How to crochet a beanie for adults featured image showing a woman holding a turquoise handmade hat beside large black and pink lettering with aqua and lavender accents.

How to crochet a beanie for adults

Want to learn how to crochet a beanie for adults? This beginner-friendly pattern is worked from the top down in the round using simple double crochet stitches. It includes two adult sizes, so you can choose the fit that works best for your head circumference.

This easy adult crochet beanie uses worsted weight yarn and basic increases, making it a good first hat project if you’re learning how to crochet in the round.

Quick answer
This tutorial shows you how to crochet a beanie for adults using worsted weight yarn, an I-9 (5.5 mm) hook, and basic double crochet stitches. The pattern includes two adult sizes and is worked from the top down in joined rounds.

Skill level: Beginner
Sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large
Construction: Top-down in the round
Main stitch: Double crochet
Yarn weight: Worsted weight #4
Hook size: I-9 (5.5 mm)

Why you’ll love this adult beanie pattern

  • Two adult sizes: Choose Small/Medium or Medium/Large.
  • Beginner-friendly: Uses basic double crochet stitches and simple increases.
  • Top-down construction: Easy to check the fit as you work.
  • Simple everyday style: A classic beanie for casual wear.
  • Easy to customize: Change the yarn color or adjust the length.
  • Helpful sizing: Includes adult head circumference and finished height measurements

How this adult beanie is made

The hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds. You’ll begin with a small crown, increase until the beanie reaches the correct width, and then work even rounds to build the sides of the hat.

The Small/Medium and Medium/Large sizes share the same first eight rounds, then the larger size adds one more increase round before the body is worked.

Pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Beginner. This crochet hat pattern uses basic double crochet stitches and simple repeats worked in joined rounds.

Avoid frustration by learning the most common crochet mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.

Materials needed

  • I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
  • Medium worsted weight yarn #4
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers (optional)
  • Measuring tape

Finished size

SizeCircumferenceHeight
Small/Mediumfits up to 22 inches8.25 inches
Medium/Largefits up to 23.5 inches8.5 inches

If you need help choosing the right fit, visit my crochet hat sizing guide for head circumference tips and size charts.

Crochet gauge

14 stitches and 9 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.

Crochet abbreviations

  • dc = double crochet
  • ch/chs = chain/chains
  • st/sts = stitch/stitches
  • sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

  • Rounds 1–8 are the same for both sizes.
  • Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
  • Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in that round. 
  • The beginning chain does not count as a stitch.
  • You are crocheting in the round from the top of the hat down.
  • The pattern is written in US terms.

How to crochet a beanie for adults

lovable loops free how to crochet a beanie for adults photo tutorial

Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2, make 11 dc (around the ring), join in the round with a sl st in the top of the first dc, gently pull on the yarn tail to close the ring (11 stitches)

Round 2: Ch 2, make 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)

Round 3: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 1 st*, join (33 stitches)

Round 4: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)

Round 5: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Round 6: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)

Round 7: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)

Round 8: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)

Small/Medium adult beanie

Rounds 9–19: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)

Medium/Large adult beanie

Round 9: Ch 2, repeat around: *2 dc, dc in 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)

Rounds 10–20: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)

Finishing

Fasten off and then weave in the ends.

Melissa Hassler from Lovable Loops holding beanie hat design from her how to crochet a beanie for adults post

Frequently asked questions

Is this adult beanie beginner-friendly?
Yes. This pattern uses basic double crochet stitches, simple increases, and joined rounds, making it a good first hat project.

What sizes are included in this adult beanie pattern?
The pattern includes two adult sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large.

What yarn should I use for this crochet beanie?
Use worsted weight yarn (#4). It gives the hat a classic beanie shape and works well with the I-9 (5.5 mm) hook used in the pattern.

Can I make the beanie longer or shorter?
Yes. Add more body rounds for a taller hat, or work fewer rounds for a shorter fit.

How do I know which adult size to make?
Measure your head circumference and compare it with the size chart before starting. The Small/Medium fits up to 22 inches, while the Medium/Large fits up to 23.5 inches.

More free crochet hat patterns

Looking for more crochet hat ideas? Browse my full collection of free crochet hat patterns for babies, kids, and adults. You’ll find everything from classic crochet beanies and cozy winter hats to playful animal hats and seasonal designs — all written with clear instructions and helpful sizing details.

Learn crochet basics

Looking for more crochet help? Visit my learn crochet page to browse all of my beginner-friendly crochet tutorials in one place. You’ll find helpful guides for basic stitches, crochet terms, pattern reading, gauge, sizing, common mistakes, and more.

Let’s connect!

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📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa