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What you need
About 80g worsted weight yarn, size #4
5.5mm crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch marker, optional but helpful
For a printer-friendly version, download the ad-free Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat PDF pattern on Etsy
Instructions
There is something very satisfying about a crochet bucket hat, isn’t there? It’s part practical sun hat, part retro throwback, and part “I made this from yarn I probably forgot I bought three years ago.”
This Georgie Granny Cluster Bucket Hat is a free crochet version of a granny-inspired bucket hat, worked in simple rounds using classic granny clusters. It has that relaxed handmade look without needing complicated shaping, and because the stitch pattern has a bit of natural stretch, it sits comfortably on the head without feeling stiff or helmet-like.
If you love easy wearable crochet projects, you might also enjoy browsing the free patterns in our CraftBits crochet patterns collection. And if you’re in a flower-making mood, this hat would look very cute with a little stitched-on embellishment from our easy crochet flower pattern.
For yarn, cotton or a cotton blend works best because it gives the hat a little structure while still being soft enough to wear. Acrylic will work too, but it may create a softer, floppier brim. If you’re making a few of these for markets, gifts, or teens who suddenly decide handmade hats are cool again, small cotton yarn packs from Amazon or Mary Maxim are handy to have on standby.
What You Need
About 80g worsted weight yarn, size #4
5.5mm crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch marker, optional but helpful
Finished Size
This pattern fits approximately:
Adult small/medium
Head circumference: 51–55cm / 20–21.7 inches
Finished hat: approximately 33.5cm wide by 20cm tall
The granny cluster fabric has stretch, so don’t panic if the hat looks a little smaller than the head measurement while it is flat. That stretch is what helps it sit nicely.
Try the crown on after Round 5 before continuing down the sides. This is the best place to adjust the fit.
Gauge
Work a small swatch in granny cluster stitch before starting.
8 rows of 4 cluster-and-space repeats should measure approximately 10cm x 10cm / 4 x 4 inches.
If your swatch is too large, go down a hook size.
If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size.
Yes, I know, gauge swatches are not the fun bit. But with hats, gauge is the difference between “cute bucket hat” and “why does this only fit the dog?”
Crochet Abbreviations — US Terms
ch — chain
dc — double crochet
sl st — slip stitch
sp — space
rep — repeat
cluster — 3 dc worked into the same chain space
Notes Before You Start
This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
The ch 3 at the beginning of each round counts as the first dc of the first cluster.
At the end of each round, join with a slip stitch into the top of the beginning ch 3.
Each 3 dc group is counted as one granny cluster.
The hat is worked from the top crown down to the brim.
You can use one colour for the whole hat, or change colours each round for a proper scrap-yarn granny look. This is a great project for using leftover cotton yarn from bags, dishcloths and summer tops.
Pattern Instructions
Crown
Make a magic ring.
If you don’t like magic rings, ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1
Ch 3, 2 dc into the ring.
Ch 1, work 3 dc into the ring.
Ch 1, work 3 dc into the ring.
Ch 1, join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
You should have 3 clusters.
Round 2
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
In each ch-1 space around, work:
3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
You should have 6 clusters.
Round 3
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
Work 2 clusters into each ch-1 space around as follows:
3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
You should have 12 clusters.
Round 4
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
Work 1 cluster into each ch-1 space around:
3 dc, ch 1
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
You should have 12 clusters.
Round 5
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
Increase evenly around by working 2 clusters into selected spaces until you have 18 clusters total.
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
You should have 18 clusters.
Fit Check
Place the crown on your head now.
For a slightly larger fit, add one extra cluster evenly into Round 5.
For a larger adult fit, add two extra clusters evenly into Round 5.
Keep your added clusters spaced apart so the crown stays round and doesn’t start doing that strange lumpy potato-chip thing.
Sides Of Hat
Rounds 6–13
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
Work 1 cluster into each ch-1 space around:
3 dc, ch 1
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
Keep the same number of clusters on every round.
For the standard version, continue until Round 13.
For a shorter bucket hat, stop at Round 11 or 12.
For a deeper hat with more forehead coverage, add 1 or 2 extra side rounds.
At this point the hat should start looking like a soft tube. Don’t worry if it looks a bit floppy before the brim goes on — crochet hats have a habit of looking suspicious halfway through.
Brim
The brim is created by increasing the number of clusters so the edge begins to flare outward.
Round 14
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
Increase evenly around by working 2 clusters into some spaces and 1 cluster into others until you have approximately 30 clusters total.
A simple way to do this is:
Work 2 clusters into the next space, ch 1.
Work 1 cluster into the next space, ch 1.
Repeat this pattern around, adjusting slightly at the end if needed to reach 30 clusters.
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
You should have about 30 clusters.
Rounds 15–17
Ch 3, 2 dc into the same space.
Ch 1.
Work 1 cluster into each ch-1 space around:
3 dc, ch 1
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.
Keep 30 clusters per round.
Fasten off after Round 17.
Finishing
Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.
Gently shape the brim with your hands.
If you used cotton yarn, you can lightly steam the brim or block it over a bowl to help it sit evenly. Do not press it flat with an iron unless you enjoy regret and melted yarn surprises.
For a sturdier brim, work one round of single crochet around the final edge, placing 1 sc into each stitch and chain space. This is optional, but it gives the hat a neater finish and helps the brim hold its shape.
Colour Ideas
The original inspiration uses a cheerful yellow and cream colourway, which gives the hat a sunny daisy-like feel.
You could also try:
Cream, tan and sage for a soft cottage look
Hot pink, orange and cream for festival styling
Red, green and cream for a Christmas market version
Blue, white and denim tones for a beachy summer hat
Scrap yarn rounds for a true granny-style stash-buster
This is one of those patterns where the “leftover yarn basket” can actually look intentional. Finally, the scraps get their moment.
Helpful Tips
Use cotton or cotton-blend yarn if you want a more structured bucket hat.
Count your clusters at the end of each round, especially on increase rounds.
Try the hat on after the crown section before you commit to the full body.
If the brim is too wavy, you may have too many clusters. Remove a few increases on Round 14.
If the brim is too flat, add a few more increases evenly around Round 14.
If you are brand new to crochet, this is a good next-step project after scarves, dishcloths and simple granny squares. You can also browse more free ideas in our Crochet Patterns section.
Project Variations
Add a crochet flower to one side for a cute retro finish.
Make the crown and brim in one colour, then use contrast colours for the body rounds.
Use a single neutral yarn for a cleaner everyday version.
Make the brim longer by adding Rounds 18 and 19, keeping the same cluster count.
Turn it into a festival hat by using bright scrap yarns and changing colour every round.
Prefer a printable copy? You can also grab the ad-free PDF version of the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat crochet pattern in our Etsy shop. It’s handy if you like to print your patterns, keep them in a project folder, or avoid scrolling while you’re counting clusters.
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