Free Crochet Pattern: Shell Hat with Heart

This little hat is sweet and simple even for the newest beginner. This is one of my favorite hats to whip up quickly before Baby K and I enjoy some outdoor fun or a Girl's Day on the town. Every fashionista needs a fun, stylish hat - no matter her age! 

Note: The pattern below is for infant 3-6 mos. - to increase size you will add increase rounds (After Row 4) in multiples of 5. 2 increase rounds should give you an adult size hat. Add Shell stitch rows until desired length has been achieved. 

 

Materials:

• 4.25 mm (G) Hook 
• Yarn 
• Whatever color you prefer for hat 
• Heart color 
• Tapestry Needle for finishing
  

Abbreviations:

CH - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet

HDC - Half Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

Instructions:

Hat: 

Round 1:  Ch 3, 10 DC in the 1st Ch stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (10)
Round 2: 2 DC in each stitch, sl into beginning ch, ch 2 (20)
Round 3: * 2 DC, 1 DC in next* Repeat between (*) until final stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (30)

Round 4: *Sk 2 st, 5 DC in next st, Sk 2 st, SC in next st* this is your first shell stitch. Repeat (*) around, sl stitch into beginning ch 

Round 5: To line up your shells in this (and future) rounds, you will want to: Sk to middle DC of first shell stitch. 5 DC in center stitch (3rd DC) of 1st shell. Sk 2 st, SC in SC from row 4, *Sk 2 st, 5 DC, Sk 2 st, SC in next st*. Repeat (*) around, sl stitch into beginning ch. 

Round 6 - 10: Repeat round 5.  Tie off and finish. 

Heart

I used this simple Crochet Heart Appliqué pattern I found on "Skip to my Lou" at http://www.skiptomylou.org/crochet-heart-applique/. It's simple and an adorable embellishment for any project you can think of! 

(There are tons of other free patterns to browse so make sure to look around when you're done with your shell hat! )