How to Crochet a Skull Cap

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There are many names—skull cap, skater cap and beanie—but whatever you call it, we're talking about a hat that's popular, easy to wear and stylish. If you have a knowledge of some basic crochet stitches, you can use this article to move step-by-step through the process of making a crochet skull cap for a man or a woman. Let's start stitching!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Crocheting a Men's Skull Cap

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  1. With your main color (MC) chain (ch) 3 and join with a slip stitch (sl st) to first chain to form a ring. A chain stitch is a basic foundation element in crochet. Follow this link for a review of how to crochet a chain. This hat is made by crocheting in rounds. Each round begins with a number of chains that will count as the first stitch and ends by joining the last stitch with the top of the beginning chain. This creates concentric circles.
  2. Ch 3, 9 double crochet (dc) into ring, join with sl st to top of ch 3. You should have 10 sts. A double crochet stitch is twice as high as a single crochet and creates a firm, substantial stitch. Follow this link for a review of how to do a double crochet.
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  3. Ch 2, dc into same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch 2. Now you should have 20 sts. A slip stitch is a small, flat utility stitch used, in this case, to join a ring. Follow this link to see how to make a slip stitch when crocheting.
  4. Ch 2, dc into same st, dc in next st, *(2 dc in next st, dc in next st). Repeat from * eight (8) more times. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Your stitch count is now 30 sts.
  5. Sl st into back loop of same stitch, ch 2, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *(dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st). Repeat from * 8 more times. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. You should have 40 sts.
  6. After completing Round 4, your swatch should measure 5" in diameter. If it doesn't, adjust your hook size to obtain the correct gauge.
  7. Ch 2, dc into same st, dc in next 3 sts, *(2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts). Repeat from * 8 more times. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Your stitch count: 50 sts.
  8. Sl st into back loop of same stitch, ch 2, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *(dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st). Repeat from * 3 more times and dc in last 7 sts. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Now you have 55 sts.
  9. Sl st into back loop of same stitch, ch 2, dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch 2. At the end of Round 9, hold MC to back of work. Repeat Round 9 for a longer hat or skip it to create a shorter hat.
  10. Join contrasting color (CC). Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to beg ch.
  11. With MC, ch 2, dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch 2.
  12. With CC, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to beg ch.
  13. With MC, ch 2, dc in the back loop in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch 2.
  14. With CC, ch 1, sc in the back loop in each st around, join with sl st to beg ch. Tie off CC.
  15. With MC ch 1, sc in the back loop in each st around, join with sl st to beg ch.
  16. Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch.
  17. Tie off MC and weave in yarn ends with a tapestry needle. The finished measurements of your hat should be 8" long with a circumference of approximately 20" (unstretched). This one size should fit most ages teen to adult.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Crocheting a Woman's Skull Cap

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  1. Chain (ch) 3 and join with a slip stitch (sl st).
  2. Ch 3. This chain will count as the first half double crochet (hdc), ch 1 now and through the remainder of the pattern. Work 9 hdc, ch 1. Single crochet (sc) in the beginning chain to join. Follow this link to see single crochet. The single crochet will count as the chain now and throughout the remainder of the pattern. Your stitch count should be 10 hdc, ch 1 total.
  3. Ch 3, Work hdc, ch 1 in the same space. *hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1 in each space around. Repeat from *. Join with a single crochet for a total of 20 hdc, ch 1.
  4. Ch 3, hdc, ch 1, in each space around. Join with a single crochet. Your total: 20 Hdc, ch 1.
  5. Ch 3, hdc, ch 1 in the same space. hdc, ch 1 in the next space. *hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1 in the same space to create the increase. hdc, ch 1 in the next space. Repeat around from *. Join with a single crochet. You should now have 30 hdc, ch 1 total.
  6. Ch 3, *hdc, ch 1, in each space. Join each round with a single crochet. Complete around from *. You should maintain your stitch count at 30 hdc, ch 1 total.
  7. Ch 1, 2 sc in each space around. Join with beginning single crochet. 60 single crochet in all. Ch 1, sc in each single crochet around and join.
  8. Tie off yarn end and weave in with a tapestry needle.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    My skull cap keeps on stretching, what can I do?
    Katarzyna Kapuścińska
    Crochet Expert
    Katarzyna Kapuścińska is a Crochet Expert based in Gdynia, Poland. She is an adept craftswoman specializing in textile-related projects, and has worked as a textile pattern designer, crochet pattern designer and handicraft educator. She is the primary editor of crochetpedia.com, an online crochet hub featuring crochet patterns, crochet stitches, video tutorials, and more. Crochetpedia is a place for all makers, where users hone their skills, learn new crochet techniques, and expand their knowledge base. She is also a frequent contributor to YourCrochet.com, an online center for free, easy crochet and knitting patterns for all skill levels.
    Katarzyna Kapuścińska
    Crochet Expert
    Expert Answer
    If your crochet keeps on stretching out, using cotton or linen yarns would be the better choice. These fibers are not as likely to stretch as others, such as wool. Also, make sure the stitch count and gauge that you are using are the correct ones for it to hold its shape. Lastly, block the finished cap in order to set the shape and avoid further stretching.
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  • Question
    Do I need the tapestry needle?
    Community Answer
    No, you can weave in the ends with the crochet hook through the final row's stitches.
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      Tips

      • If you are a beginner, it is best to be familiar with basic crochet stitches. This will help reduce frustration.
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      • Measuring your head beforehand and choose the right pattern to follow.
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      • Abbreviations:
        • ch - chain
        • st - stitch
        • sc - single crochet
        • dc - double crochet
        • hdc - half double crochet
        • sl st - slip stitch
        • tbl - through back loop
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      Things You'll Need

      • Crochet hook
      • Yarn
      • Tapestry/Yarn Needle

      Materials for a Men's Skullcap

      • Size I/5.5mm crochet hook
      • 1 skein 4-ply yarn in a main color (MC)
      • 1 skein 4-ply yarn in a contrasting color (CC)
      • Tapestry needle (for sewing in the tails)

      Materials for a Women's Skullcap

      • Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
      • 1 skein 4-ply or cotton yarn
      • Tapestry needle (for sewing in the tails)


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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about crochet, check out our in-depth interview with Katarzyna Kapuścińska .

      References

      1. Art of Crochet by Teresa
      2. http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/beanie.shtml

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