Muriel Hat Crochet Pattern

Muriel Hat in Rowan Big Wool

What Is Being Made

The Muriel Hat is an intermediate-level crochet hat designed to fit an average head circumference of approximately 52 cm. This downloadable PDF pattern from Emma Wright offers a structured approach to creating a textured, dimensional hat using a distinctive basketweave stitch technique. The finished garment showcases a classic hat silhouette with progressive shaping through strategic decreases.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key crochet techniques to achieve its finished structure. The primary construction method involves working in continuous rounds from the crown downward, using a combination of relief stitches worked from the front and back to create the characteristic basketweave or basket pattern texture. The pattern incorporates multiple decreasing techniques, including standard stitch decreases (abbreviated as Stb2zus) and relief stitch decreases (hRStb2zus), which gradually reduce the stitch count from the initial cast-on through the final crown shaping. Rounds are closed using chain stitches and slip stitches as indicated throughout the pattern.

Stitches Used

• Luftmasche (LfM) – Chain stitch, used as the foundation and for joining rounds
• Feste Masche (fM) – Single crochet or slip stitch, used for securing rounds
• Stäbchen (Stb) – Double crochet, the primary stitch throughout the pattern
• Kettmasche (Kettm) – Slip stitch, used to close rounds
• Reliefstäbchen von hinten (hRStb) – Back relief double crochet, worked by inserting the hook from back to front around the post of the stitch from the previous round, creating a raised texture
• Vorderseiten-Reliefstäbchen (vRStb) – Front relief double crochet, worked by inserting the hook from front to back around the post of the stitch from the previous round
• Stb2zus and hRStb2zus – Stitch decreases and relief stitch decreases, used to shape the crown

Basketweave Pattern Structure

The Muriel Hat features a six-round basketweave or basket pattern repeat that forms the primary visual texture. Rounds 1 through 3 alternate back relief stitches and front relief stitches over groups of four stitches, then this sequence is reversed in Rounds 4 through 6 to create the interlocking basketweave effect. This pattern repeat is worked multiple times before shaping begins, establishing the hat's distinctive dimensional appearance.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Rowan Big Wool, 100 grams (one ball), photographed in the colorway Glum 056
• Hook: Size 7 crochet hook (metric size)
• Gauge: 11.5 stitches and 10 rows measured over 10 x 10 cm when worked in the basketweave pattern using a size 7 hook

Pattern Progression and Shaping

The pattern begins with a foundation of chain stitches and works upward in continuous rounds. After establishing the basketweave texture through multiple pattern repeats, strategic decreases are introduced to shape the crown. The stitch count progressively reduces from the initial number through several decrease rounds—dropping to 49 stitches, then 35 stitches, continuing to 28 stitches, then 21 stitches, 14 stitches, and finally to the final crown closure. This graduated shaping creates a smooth, fitted crown while maintaining the visual integrity of the basketweave pattern as long as possible before the final decreases.

Finished Dimensions

The completed hat is designed for an average adult head size with a circumference of approximately 52 centimeters, making it a versatile fit for most wearers.