How to Make a Crochet Hexagon Step-by-Step

Ready to move beyond the classic granny square? If you love making crochet motifs, the crochet hexagon is a fantastic shape to master. These six-sided pieces fit together like a dream, creating a beautiful, modern fabric. In this multi-part crochet-along from One Big Happy Yarn Co., expert instructor Sara Delaney and renowned designer Kristin Nicholas will guide you every step of the way. You’ll start with your first solid-color hexie, learn multi-colored motifs, and finally join them into four fun projects: a garland, a cowl, a blanket, and a bonus blanket design.

This series is perfect for beginners who know the basics of crochet (chain, single crochet, double crochet) and want to level up to colorful motif work. Follow along with the videos below and use this written guide as your companion.

🎬 Follow Along with Our Crochet Hexagon CAL

🧶 Gather Your Supplies to Get Started

• Yarn: Worsted weight (number 4 medium) in multiple colors. Kristin Nicholas is famous for her bold, joyful color choices — this is the project to raid your stash and go wild with color! Each small hexagon uses a very small amount of yarn.
• Hook: Size H/8 (5mm) or whatever gives you a nice, even fabric
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and sewing motifs together
• Scissors
• Stitch markers: Optional but helpful for marking corners

Understanding Basic Crochet Terms

Before you dive into the videos, let's quickly review the three basic stitches you'll be using to create your hexagons. Getting comfortable with these terms and their abbreviations will make following the pattern a breeze. If you're ever looking for a new project to practice these stitches, we have a huge library of knitting and crochet patterns to explore.

SS (Slip Stitch)

The slip stitch (ss) is the shortest and most humble of the crochet stitches, but it’s incredibly important. Its main job is to join work, move your yarn to a new position without adding any height, or create a neat, flat edge. In this hexagon pattern, you'll use a slip stitch to join your starting chain into a ring and to close each round as you build your motif. Later, it becomes a fantastic, nearly invisible way to connect your finished hexagons, creating a beautiful fabric without bulky seams. Think of it as the quiet helper that holds everything together.

CH (Chain)

The chain stitch (ch) is the foundation of almost everything in crochet. It’s likely the very first stitch you ever learned! By pulling a loop of yarn through the loop on your hook, you create a series of interconnected links that form the starting point for your project. For our hexagons, you'll start with a few chain stitches joined into a ring. You'll also use chains to create the spaces at the corners of the hexagon, which is how the shape grows. Mastering the chain is the first step to unlocking countless creative projects, and you can find many beginner-friendly free patterns on our site to practice.

DC (Double Crochet)

The double crochet (dc) is the star of this show. It's a taller stitch that allows you to build fabric quickly, which is why it's so satisfying to use. The body of your hexagon is made almost entirely of double crochet stitches worked in clusters. This stitch creates a wonderful, flexible fabric with a bit of drape, making it perfect for projects like blankets and cowls. Its height also does a great job of showing off the beautiful colors of your crochet yarn, so don't be afraid to choose some bold and exciting shades for this project!

📐 Why We Love Crochet Hexagons

Hexagons tessellate perfectly — they fit together with no gaps, creating a honeycomb-like fabric that's both strong and beautiful. Unlike squares, hexagons have six sides and six corners, which opens up exciting design possibilities:

• They create a more organic, flowing layout than rigid square grids
• Color interactions are more complex and interesting with 6 neighbors instead of 4
• The round-to-hexagon shape transition is smooth and natural
• They work beautifully for blankets, garlands, cowls, and more

As Kristin Nicholas says, hexagons are a wonderful playground for color experimentation. The series includes both solid and multi-colored hexagons, so you'll learn to work with one color at a time and with color changes.

The Geometry of a Perfect Shape

There's something so satisfying about watching your crocheted motifs fit together, and hexagons take that feeling to a whole new level. They tessellate, which is a fancy way of saying they tile perfectly without any gaps, creating a beautiful honeycomb fabric that's both strong and flexible. Unlike squares that form a rigid grid, the six sides of a hexagon create a more organic, flowing layout in your projects. This unique structure is why we think hexagons are a fantastic alternative to the traditional granny square for creating everything from blankets to bags.

With six sides instead of four, each motif has more neighbors, which opens up a world of complex and interesting color combinations. It’s the perfect playground for experimenting with different yarn fibers and seeing how they work together. The transition from working in the round to creating the six distinct corners feels smooth and intuitive, making it a wonderfully rewarding process. The geometry of the hexagon provides a perfect foundation for building stunning, cohesive pieces that have a natural and elegant drape.

Mathematical Properties

You don’t need to be a math whiz to appreciate why hexagons work so well for crochet. It all comes down to a simple fact: a regular hexagon has six equal sides and six equal angles. This perfect symmetry is the secret to why your motifs will line up so neatly every time you join them. As long as you maintain a reasonably consistent tension, the geometry does all the hard work for you. There’s no need to fudge stitches or stretch your pieces to make them fit; they are designed to connect seamlessly.

Hexagons in Nature and Technology

When you crochet a hexagon, you're using a design that nature has been perfecting for millions of years. It’s one of the most efficient and stable shapes found in the natural world, appearing everywhere from the delicate structure of a snowflake to the massive formations of basalt columns. This isn't a coincidence; the hexagonal shape provides maximum strength and space while using the minimum amount of material. It’s nature’s way of being both beautiful and incredibly practical, a principle that translates perfectly to our craft and results in a fabric that is inherently strong and visually balanced.

This connection to the natural world can bring a deeper sense of purpose to your crafting time. As you work each round, you're building something that feels both elemental and timeless, echoing the patterns of the world around us. It’s a fantastic opportunity to play with color, whether you’re using earthy, natural tones or a vibrant mix from our yarn value packs. The hexagonal form provides a canvas that feels ancient yet modern, inviting creativity while giving your finished project a sturdy, reliable structure.

From Honeycombs to Telescopes

The most famous example of hexagons in nature is the honeycomb. Bees are brilliant engineers, building hexagonal cells because the shape allows them to store the most honey while using the least amount of wax. It’s a masterclass in strength and efficiency. But this powerful shape isn’t just for bees. Technology has also borrowed from nature's playbook, using hexagons in everything from the mirrors of giant telescopes to the simple nut and bolt, all because of the shape's structural integrity and ability to fit together tightly. Crocheting a hexagon means you're using a truly smart shape.

How to Crochet Your First Hexagon

Step 1: Start with a Center Ring

Start with a slip knot on your hook. Instead of chaining to form a ring, Kristin and Sara use a simple approach:

1. Chain 2 (this acts as the first "leg" of your first cluster).
2. Work 2 double crochets directly into the circle formed by wrapping yarn around your finger (or into the first chain).
3. You now have your first group of 3 (the chain-2 counts as the first dc).

Step 2: Crochet Round 1 with Six Clusters

A hexagon has six sides, so Round 1 needs 6 groups of 3 double crochets, with a chain 1 between each group:

1. After your first group of 3, chain 1.
2. Work 3 double crochets into the center ring, then chain 1.
3. Repeat until you have 6 groups of 3 dc with chain-1 spaces between them.
4. Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-2 to close the round.

As Sara explains, you can already see the hexagon shape emerging — "sets of three double crochets all around the first row."

Step 3: How to Change Colors for Round 2

If changing colors (which Sara and Kristin encourage!), fasten off your first color and join the new color in any chain-1 space. For Round 2, the clusters change from groups of 3 to groups of 2 double crochets:

1. Chain 2 (counts as first dc), work 1 more dc in the same space.
2. Chain 1, then in the next chain-1 space, work 2 dc, chain 1, 2 dc (this forms the corner — where the hexagon "turns").
3. Work 2 dc in the next space (this is a side cluster).
4. Continue around: corners get 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc and sides get 2 dc.
5. Slip stitch to close the round.

As Kristin notes, "The nice thing about doing the groups of two is it saves you a little yarn and it doesn't get quite as heavy." The hexagon grows outward with each round, adding more clusters per side.

Alternative Method: The Solid Crochet Hexagon

While the classic granny hexagon has a beautiful, lacy look, sometimes a project calls for a denser fabric. The solid crochet hexagon is a fantastic alternative that creates a motif with no gaps, making it perfect for warm blankets, sturdy bags, or pieces of a garment where you want more coverage. This method is built on the same geometric principles—working in the round to create six corners—but the way you fill in the sides results in a solid, visually satisfying piece of fabric. It’s a simple variation that opens up a whole new world of texture and possibility for your crochet projects.

Round 1: The Foundation

To begin your solid hexagon, you'll first create a center ring. Many crocheters prefer using a magic circle for a completely closed center, but you can also chain 2 and work your first stitches into the first chain you made. For this first round, you will establish the six points of your shape by working six clusters of three double crochet stitches into your center ring. It's crucial to place a chain stitch between each of these clusters, as these chain spaces are where you'll form the corners in the next round. Once you have six clusters and six chain spaces, you can join to the first stitch with a slip stitch, and you'll have a perfect little hexagon foundation ready to grow with your favorite crochet yarn.

Growing Your Solid Hexagon

As your hexagon expands, the pattern adjusts slightly to keep the sides straight and the corners sharp. In each following round, the corners are formed by working a sequence of (2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet) all into the same corner chain space from the round below. This is what gives the hexagon its distinct six-pointed shape. Along the flat sides between the corners, you will work a single cluster of two double crochet stitches into each chain space. Using groups of two stitches instead of three keeps the fabric from becoming too bulky and helps it lay flat, creating a flexible and beautifully draping material. This technique is wonderfully versatile, forming the basis for countless crochet patterns, from cozy cardigans to heirloom blankets.

How to Make Your Crochet Hexagon Bigger

Each subsequent round follows the same logic:

• At each corner: Work 2 dc, chain 1, 2 dc in the corner chain-1 space
• On each side: Work 2 dc in each chain-1 space between clusters
• Chain 1 between every group of 2 dc

As Sara demonstrates in Episode 3, "It's the same basic process as the three rounds that we've done in the other hexagons — you're just adding more of those two double crochet groups on each side." With each new round, each side gets one more cluster, making the hexagon progressively larger.

How to Square Off Your Crochet Hexagon

For certain projects (like blankets), you may need to "square off" your hexagons — fill in the pointed top and bottom to create a flat edge. Episode 3 covers this technique in detail:

1. Start at a corner with your chosen color.
2. Chain 2, then dc in the first dc below to create a straight side.
3. Work 2 dc in each space across the side.
4. At the corner, work 2 single crochets (one in each dc of the corner), then slip stitch into the corner space.
5. The result is a diagonal fill that turns the hexagon into a rectangle-friendly shape.

As Sara shows, "It made like a diagonal" — this corner fill creates a smooth, straight edge that makes joining hexagons into a rectangular blanket much easier.

🎨 4 Inspiring Projects for Your Crochet Hexagons

The crochet-along series guides you through four projects of increasing complexity:

The Classic Hexagon Cardigan

Sizing and Yarn Estimates

One of the best parts of making a hexagon cardigan is how simple it is to customize the fit. Since the garment is built from two large hexagons, you can make one for anyone just by adding or subtracting rounds. As a general guide, a toddler size might use around 13 rounds, while an adult size often needs 20-21 rounds. The best way to check the fit is to drape the hexagon over your shoulder as you work. For a cozy and classic cardigan, we recommend using a worsted weight (CYC 4) yarn. An adult medium typically requires 1,200 to 1,400 yards, but always check your specific pattern for exact yardage.

This project is a wonderful way to play with color and construction. The magic happens when you fold the two hexagons and seam them together, creating the body and sleeves all at once. It’s a perfect canvas for your creativity! You can easily add length to the body or cuffs, work a ribbed border for a polished finish, or even add a collar for extra warmth. Remember to get enough yarn from the same dye lot to ensure your color is consistent, especially if you're using a single color for the whole piece. This simple construction method results in a truly unique and wearable garment you’ll be proud of.

💡 Expert Tips for Flawless Crochet Hexagons

• Be bold with color. Kristin Nicholas is known for her fearless use of color, and hexagons are the perfect canvas. "You can start seeing how the hole starts to develop and starts building the hexagon," she says — and color makes that structure pop.
• Work over your tails. When starting a new color, crochet over the tail for the first few stitches. This secures it and saves weaving-in time later. As Kristin says, "I leave my tail right wrapped around and then I can pull it tight later."
• Pull the center tight. After completing Round 1, pull your beginning tail to close up the center hole. This creates a much neater center point.
• Use groups of 2 dc after Round 1. Switching from clusters of 3 to clusters of 2 in subsequent rounds keeps the hexagon from getting too heavy and saves yarn.
• Practice corners before making them all. The squaring-off technique for turning hexagons into rectangular shapes takes a little practice — make one corner piece first before committing to all of them.
• Mix hexagon sizes. Small hexagons (2–3 rounds) work great for garlands and lightweight projects. Larger hexagons (5+ rounds) make a blanket come together faster with fewer motifs to join.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Trust the Process: Why Your Hexagon Isn't Flat (Yet)

When you finish your first couple of rounds, you might look down at your work and think, "Uh oh, this isn't flat." Your little hexagon might be curling up like a bowl or have a bit of a ruffle around the edge. Don't panic! This is completely normal. The geometry of a hexagon takes a few rounds to really establish itself and lay flat. As you continue to add rounds, the weight and structure will increase, encouraging the piece to relax. Think of it like this: each hexagon is part of a larger honeycomb, and it needs its neighbors to hold its shape perfectly. Once you block your finished motifs or join them together, any lingering waviness will disappear, leaving you with a beautifully tessellated fabric.

The Importance of a Gauge Swatch

We know, we know. Making a gauge swatch can feel like a chore when you're excited to start a project. But trust us, it's the most important step, especially for a project made of motifs. Even a small difference in the size of each hexagon can dramatically change the final dimensions of your blanket or cardigan. Your personal tension, your chosen crochet hook, and your yarn all work together to determine the size of your finished motif. Making one complete hexagon and measuring it is the best way to ensure your project will turn out the size you expect. If your hexagon is too big, try going down a hook size; if it's too small, go up one. This little bit of prep work saves a lot of potential heartache later.

Finishing Touches: Joining and Edging

You've crocheted a beautiful pile of colorful hexagons, and now it's time for the real magic to happen: joining them together. This is the stage where individual pieces transform into a cohesive fabric, whether you're making a cozy blanket, a stylish bag, or a fun garland. Before you start, it’s a great idea to lay out your hexagons on a flat surface to plan your color arrangement. This allows you to see how the colors interact and create a balanced, intentional design. We also recommend weaving in all your ends before you begin joining—it’s much easier to handle the motifs when they don’t have tails dangling everywhere.

There are many ways to join motifs, each creating a different look and feel. You can create an invisible seam for a smooth, continuous surface, or you can use a decorative join that adds texture and a contrasting design element. The method you choose is a matter of personal preference and the style you want for your finished project, though some crochet patterns may specify a particular join for structural or aesthetic reasons. Once your piece is assembled, adding a border is the final step that gives it a polished, professional look. It cleans up the edges and ties the whole project together. Below, we'll walk you through a couple of our favorite simple and effective techniques.

Joining Hexagons with a Whip Stitch

One of the cleanest and simplest ways to join your hexagons is with a whip stitch. This method creates a flat, nearly invisible seam that lets your hexagon pattern shine. To do it, hold two hexagons with their right sides facing each other, lining up the stitches along the edges you want to join. Using a tapestry needle and a length of yarn (either a matching color or a long tail left from one of the hexagons), you’ll stitch through the back loops only of each corresponding stitch. Simply bring your needle from back to front through both loops, wrap the yarn over the top, and repeat in the next set of loops. This creates a neat, flexible seam that lies flat when you open it up. It’s a sturdy and reliable join perfect for everything from blankets to garments.

Adding a Decorative Scallop Border

A scallop border is a beautiful way to add a soft, decorative finish to your hexagon project. It’s surprisingly simple to create and gives your piece a lovely, vintage-inspired touch. After your project is fully assembled, you can work this border around the entire outer edge. A common way to create a scallop is to work a set number of double crochets (usually 5) into one stitch or space, skip a few stitches, make a single crochet in the next stitch to anchor the scallop, and then repeat the process. This creates a series of pretty fans around your work. You can make the scallops larger or smaller by changing the number of double crochets or the number of stitches you skip. It’s an optional touch, but one that can truly elevate your finished piece from handmade to heirloom.

Key Takeaways

• Build hexagons with basic stitches: You can create a hexagon using simple double crochet clusters worked in the round. The key is establishing six corners in the first round and then adding more stitches to the flat sides in each following round to expand the shape.
• Embrace the unique geometry: Hexagons fit together perfectly without gaps, creating a strong and beautiful honeycomb fabric. This six-sided shape allows for more dynamic color combinations and a more flowing design than traditional squares, making it perfect for blankets, cowls, and cardigans.
• Use simple finishing for a polished look: For projects like blankets that require straight edges, you can "square off" the hexagon's points with a simple filling technique. When joining your finished motifs, a whip stitch creates a clean, flat seam that lets your work shine.

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