FREE MODERN CROCHET PATTERNS USING THE CROCHET WAISTCOAT STITCH.
#Fair Isle Friday Series {week 3}
Who else scrolls through Instagram & sees beautiful hats with geometric patterns they want to make? Usually, these hats are knit, not crochet, & seem so complicated. Recently I tried picking up my knitting needles again. All I could hear was that voice in my head saying “Remember how this usually goes?”. How could I forget, it always ends in a tangled mess of frustration. Not this time, I didn’t even start knitting. Instead, I went back to what’s familiar. The result was a modern crochet pattern and an easy way to become your own designer.
The past 2 weeks on the #Fair Isle Friday Series you have learned tips to make the center single crochet stitch easier & 2 ways to change yarn colors. Both of those methods will be used in today’s modern crochet pattern.
Ok, here is the fun part! Have you heard of Stitch Fiddle? You can be your own crochet pattern designer. Stitch Fiddle is a website that lets you graph your own patterns. They have options for crocheting, knitting, & cross stitch. I have used a few different platforms & this is by far the easiest to use. (I’m not an affiliate for Stitch Fiddle. I just really like them & think you will too!)
Here’s how the color chart works.
Each box is equal to 1 csc. You will begin reading the pattern on the bottom right-hand side working your way from right to left. (Starting with the number 1 square) To start round 2 you will go back to the right side of the chart & up to row 2. The white boxes are the main color yarn & the black boxes the contrast color yarn.
To make the ikat hat you will need to download the PDF color chart for the either the toddler or adult size.
Materials
- U.S. size 5.5mm and 6.50mm
- Main Color Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (80-100yards) in color Cream(ish) (weight 3oz/167yd)
- Contrast Color Yarn: Worsted weight yarn contrast color (40-50yards) in color Gun Metal(ish) (weight 3oz/167yd)
- Other yarn substitutes: Red Heart Soft, Lion Brand Heartland Yarn
Gauge 5.5mm hook 7 sts= 2″
Special Stitches
- Center Single Crochet (csc) also know as the crochet waistcoat stitch, is a basic single crochet stitch but is worked between the “legs” of the stitches from the previous row. This is the space between the upside down “V” formed by the previous row stitches. Other than location there is no difference, it is worked exactly the same way as a traditional sc.
*Tip* work this stitch rather loosely or you will have a hard time working into the correct space. See this Video.
- Change Colors: I use the 2nd method in this video to change colors
- Center Single Crochet 2 Together: (csc2tog) worked the same as a traditional single crochet 2 together except where you insert your hook. On your 2nd round of decreasing, insert your hook in between the legs of the stitch that is facing forward. *where the arrows are pointing*
Pattern Notes
- pattern is worked from bottom to top
- join at the end of each round using no cut join method Video
- you will need to follow the included color chart. see above for more details.
- If you need help with the abbreviations I have a crochet cheat sheet here.
You can find more toddler crochet patterns here.
Modern Ikat Crochet Pattern – Toddler
Hat Band 5.50mm hook
* use MC yarn
ch 54 sl st to 1st ch to form a loop.
round 1 ch 1, sc in each ch around. join (54sts)
round 2-4 ch 2. * 1 FPDC, 1 BPDC, repeat from * around. join (54sts)
Hat Body 6.50mm hook
round 1 ch 1, 1 sc in each st around. join (54sts)
rounds 2-21 ch 1, Follow the color chart, starting at the bottom right corner. Each box counts as 1 csc. Each round will have 54 sts. join using the “No-Cut Join Method”
Decrease
*use MC yarn
round 22 ch 1,* csc2tog, 4 csc. repeat from * around. join (45sts)
round 23 ch 1,*csc2tog, csc. repeat from * around. join (30sts) *see picture
round 24 repeat round 23 (20sts)
round 25 ch 1, *csc2tog, repeat from * around. join (10sts)
round 26 repeat round 25 (5sts)
Break yarn and weave through the top loops of remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in ends. Make a large pom pom & secure to top of the hat.
Modern Ikat Crochet Pattern Adult
Hat Band 5.50mm hook
* use MC yarn
ch 60, without twisting your chain, sl st to 1st ch to form a loop.
round 1 ch 1, sc in each ch around. join (60sts)
rounds 2-5 ch 2, * 1 FPDC, 1 BPDC, repeat from * around. join (60sts)
Hat Body 6.50mm hook
round 1 ch 1, 1 sc in each st around. join (60sts)
rounds 2-26 ch 1, Follow the color chart, starting at the bottom right corner. Each box counts as 1 csc. The white boxes are the main color, black boxes are contrast color. Each round will have 60 sts. join using the “No-Cut Join Method”
Decrease
*use MC yarn
round 27 ch 1,* csc2tog, 4 csc. repeat from * around. join (50sts)
round 28 ch 1,*csc2tog, 3 csc. repeat from * around. join (40sts) *see picture
round 29 ch 1,*csc2tog, 2 csc. repeat from * around. join (30sts)
round 30 ch 1, *csc2tog, 1 csc. repeat from * around. join (20sts)
round 31 ch 1, *csc2tog repeat from * around. join (10sts)
round 32 repeat round 31 (5sts)
Break yarn and weave through the top loops of remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in ends. Make a large pom pom & secure to top of the hat.
Someday, probably when my kids are in college, I may find the time to master knitting. Until then I will keep improvising. I hope when you find the inspiration you will turn to these tools & techniques to create your very own modern crochet patterns. Next week on #Fair Isle Friday Series I will have a list of my favorite Fair Isle Patterns for you.
How do I make a pom pom for them top of my hat?
How would you adjust the size of it needed to be bigger or smaller?
I’m hoping to see sock patterns using this stitch soon. So far I have made the mittens and this hat. Keep up the great work.
Hi Pat,
Socks would be amazing with this stitch! Can you believe I’ve never crocheted a pair?! I think I should add that to my “to make” list for this upcoming year. Thanks for the suggestion.
Stay Cozy,
Sierra
I am wondering if this hat could be made using a heavier yarn such as the Bernat Softee Baby Chunky (5 or 6)? If so would you use a smaller hook?
Hi Velda!
You can certainly give it a try! You will need to adjust the stitch count. The center single crochet stitch is a tight stitch. That’s why I use a larger hook than what is recommended for the yarn. If you use a thicker yarn and smaller hook the hat will be pretty stiff and not stretchy.
I don’t have a hat pattern using the bulky weight yarn, I will keep that in my mind for my upcoming designs.
If you give it try I’d love to hear how it goes!
It would be nice if you had a link to the pattern page on Ravelry. It took me ten minutes to find it, so I could add it to my Ravelry Library!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/modern-ikat-hat
Hello!
That’s a great idea.Thank you for the suggestion!
You can knit! I’m sure of it. Give me an afternoon or so…
Oh, I would love that! I think I need a little more patience and a great teacher!