Learn to Crochet a Cool or Hip Cap
From LoveToKnow Crafts
Do you want to learn to crochet a cool or hip cap? Hats are relatively quick projects to make that can be customized to fit any sense of style. They are a fun addition to your wardrobe and also make great handmade gifts for Christmas and other special occasions.
Learn to Crochet a Cool or Hip Cap
Before you can learn to crochet a cool or hip cap, you need to make sure you understand the basics of this craft. You should know how to:
- chain
- single crochet (SC)
- double crochet (DC)
- slip stitch
- finish off
While many people say crochet is easier to learn than knitting, it's not something you can expect to pick up instantly. Plan to spend a few afternoons practicing your skills before you start your hat.
If you can't find a crafter to teach you the basics of how to crochet, The Crochet Guild of America has a great Web page with lessons for beginning crocheters. If you're left handed, follow these instructions instead.
Many people find the language on crochet patterns to be rather confusing. If you're new to the world of crochet, it might be best to review the LoveToKnow Crafts article Explain How to Read a Crochet Pattern before you start on your project. Understanding how to read a pattern correctly will prevent careless mistakes and unnecessary frustration.
Choosing Your Yarn
When buying yarn for your crochet project, keep in mind that cotton yarn is stiffer and thus better suited to making a cowboy-type hat with a brim. However, cotton is less forgiving than wool. It has less elasticity, so any mistakes you make with your stitches are likely to be very visible. In addition, cotton often stretches over time. A cotton/acrylic or cotton/wool blend is a better choice for making a hat that will hold up to multiple washings.
Resources for Hat Patterns
If you want to learn how to crochet a cap, LoveToKnow Crafts has a basic Crochet Hat Pattern that you may want to try. Additional online patterns can be found at:
- How to Crochet a Hat for Beginners
- Raspberry Toque
- Irish Crochet Evening Cap
- Crocheted Plastic Bag Hat
- How to Crochet a Hat in 8 Steps
Online crochet and knitting magazines may be good resources for patterns for crochet hats as well. Many of these magazines even have forums that you can use to chat with other crafters about your projects and your favorite places for finding new crochet patterns.
Books with Crochet Hat Patterns
Although free online patterns can be a good resource for making crocheted hats on a budget, investing in a book with several different hat projects is a smart idea for the dedicated crafter. You'll have a great reference at your fingertips whenever you get the urge to create something and the project photos in reference books are usually much more detailed than what you'd find in a free online tutorial.
If you're looking for books with crochet hat patterns, LoveToKnow Crafts recommends reviewing the following titles:
- Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps by Afaya Ibomu
- Hooked on Crochet! Hats by Annie's Attic
- Hooked Hats: 20 Easy Crochet Projects by Margaret Hubert
- Crochet Hats! by Candi Jensen
Don't forget that your local library may have books to help you learn to crochet a cool or hip cap as well. And, if you're looking for a specific title that you don't have the money to purchase, you can always request that the librarian check out a book for you through the interlibrary loan system. There is no charge for this service and you'll usually get your book within a week or two.
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This page has been accessed 7 times. This page was last modified 07:03, 12 November 2009.
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