Crochet rainbow bucket hat pattern featured image showing a smiling woman in a white, rainbow-striped summer hat beside bold black and pastel text with playful sun and heart accents.

Rainbow bucket hat crochet pattern

ByMelissa Hassler

If you’re looking for a fun and versatile crochet project, my easy crochet bucket hat pattern is just what you need! This adorable hat is perfect for adding a touch of style to any outfit while keeping you protected from the sun.

Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern Information

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

Skill Level

Beginner. This bucket hat crochet pattern uses basic crochet stitches in basic form and also in simple repeats in rounds.

Materials Needed

  • Crochet Hook Size: H-8 5 mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
  • Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in white, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. I used Lion Brand Yarns 24/7 Cotton.
  • Yarn needle: Use this to weave in your ends.
  • Scissors: Use scissors to fasten off your yarn.
  • Stitch marker(s): Optional. Use these to help keep track of your stitches. 
  • Tape measure: Use this to measure your head size.

Yardage Needed

My adult size hat weighs 92 grams/3.2 ounces.

Finished Size

Child: head circumference of 19-20 inches
Adult: head circumference of 20-23 inches

See my crochet hat sizing guide for full details and size charts.

Square rainbow bucket hat crochet pattern image featuring a woman wearing a white hat with pink, orange, yellow, green, aqua, blue, and purple stripes beside bold colorful lettering.

Gauge

8 stitches and 6 rows (hdc, dc repeat) = 2 inches (5 cm)

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

Crochet abbreviations

Pattern Notes

  • The pattern is written in US terms. 
  • The bucket hat is worked both in the round and from the top of the hat down.
  • Rounds 1-6 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.
  • The stitch count is listed at the end of each round. Always double-check that you have the right number of stitches.
Rainbow Reef bucket hat crochet pattern graphic showing a smiling woman modeling a white crochet hat with colorful striped openwork and a wide brim on a bright white background.

Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern Instructions

Rounds 1-6 are the same for both the child and adult sizes. I used white yarn for the crown of the hat.

Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 12 dc, join (12 stitches)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st, join (24 stitches)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (36 stitches)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc, dc in next 3 sts*, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc, dc in next 4 sts*, join (72 stitches)

Child Size

Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, join (72 stitches)

(pink yarn) Rnd 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(orange yarn) Rnd 10: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(yellow yarn) Rnd 12: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(green yarn) Rnd 14: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 15: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(blue yarn) Rnd 16: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (72 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 17: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (72 stitches)

Brim for the Child Size

Rnd 18: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in 2 sts*, join (96 stitches)

Rnd 19: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (96 stitches)

Rnd 20: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in 3 sts*, join (120 stitches)

Rnd 21: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (120 stitches)

Rnd 22: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in 4 sts*, join (144 stitches)

Rnd 23: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (144 stitches)

Adult Size

Rnd 7: Ch 3, *2 dc, dc in next 5 sts*, join (84 stitches)

Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, join (84 stitches)

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(pink yarn) Rnd 10: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(orange yarn) Rnd 12: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(yellow yarn) Rnd 14: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 15: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(green yarn) Rnd 16: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 17: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(blue yarn) Rnd 18: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 19: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(purple yarn) Rnd 20: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (84 stitches)

(white yarn) Rnd 21: Ch 3, dc in each st, join (84 stitches)

Brim for the Adult Size

Rnd 22: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in 2 sts*, join (112 stitches)

Rnd 23: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (112 stitches)

Rnd 24: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in 3 sts*, join (140 stitches)

Rnd 25: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (140 stitches)

Rnd 26: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in 4 sts*, join (168 stitches)

Rnd 27: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (168 stitches)

Finishing

Fasten off and then weave in the ends.

Printable PDF Version

View an ad-free pdf version of this crochet pattern in my Etsy Shop: Rainbow Reef Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Best Yarn for Bucket Hats

When it comes to choosing the best yarn for your bucket hat, you have a few options. For warmer months, I recommend using cotton yarn. It’s both breathable and comfortable, making it ideal for sun hats and other crocheted accessories that you’ll wear in the heat.

On the other hand, acrylic yarn is also a great choice, especially if you plan to wear your hat in the colder months. It’s warm, durable, and also available in a variety of colors. No matter which yarn you choose, you’ll end up with a handmade hat that’s both functional and fashionable.

What is a Bucket Hat?

A bucket hat is a cap with a downward-sloping brim that provides excellent sun protection. Originally designed for fishermen, this stylish hat has become a popular fashion accessory for both men and women. Bucket hats are known for their versatility and are often seen as sun hats during the summer or as trendy accessories in cooler weather.

The simple bucket hat pattern I’ve designed is perfect for anyone who wants to make a basic yet fashionable hat that can be worn in all seasons, whether you’re out in the warmer weather or staying cozy in the colder months.

Free Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

This easy bucket hat pattern is designed with beginner crocheters in mind. It uses basic stitches that are easy to learn and, therefore, work up quickly, making it a perfect project for those who are just starting to build their crochet skills.

The simple bucket hat pattern is not only fun to make but also an easy way to practice your technique. If you’re new to crochet or looking for a project that won’t overwhelm you, then this pattern is a great place to start. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a stylish hat that you’ll be proud to wear.

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.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

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

Rainbow Reef bucket hat crochet pattern graphic showing a smiling woman modeling a white crochet hat with colorful striped openwork and a wide brim on a bright white background.