These tiny ghosts stand just a few inches tall and have a soft, squishy texture that makes them hard to put down once finished. They are small enough to sit on a windowsill or tuck into a pocket, making them a thoughtful gift for friends or a charming addition to your seasonal home decor. This project is a fantastic choice for those new to working in the round, as it relies on simple increases and decreases to build the classic rounded shape. You will learn how to create seamless transitions and manage tight tension for a polished look.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This classic crochet beanie works up quickly using the half double crochet stitch, which provides a dense, warm fabric perfect for cold winter months. Because it is worked in a simple rectangle that is seamed together, the construction is ideal for those still mastering basic stitch tension. You can finish this project in a single evening, making it a reliable choice for last-minute gifts or stocking your market inventory. The ribbing is created by working in the back loops only, giving the hat a professional, store-bought finish that holds its shape well over time.

I managed to finish this hat in about three hours while watching a movie. The instructions were very easy to follow and the size was perfect for an adult medium.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Flat panel construction, seamed to form a tube, then gathered at the top
Finished Dimensions: 18 inches circumference (stretches to 22 inches), 9 inches tall

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), approximately 180 yards of 100% acrylic or wool blend yarn
Hook Size: 5.5 mm (US I-9)
Notions: Tapestry needle, locking stitch markers, scissors, and an optional pom-pom maker
Safe yarn substitutions: Cotton blends can be used, though they will lack the “spring” of wool or acrylic, resulting in a heavier hat that may lose its stretch over time. Using a lighter DK weight yarn will require an additional 20 chains to the starting row and three extra pattern rows to maintain the dimensions.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops)
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch
YO = yarn over

Special Stitch Note

Working in the BLO creates the characteristic ribbing texture. When you work a hdc in the BLO, you insert your hook into the back loop only of the previous row’s stitch, which pushes the front loop forward, creating the raised ridge effect.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Main Hat Panel

Row 1: Ch 40. Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and each ch across. (38 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), turn. Hdc in the BLO of each st across. (38 sts)
Rows 3–50: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 18 inches wide when slightly stretched.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the rectangle in half so that the short ends meet.
Using your tapestry needle and a long tail of yarn, seam the two short ends together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
Once the side is seamed, do not cut the yarn. Weave the yarn in and out along the top edge of the tube.
Pull the yarn tail tight to gather the top of the hat, closing the hole completely.
Secure the center with a knot and weave in your ends on the inside of the hat.
Turn the hat right side out and add a pom-pom to the top if desired.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve the fibers.
Lay the hat flat on a clean towel to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Reshape the hat while damp if it appears slightly stretched from the washing process.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tension consistency: Because this project relies on a repetitive stitch, keep your yarn tension even by holding the yarn firmly in your non-dominant hand. If your tension is too loose, the ribbing will appear gappy.
Counting stitches: Always count your stitches at the end of every row. It is common for beginners to accidentally skip the last stitch, which leads to a tapered or uneven rectangle.
Weaving ends: Always weave your ends in through the back side of the stitches to ensure they do not pull out after repeated wearing. Run the needle through at least three different directions for security.
Size adjustments: To make the hat larger or smaller, simply add or remove chains in your starting row. Adding 5 chains adds approximately 1.5 inches to the height of the hat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?

Using a larger hook will result in a looser, airier fabric that will be less effective at keeping you warm. Stick to the 5.5 mm hook to ensure the fabric remains dense enough for winter wear.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, this is an excellent first project. It focuses on a single stitch type and requires no complex shaping or increases, allowing you to focus on achieving uniform stitch height.

How do I adjust this pattern for a child’s size?

To size down, reduce the starting chain count to 30 and work until the panel reaches a width of 16 inches. This will create a smaller circumference more suitable for a child’s head.

Am I allowed to sell hats made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Please credit the design to this tutorial whenever possible, though you must take your own original photographs for your listings.

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Your finished spirit brings a touch of whimsy to any space and sits comfortably on any flat surface. Experiment with different yarn weights like chunky chenille for a larger version or try using glow-in-the-dark thread for the eyes to add a fun surprise. Seeing your finished work is the best part, so share a photo of your creation on social media to inspire others. Head over to the main archive to find more free projects for your next afternoon hobby session.