It’s October, which means it’s time for the Crochet Cancer Challenge! I’m excited to introduce a special hat design created just for the Challenge. This hat holds a special place in my heart, as it’s my fourth contribution to this meaningful event. Since 2021, I’ve had the honor of designing hats for this challenge, including the St. Peregrine Hat, Cancer Strong Hat, and Holy Trinity Beanie. Each year, this challenge offers an opportunity to raise awareness and provide comfort to those battling cancer, and I’m proud to continue supporting this cause through my crochet designs.
The Gentle Embrace Hat is inspired by the softness and warmth that I aimed to create in the matching Gentle Embrace Infinity Scarf and Ear Warmer patterns. Using beginner-friendly stitches like single and double crochet along with textured front post treble crochet stitches, this hat works up quickly and provides a cozy fit. Whether you’re making it as part of the Crochet Cancer Challenge or as a gift for a loved one, this pattern is a thoughtful way to show you care.
Join me in spreading comfort and hope for the month of October, and beyond!
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LIMITED TIME ONLY – October 16-31, 2024
Pledge to donate and you can get the PDF Pattern for FREE through the Crochet Cancer Challenge hosted by Sweet Potato 3.
Keep reading to find the button and claim the free pattern.
Introducing the Gentle Embrace Crochet Hat Pattern
The Gentle Embrace Hat is designed to match the modern yet timeless look of the Gentle Embrace Infinity Scarf and Ear Warmer. It uses worsted weight yarn, such as Lion Brand Basic Stitch, and features soft texture created by alternating single crochets, double crochets, and front post treble crochet stitches, giving it both visual interest and a snug fit. Worked from the bottom up, this hat is made in the round, which helps maintain a seamless appearance.
One of the great things about the Gentle Embrace Hat is that there are instructions for five different sizes, making it suitable for a variety of recipients—from babies to adults. The hat is also a fantastic stash-busting project, as it can be made with worsted weight yarn you may already have on hand. If you’ve already worked on the matching scarf or ear warmer, you can use any leftover yarn to complete the set, making it an eco-friendly choice for your handmade gifts.
I also want you to be adventurous with your color choices! I am in love with the three-color and solid versions because those were the two I could immediately envision when designing this pattern. But what I didn’t expect was how cool the two-color version turned out – I think it’s my favorite! I bet some equally amazing versions could be made with more colors too.
In line with the spirit of the Crochet Cancer Challenge, crocheters are encouraged to donate at least one hat to someone affected by cancer, whether it’s through a local charity or directly to a loved one.
You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.
About the Stitches
Before you can get started with this crochet hat pattern, here are some details you need to know.
Skill Level:
Materials:
- Worsted Weight Yarn, such as Lion Brand Basic Stitch (100% Acrylic) in 1-3 colors
- Infant – 14-16″ (35.6-40.5 cm) head circumference – 69 yards
- Toddler – 16-18″ (40.5-45.7 cm) head circumference – 96 yards
- Child – 18-20″ (45.7-50.8 cm) head circumference – 111 yards
- Teen/Adult Small – 20-23″ (50.8-58.4 cm) head circumference – 138 yards
- Adult Large – 22-24″ (55.9-61.0 cm) head circumference – 154 yards
- H-8 (5mm) Hook
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Gauge: 13 stitches x 12 rows = 4″ square, made with a swatch of the pattern
Finished Dimensions When Laying Flat:
- Infant – 6 x 6″ (15.2 x 15.2 cm)
- Toddler – 7 x 7″ (17.8 x 17.8 cm)
- Child – 8.5 x 7.5″ (21.6 x 19.0 cm)
- Teen/Adult Small – 10 x 8″ (25.4 x 20.3 cm)
- Adult Large – 11 x 8″ (27.9 x 20.3 cm)
Stitch Abbreviations:
- fdc – foundation double crochet
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- FPtr – front post treble crochet
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together
- st – stitch
- rep – repeat
- * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Special Stitches
- Front Post Treble Crochet – FPtr – yarn over twice, insert your hook around the designated post from the front of your work, yarn over and pull up a loop, * yarn over and pull through two loops *, rep from * to * two more times.
Pattern Notes:
- US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
- Hat is worked in the round
- Turn after each round
- Multiples of 6 + 2 (or 6 + 4 if doing foundation chain)
- Ch 1 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch
- Ch 2 at the beginning of a round counts as a stitch
- FPtr is worked around the dc two rows below
- Carry the yarn up the seam on the wrong side of your work to eliminate extra work weaving in ends
- An alternative to the ch 2 at the beginning of a round, you could substitute a Stacked Double Crochet stitch
- Leave a long tail at the top of the hat, weave it around the hole and cinch it tight to close the top of the hat
How to Make This Textured Crochet Hat Pattern
Infant Size (3 Colors)
Round 1 (RS): In Color A, fdc 38, sl st to top of first fdc. Change to Color B. Turn. (38 fdc)
Alternate Round 1: ch 40, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch to end of row, sl st to the top of the skipped chains. Change to Color B. Turn. (38 dc)
Round 2 (WS): ch 1, sc in 1st st, sc in each st to end of round, sl st to top of 1st sc, change to Color C. Turn. (38 sc)
Round 3 (RS): ch 2, * dc 3, FPtr 3 *, rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (20 dc, 18 FPtr)
Round 4 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 5 (RS): ch 2, * FPtr 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (20 dc, 18 FPtr)
Round 6 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 7 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 8 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 9 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 10 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 11 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 12 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 13 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 14 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 15 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 16 (WS): ch 1, * sc, sc2tog, * rep from * to * until end of the round. Turn. (26 st)
Round 17 (RS): Rep Round 16. (18 st)
Round 18 (WS): Rep Round 16. (12 st)
Round 19 (RS): Rep Round 16. (8 st)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail around the stitches in the last round and cinch it tight to close the hole. Weave in ends.
Toddler Size (3 Colors)
Round 1 (RS): In Color A, fdc 44, sl st to top of first fdc. Change to Color B. Turn. (44 fdc)
Alternate Round 1: ch 46, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch to end of row, sl st to the top of the skipped chains. Change to Color B. Turn. (44 dc)
Round 2 (WS): ch 1, sc in 1st st, sc in each st to end of round, sl st to top of 1st sc, change to Color C. Turn. (44 sc)
Round 3 (RS): ch 2, * dc 3, FPtr 3 *, rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (23 dc, 21 FPtr)
Round 4 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 5 (RS): ch 2, * FPtr 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (23 dc, 21 FPtr)
Round 6 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 7 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 8 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 9 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 10 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 11 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 12 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 13 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 14 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 15 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 16 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 17 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 18 (WS): ch 1, * sc, sc2tog, * rep from * to * until end of the round. Turn. (30 st)
Round 19 (RS): Rep Round 18. (20 st)
Round 20 (WS): Rep Round 18. (14 st)
Round 21 (RS): Rep Round 18. (10 st)
Round 22 (WS): Rep Round 18. (7 st)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail around the stitches in the last round and cinch it tight to close the hole. Weave in ends.
Child Size (3 Colors)
Round 1 (RS): In Color A, fdc 50, sl st to top of first fdc. Change to Color B. Turn. (50 fdc)
Alternate Round 1: ch 52, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch to end of row, sl st to the top of the skipped chains. Change to Color B. Turn. (50 dc)
Round 2 (WS): ch 1, sc in 1st st, sc in each st to end of round, sl st to top of 1st sc, change to Color C. Turn. (50 sc)
Round 3 (RS): ch 2, * dc 3, FPtr 3 *, rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (26 dc, 24 FPtr)
Round 4 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 5 (RS): ch 2, * FPtr 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (26 dc, 24 FPtr)
Round 6 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 7 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 8 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 9 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 10 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 11 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 12 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 13 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 14 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 15 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 16 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 17 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 18 (WS): ch 1, * sc, sc2tog, * rep from * to * until end of the round. Turn. (34 st)
Round 19 (RS): Rep Round 18. (23 st)
Round 20 (WS): Rep Round 18. (16 st)
Round 21 (RS): Rep Round 18. (11 st)
Round 22 (WS): Rep Round 18. (8 st)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail around the stitches in the last round and cinch it tight to close the hole. Weave in ends.
Teen/Adult Small Size (3 Colors)
Round 1 (RS): In Color A, fdc 56, sl st to top of first fdc. Change to Color B. Turn. (56 fdc)
Alternate Round 1: ch 58, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch to end of row, sl st to the top of the skipped chains. Change to Color B. Turn. (56 dc)
Round 2 (WS): ch 1, sc in 1st st, sc in each st to end of round, sl st to top of 1st sc, change to Color C. Turn. (56 sc)
Round 3 (RS): ch 2, * dc 3, FPtr 3 *, rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (29 dc, 27 FPtr)
Round 4 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 5 (RS): ch 2, * FPtr 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (29 dc, 27 FPtr)
Round 6 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 7 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 8 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 9 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 10 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 11 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 12 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 13 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 14 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 15 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 16 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 17 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 18 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 19 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 20 (WS): ch 1, * sc, sc2tog, * rep from * to * until end of the round. Turn. (42 st)
Round 21 (RS): Rep Round 20 (28 st)
Round 22 (WS): Rep Round 20 (19 st)
Round 23 (RS): Rep Round 20 (13 st)
Round 24 (WS): Rep Round 20 (9 st)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail around the stitches in the last round and cinch it tight
to close the hole. Weave in ends.
Adult Large (3 Sizes)
Round 1 (RS): In Color A, fdc 62, sl st to top of first fdc. Change to Color B. Turn. (62 fdc)
Alternate Round 1: ch 64, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch to end of row, sl st to the top of the skipped chains. Change to Color B. Turn. (62 dc)
Round 2 (WS): ch 1, sc in 1st st, sc in each st to end of round, sl st to top of 1st sc, change to Color C. Turn. (62 sc)
Round 3 (RS): ch 2, * dc 3, FPtr 3 *, rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (32 dc, 30 FPtr)
Round 4 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 5 (RS): ch 2, * FPtr 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc, sl st to top of ch 2, change to Color B. Turn. (32 dc, 30 FPtr)
Round 6 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 7 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 8 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 9 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 10 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 11 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 12 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 13 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 14 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 15 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 16 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color A.
Round 17 (RS): Rep Round 5
Round 18 (WS): Rep Round 2, change to Color C.
Round 19 (RS): Rep Round 3
Round 20 (WS): ch 1, * sc, sc2tog, * rep from * to * until end of the round. Turn. (42 st)
Round 21 (RS): Rep Round 20 (28 st)
Round 22 (WS): Rep Round 20 (19 st)
Round 23 (RS): Rep Round 20 (13 st)
Round 24 (WS): Rep Round 20 (9 st)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail around the stitches in the last round and cinch it tight to
close the hole. Weave in ends.
October 16-31, 2024: Pledge to donate and get the Gentle Embrace Hat pattern for free! Click on the button below and go to Ravelry. If you don’t have the coupon code, visit the Crochet Cancer Challenge main page.
Missed a few days of the Challenge? Head back to Sweet Potato 3 and check out some additional patterns that are available all month long.
Purchase the Gentle Embrace Crochet Hat Pattern
You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.
More Crochet Hat Patterns Perfect for Donating
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making the Gentle Embrace Hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!
Copyright 2020-2025 Remington Lane Crochet, LLC. This pattern and its images are copyright protected and the sole property of Remington Lane Crochet LLC. Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern, or alter it to claim as your own.
You may sell any products you create from this pattern. Please credit the designer by linking online listings to https://remingtonlane.com/ or by tagging @remingtonlanecrochet
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