It’s finally here — the end of the Chameleon Hat free crochet pattern series. This journey that started in January of this year has been fun and challenging and your response to the series has been amazing…..THANK YOU!
I asked YOU, my blog followers, what you would like to see for the final hat and your responses fell into two categories — some wanted traditional and elegant, others wanted fun and whimsical. Well, it was a tough decision but here is Holiday Joy!
Holiday Joy Hat
You could, of course, add some “bling” to this hat but sometimes less is more and after trying a few options I went with simplicity. I kept the styling simple and elegant in a seasonal cranberry yarn, offset with a warm cream band and for a polished finish, a pretty bow. I used Red Heart Yarn that I bought at Michael’s.
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If you decide to add a bit of embellishment, why not a simple and seasonal sprig of holly? I added some pearl beads as berries and I love the way it looks.
I hope you enjoy this pattern and will share your finished projects on my Facebook page so we can all enjoy your lovely work. Be sure to add it to your Ravelry favorites too!
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors, 200-500 yards based on size
Embroidery floss for holly – 27 yards
Beads for decorating (optional)
Gauge:
Hook US H/5.00mm
8 hdc x 5 rows = 2″
Hook US C/2.75 mm – for holly
Abbreviations:
beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
Rnd – Round
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitches
Special Stitches:
Shell – 5dc in same stitch
Crab Stitch (Crab St) – working backwards, sc in each stitch (from left to right)
Picot – [sc, ch3, sl st in first ch, sc] all in same stitch
*** TO MAKE SURE YOUR HAT FITS PROPERLY, PLEASE CHECK YOUR GAUGE AND MAKE CHANGES TO THE YARN/HOOK ACCORDINGLY***
Crown – All Sizes – Hook US H (5.00 mm)
Rnd 1: With Color 1, make a Magic Circle, ch1, work 8 hdc in center, join. Pull tail tightly to close loop. (8)
Rnd 2: Ch1, 2hdc in each st around, join. (16)
Rnd 3: Ch1, hdc in same st, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st] around, join. (24)
Rnd 4: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 2 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (32)
Rnd 5: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 3 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (40)
Rnd 6: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 4 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 4 ¼” in diameter. (48)
Continue with instructions for desired size
Newborn–3 months/Approximately 12 -14”; 4 1/2″ Long
Rounds 7 – 8: Ch1, hdc in each st around, join. (48 )
6-12 months/Approximately 15-16”; 5 1/4″ Long
Rnd 7: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 5 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 5” in diameter. (56)
Rnds 8 – 9: Ch1, hdc in each st around, join. (56)
Rnd 10: Ch1, [hdc next 13, 2hdc in next], repeat around, join. (60)
12-18 months/Approximately 17-18”; 6″ Long
Rnd 7: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 5 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (56)
Rnd 8: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 6 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 5 ½” in diameter. (64)
Rnds 9 -11: Ch1, hdc in each st around, join. (64)
Rnd 12: Ch1, [hdc next 31 sts, 2hdc in next], repeat to end, join. (66)
Toddler /Approximately 19-20”; 6″ Long
Rnd 7: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 5 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (56)
Rnd 8: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 6 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (64)
Rnd 9: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 6 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 7 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 6” in diameter. (72)
Rnds 10 – 12: Ch1, hdc in each st around, join. (72)
Kids/Approximately 19-20”; 6 3/4″ Long
Rnd 7: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 5 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (56)
Rnd 8: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 6 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (64)
Rnd 9: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 6 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 7 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 6” in diameter. (72)
Rnds 10 – 14: Ch1, hdc in each st around, join. (72)
Adult/Approximately 22-23”; 8″ Long
Rnd 7: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 5 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (56)
Rnd 8: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 6 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. (64)
Rnd 9: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 6 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 7 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 6” in diameter. (72)
Rnd 10: Ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in next 7 sts, 2hdc in next st, [hdc in next 8 sts , 2hdc in next st] around, join. Your circle should be approximately 6 3/4″ in diameter. (80)
Rnds 11-17: Ch1, hdc in each st around, join. (80)
Rnd 18: Ch1, [hdc next 38 sts, 2hdc in next 2 sts], repeat around, join. (84)
Band & Edge – All Sizes – Hook US H (5.00 mm)
Rnd 1: Join Color 2, ch1, sc in each st around, join. (48, 60, 66, 72, 72, 84 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch1, starting in same st, [sc, skip 2, Shell in next st, skip 2] repeat around, join. (8, 10, 11, 12, 12, 14 Shells)
Rnds 3 & 4: Ch3 (counts as dc), [sc in center of next Shell, Shell in next sc] repeat around, ending with 4 dc in beg st, join to top of beg ch3, sl st into next sc.
Rnd 5: Ch3 (counts as dc), [hdc in next st, sc next 3 sts, hdc next st, dc in next st] around to end (last repeat ends with hdc), join.
Rnd 6: Join Color 1, ch1, sc in same st and each st around, join.
Rnd 7: Ch1, [sc next st, 2sc next st], repeat to end, join. (72, 90, 99, 108, 108, 126)
Rnd 8 & 9: Ch1, hdc in each st around to end, join. (72, 90, 99, 108, 108, 126)
Continue with instructions for desired size
For Newborn – 3 Months
Rnd 10: Working in Back Loop Only, sl st in each st around to end, join. (72)
Rnd 11: Ch1, working around sl st of previous Round work Crab St around to end, join. Fasten off.
6 – 12 & 12 – 18 Months
Rnd 10: Working in Back Loop Only, sl st in each st around to end, join. (90, 99)
Rnd 11: Ch1, working around sl st of previous Round work Crab St around to end, join. Fasten off.
Toddlers & Kids
Rnd 10: Ch1, hdc in each st around to end, join. (108, 108)
Rnd 11: Working in Back Loop Only, sl st in each st around to end, join. (108, 108)
Rnd 12: Ch1, working around sl st of previous Round work Crab St around to end, join. Fasten off.
Adults
Rnd 10 & 11: Ch1, hdc in each st around to end, join. (126)
Rnd 12: Working in Back Loop Only, sl st in each st around to end, join. (126)
Rnd 13: Ch1, working around sl st of previous Round work Crab St around to end, join. Fasten off.
Bow – Hook US H (5.00 mm)
Rnd 1: With Color 2, ch34, join with sl st to beg ch to form a loop; sl st first 2 ch, hdc next 13, sl st next 4, hdc next 13, sl st last two, join.
Rnds 2 to 5: Ch1, sc in same st and next st, hdc next 13 sts, sc next 4 sts, hdc next 13 sts, sc last 2 sts, join.
Rnd 6: Sl st first 2 sts, hdc next 13, sl st next 4, hdc next 13, sl st last two, join. Fasten off.
Fold bow with sl st sections in center, with Color 1, wrap yarn around center tightly to make the “knot”. Fasten off. Sew in place on hat.
Holly – Hook US C(2.75 mm):
Work two strands of floss together
Rnd 1: With floss, ch8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc next ch, dc in next 2, hdc next 2, sc last ch, ch2, sc in same ch; working on other side of beg ch, hdc next 2, dc next 2, hdc next, sc last ch, ch2. DO NOT JOIN.
Rnd 2: Working in 1st sc from previous round, Picot, sl st, Picot, sl st 2, Picot, sl st, Picot in ch2 space; Picot, sl st, Picot, sl st 2, Picot, sl st, sl st next st, ch3 to form stem. Fasten off.
Sew beads in place on band. If desired add pearls for the berries. CAUTION: BEADS AND PEARLS MAY POSE A CHOKING RISK. DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED.
Happy Holidays!
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
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Copyright © 2023 Pattern Paradise. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
dorrie says
What is a “magic circle”???
admin says
It is a way to make a beginning circle to start crocheting in the round. You can also crochet a small chain (4 or 5 stitches) and join it with a sl st and then continue. I’m sure you can find a tutorial video on You Tube. Hope that helps. 🙂
Connie Kicklighter says
I was really hoping to give this a try but after reading all the post of size problems I better wait . Lovely hat though.
admin says
The hat has been updated since the original release. The way to insure sizing is to do a gauge swatch and adjust hook accordingly before you start the hat.
Pat Garvin says
Yeah mine is huge. Going to rip it out and try all SC.
admin says
I’ve made some updates to the pattern to adjust the sizing down a bit. Please use the one that is currently posted. Thanks.
Lupe says
I followed this pattern exactly as it says, gauge for 8 hdc, 5 rows measured correctly using yarn and hook size indicated, hat is way too big very wide .I tried both adult and toddler size, crown looks more like a vey wide bowl and seems shorter in length than in picture, why isn’t this working for me? Very frustrated.
admin says
Hi Lupe, I’m sorry you are having trouble. May I ask what yarn and hook you are using.
Lupe says
Hook size H and red heart worsted weight
admin says
I checked the gauge and it is good, I made some tweaks to the pattern to shorten it a bit, hopefully that will help. Please use the current version of the posted pattern.
Denise Fritz says
I just spent all evening working on the hat only to find it way to large. My gauge was correct. I was using an H hook and Red Heart Worsted Weight Yarn. I have been crocheting for nearly 50 years. I think what I will try is to do the first few rows with the adult pattern and then switch down to the toddler pattern and see if that helps since it was probably large enough to fit a hippo. Love your patterns and will make more of this one once I get the sizing correct.
admin says
Where are you finding it to be too large, the circumference of the head or the length from crown? Also, which Red Heart yarn did you use?
Denise says
In reply to your email …. I used Red Heart 4ply Worsted Weight Yarn and a size H crochet hook. My gauge was exactly as it said in the pattern. Before I tore it all out I double checked it again and it was right. The hat was big around the head and way to long….it was huge.
I talked to a friend who also made the pattern and she told me hers was way to large also and she had to leave out a lot of rows to make it the right length.
A friend that lives with me crochets very tight and she also worked up the pattern using a I hook and her hat came out near perfect. Looking at her hdc it looked like my single crochet so last night I worked up the hat again…this time I used the same yarn from the hat I tore out, used the same H crochet hook but instead of crocheting hdc’s I did it all in single crochet. I worked the band as directed. That’s as far as I have gotten so far and it looks perfect and looks more like the pattern picture. I wish I would have taken a picture of the first hat to show along with a ruler since the gauge was right on. Before I tore it out I checked to make sure I hadn’t added any additional rounds even though I use a magnetic board and ruler to keep my place and on rounds that are the same I write down the amount needed and cross them off as I do them.
admin says
Thanks for the update. I’m going to have the sizing re-tested. Can you tell me which size you worked up?
Denise Fritz says
Hi. I went ahead and followed the adult size for the entire hat. I finished it tonight and with the changes I made it came out near perfect. I used a size H for the hat. I switched to a size G for the brim. I worked the entire hat in single crochet instead of half double crochet. On page 4 I left out rounds 13, and 14 and went straight to round 15. For the length the hat came out perfect but it’s to big in diameter. If you could decrease the diameter by at least 1″ – 2″ starting at least by round 11 thru 17 I think it would be perfect in every way. I am plus size (a little over 200) and it’s at least 1 1/2″ to big. If I had it on outside and got stuck where it was windy the hat would blow off. If someone smaller had it on they would probably swim in it. I didn’t do the bow yet because I don’t like doing hdc and was going to see if it would work up the same with using the single crochet like I did in the hat. I am thinking about maybe finding a big fancy crochet flower patter and putting a flower in place. My friend did the bow on hers and it came out nice other than it is way to big and her brim is to large and floppy. One thing I noticed is when doing the brim in the single crochet it lays great. It’s stiff enough to wear it down, up on one side……..If you would like to see a photo of my finished hat…minus the bow…I would be more than happy to send one to you. Denise
Diana says
Thank you for such a beautiful hat pattern!
So glad to see you added head sizes, I use the head sizes when making hats as that’s the only way to I can make hats fit, as some of my family heads are larger than “one size fits all!”
Myself, daughter & Grdaughter’s absolutely love it!
It’s truly adorable!
Penny says
3rd time was a charm! Such an adorable hat! I needed a hat, but hate beanies. This is so adorable!
First try I used Caron Simply Soft yarn, and the adult size turned out way too big!
Second try, same yarn, but I did the child size. Way too small!
I have a 22″ head.
So, I decided to try a size G hook instead. My gauge was spot on with the G hook! But, once I finished row 9, my diameter was already 6 3/4″! So, I omitted row 10, and did rows 11-17 as instructed. On row 18 I did only 1 increase, instead of the 2 as per instructions. And this one fits my head perfectly!
I made the hat in Grey Heather to match my winter coat, with the band in baby pink. I LOVE it!
Thanks so much.
Amy says
I found that after finishing the crown part of the pattern, my gauge was almost an inch larger. This is my 2nd try on this pattern and had the same outcome with the gauge. I make rather tight stitches, so it’s not that I am crocheting too loosely. I am using #4 worsted yarn and a “H” hook, so I guess I should go down a hook size? I think the smaller size hats are much cuter than the adult size. They are not as floppy and look more like the picture. I made one adult size, which I had to go back and make smaller. I was still rather floppy, but it’s still pretty. 🙂
admin says
I would use the diameter measurement as a more accurate reflection of final sizing, so perhaps go down a size. As for the brim and floppy nature, some of that is related to the weight of the yarn as the sizing goes up. You could reduce the # of rows/increases in the brim if you prefer something tighter.
Jolene says
I am almost finished making the hat. I am on the brim but mine is looking floppy compared to the picture. I took the brim apart and same thing. It will be cute this way for my granddaughters. Any idea of what I may be doing wrong?
admin says
Not sure. It could be the yarn you are using or perhaps you crochet a little more loosely. You can try reducing the # of increases, perhaps that will tighten it up.
Jolene says
I decided to take the brim apart and redo. I had crocheted 2 rows of 1sc and 2sc instead of 1 row. The hat is beautiful and made a second one. Thank you!!
Kathryn says
Thank you so much! Just made one for myself, and I love it!
Linda M says
Very pretty
Cara says
unable to print….help!
rita says
i loved the hat pictured and wanted to try it. i am new to crocheting and was surprised how well i was doing. then the brim seemed to get too big but i finished according to the directions. it’s way too big. i think i am taking it back half way and then just finish it. but i was surprised how i was able to follow the pattern because i have been using you tube for visuals. i don’t understand gauge and stuff yet. thank you
Cari says
I love this hat! I can’t wait to make it
Andrea says
Such a pretty hat. I think I’ll make this for me.
admin says
Thank you 🙂
Robin C says
I cannot figure out what the shell stitch is! Is it the Picot stitch?
admin says
The shell stitch definition is in the abbreviations. Shell = 5 dc in the same stitch.
Mary Ann says
adult size is really large. Measure your head before you start and make size according to measurement. Mine turned out really cute, but wish it were smaller. Wish I knew how to post a picture.
Bobbie says
I made this hat. I went down a hook size and dropped a couple rows and it is still huge, for a really large head. Think I will try it using the teen/youth instructions
admin says
Did you check gauge before you started?
Bobbie says
Gauge was perfect, Hat was BIG
diana says
huge made it 3 times thought it was me..
admin says
Please check gauge, the measurements for the finished hat should be accurate if gauge is met.
Amy says
The gauge was fine at the beginning. I did the adult size. Hat was huge.
admin says
You may want to go down a size then. 🙂
Dorriannie says
Pattern is huge. Cute hat after I altered the stitch count.
admin says
Hi Dorriannie, as noted in the pattern, please check gauge to assure best sizing. Glad you were able to work it out for your needs.
Kay Standefer says
As soon as I post this, I’m off upstairs to find my yarn. My daughter recently had brain surgery (she’s doing fabulously) and had to shave her whole head. Baby, it’s cold outside! She saw this on Ravelry and quit looking after that. Thanks for your generosity in sharing with us.
admin says
I’m so happy to hear that! I’d love to see a picture of your daughter wearing your finished hat, feel free to post to my FB page and I hope she continues to make steady improvement 🙂
Susan says
I just made this hat according to the directions, only to find that it is huge. I really like it but I am going to frog it and re-do it with less increases and less rows to the white band, and maybe even use a smaller hook.
admin says
Please check gauge to achieve the finished measurements.
admin says
Did you make gauge? If so the measurements should be very close to those listed in the pattern. My testers found it worked within 1/4″ variance.
Oslynn says
Thank you for these beautiful pattern. When I saw it I actually had one of those ah ha moments. This pattern works up very quickly. I have already made 3 this morning.
Kristina and Millie says
Love the Holiday Joy – reminds me of a bell so wondering if every time you wear it will an angel get wings? 🙂
admin says
Yes, absolutely!
Kate says
I love it – thank you!
PatsyC says
I love the hat, I think I will try doing it for my granddaughter and me, thank you!
Patricia B says
This is just too darn cute! Thanks for the pattern and the giveaway. Unfortunately, I’m unable to Pin the giveaway because Pinterest has blocked your site. Here’s the message it gives: Oops! Sorry! We blocked this link because it may lead to inappropriate content.
Love ya’
admin says
Oh no!!! Can you test it again please, I’m not having the problem and checked with a few others who were able to pin. Perhaps it was just a glitch when you tried earlier?
Carmen says
Cute hat and thank you for the pattern! Very sweet of you!!
admin says
Glad you like it!
Christa says
Thank you. It’s beautiful!
Noemi says
ery pretty hat
anna says
Beautiful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anna
Anne says
Love the pattern and that it comes in lots of sizes. Will start asap. thank you for sharing this pattern.
admin says
Great! Emjoy!
DM says
This is lovely ! exactly what I was looking for ! thank you soooo much !
admin says
🙂
Sina Guthrie says
I love this hat! For myself in a different color, and for giving to chemo patients at my next oncologist visit. Two time breast cancer survivor! I like to give back when I can.
Idea for your blog… using fun fur, make a beanie. When done in brown or beige looks like hair. Also, the weave is loose enough to breathe!
That’s important especially during hot flashes!!
When I made mine, I held brown and beige together.
admin says
Cute idea! I wish you continued good health.
Patricia says
Thank you for the beautiful hat pattern, I can’t wait to try making it in different colors.!
Susan says
I just recently started crocheting. I want to try this.
admin says
It’s easy Susan and I’m here if you have questions!
Joann says
I like the hat, it is beautiful and I will make some for the chemo patients that I crochet, for myself and for friends.
Thank you very much! May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
admin says
Thank you so much for your nice words and thank you for your support in making the chemo hats 🙂
lorraine fontenot says
I would love to make this for my granddaughter. Thank you.
shelbypinelo says
wonderful
Vickie says
Very beautiful hat! I love that you included every possible size! I just recently discovered you,but I will definitely keep following you!
admin says
Oh glad you found us! Come back often!
admin says
Thank you!