Crochet Monkey Hat Pattern

Crochet Monkey Hat Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern from Plymouth Yarn creates a playful Monkey Hat designed to fit children and adults. The hat is part of the Yarnimals collection and comes in three graduated sizes: Child Small (18 ½" finished circumference), Child Large (20" circumference), and Teen/Adult (21 ½" circumference). The pattern is ideal for crocheters seeking a fun, character-themed accessory project with clear size options for different ages.

Materials and Tools Required

To complete this project, you will need one ball of Plymouth Yarn Yarnimals Monkey yarn in the main color for all sizes. The pattern requires two crochet hooks: a US Size F (3.75mm) hook and a US Size G (4mm) hook. Additional notions include four removable stitch markers to track round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a small amount of white sewing thread, likely for attaching facial features or details.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 8 rows equaling 4 inches in Double Crochet stitch on the US Size G (4mm) crochet hook after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished circumference across all three sizes. The three size options allow the hat to be customized for different head sizes, from young children through adults.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate beginners and beyond. The primary stitch used throughout is Double Crochet (DC), which creates a fabric with good drape and structure ideal for a fitted hat. The crown is constructed using the magic ring or chain ring method, where a foundation chain of 7 stitches is joined into a ring with a slip stitch to begin working in rounds.

The hat is worked in the round from the crown downward, a common construction method for fitted headwear. The pattern incorporates strategic increases to shape the crown and expand the circumference gradually. Each round follows an increase pattern where stitches are spaced further apart, creating a smooth, even expansion. The increases are distributed evenly around each round—six increases per round from Round 6 onward—ensuring a symmetrical, well-proportioned hat shape.

Key techniques include:

• Chain stitch (ch) for foundation and turning chains
• Slip stitch (sl st) for joining rounds and seamless construction
• Double Crochet increases worked as two stitches into a single stitch to expand the circumference
• Stitch marker placement and movement to track the beginning of each new round
• Round-by-round shaping with increasing stitch counts from 13 stitches in Round 1 to 68 stitches by Round 10

Crown Construction Details

The crown begins with a foundation of 13 Double Crochets worked into a ring. From this small center, the pattern systematically increases stitches across 10 rounds. The increase frequency remains consistent at six increases per round, but the spacing between increases expands with each round. In Round 2, increases are separated by single stitches; by Round 10, they are separated by nine stitches. This graduated approach creates a smooth, dome-shaped crown that transitions naturally into the hat's body.

The pattern notation uses standard crochet abbreviations and is written for the smallest size with larger sizes indicated in parentheses. When only one number appears, that instruction applies to all three sizes. The first chain-3 of each round counts as a Double Crochet stitch, and slip stitches join each round through Round 12, establishing the foundational structure of the hat.

Ideal for Yarn and Craft Enthusiasts

This pattern represents a practical project for crocheters looking to expand their skills in shaping and sizing. The Yarnimals Monkey yarn from Plymouth Yarn provides a pre-selected color palette suited to creating a recognizable monkey character hat. The pattern's clear progression of increases and straightforward stitch work make it accessible while still offering the satisfaction of creating a finished, wearable garment with personality and charm.