the first dc, so the first 3-dc group is made of the ch 3 plus 2 dc in the same space.
- Keep your ch-1 and ch-2 spaces loose and even. They create the openings that give the flower its shape, and tight spaces make the square pull in.
- Make all four squares before you begin seaming so you can arrange them and check that they match in size.
- Cotton has little stretch, so don't tug the seams tight when joining. A relaxed join keeps the hat soft and rounded.
Step-by-Step Instructions
African Flower Square (make 4)
Set-up: With A, make a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the ring closed. (6 sts)
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, [ch 2, 3 dc in next st] 5 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (6 groups of 3 dc, 6 ch-2 sps) Fasten off A.
Rnd 2: Join MC in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp] twice, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner); rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (6 groups of 3 dc, 6 ch-1 sps, 6 ch-2 sps) Fasten off MC.
Rnd 3: Join CC in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] 3 times, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner); rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (6 groups of 3 dc, 9 ch-1 sps, 6 ch-2 sps) Fasten off CC.
Rnd 4: Join MC in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] 4 times, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner); rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (6 groups of 3 dc, 12 ch-1 sps, 6 ch-2 sps) Fasten off MC.
Square measures approx 3.5 inches (9 cm) across. Make 4 squares.
Assembly
Arrange the four squares in a 2x2 grid with right sides facing up. Join the squares with MC using whipstitch or sl st through back loops only, matching stitches. Join the vertical seams first, then the horizontal seams. Weave in ends.
Edging
Rnd 1: Join CC at any corner of the assembled piece, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner, join with sl st to first sc. (approx 80 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (approx 80 sc) Fasten off CC. Weave in ends.
Pom-pom
Using MC, make a 1.5 inch (4 cm) pom-pom. Attach it securely to the center top of the hat.
Assembly and Finishing
Once the squares are joined and the edging is complete, block the hat lightly to the finished measurements: 7 inches (18 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Pin it flat, mist it with water, and let it dry fully. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side, then fluff the pom-pom and trim any uneven strands so it sits round and full.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the lavender centers for soft pink or mint for a different retro palette, keeping the chocolate and caramel rounds the same.
- For a slightly larger hat, add a third round of caramel sc to the edging, working 3 sc in each corner as before.
- Skip the pom-pom and add a small crocheted flower or a button at the center top for a flatter, more practical baby hat.
