This tiny snowman stands about five inches tall and fits right in the palm of your hand, making it a friendly addition to any winter shelf or holiday mantel. You will find that working with basic single crochet stitches in the round creates a dense fabric that keeps the stuffing tucked away securely inside. It is a quick project for anyone wanting to build a collection of handmade winter gifts without committing to a massive time investment. You will focus on shaping a round head and a slightly larger base, while learning how to use surface slip stitches to add a touch of personality to your winter friend.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet ribbed beanie pattern uses a simple construction method where you work a flat rectangle back and forth in rows before seaming it into a tube. The combination of back loop only single crochet stitches creates a fabric with exceptional elasticity and a classic, professional-looking ribbed texture. Because the height of the hat is determined by your starting chain, it is straightforward to adjust for different head sizes, from toddler to adult. It is an ideal project for using up partial skeins of worsted weight yarn, and the repetitive nature of the stitch makes it a perfect choice for relaxing while listening to a podcast or watching television.

I finished this hat in one evening while watching a movie. The ribbed effect is so squishy and it fits perfectly without being too tight around the forehead.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Worked flat as a rectangle in rows, then seamed to form a tube with one end gathered shut.
Finished Dimensions: 9 inches wide by 10 inches tall (fits average adult head circumference of 21–23 inches).

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted #4 weight, approximately 200 yards of wool or acrylic blend.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, locking stitch marker.
Safe yarn substitutions: Cotton yarn will result in a heavier, less stretchy hat, while alpaca blends will add more warmth and drape. If you switch to a lighter weight yarn, you will need to add more starting chains to reach the desired height and more rows to reach the circumference.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch only, leaving the front loop visible)
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Hat Body

Row 1: Ch 41. Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (40 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, working in BLO, sc in each st across. Turn. (40 sts)
Rows 3–60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 18 inches when slightly stretched.

Finishing and Assembly

Fasten off, leaving a long 15-inch tail for sewing.
Fold the rectangle in half so the short ends meet.
Using the tapestry needle and the long tail, sl st or whipstitch the two short ends together to create a tube.
With the same yarn tail, weave the needle in and out through the stitches along the top edge of the tube.
Pull the yarn tight to cinch the top of the hat closed, securing the opening with a few firm stitches.
Tie off the yarn inside the hat and weave in all loose ends securely.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your beanie in cool water with a mild wool-safe detergent to maintain the integrity of the fibers.
Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric; instead, lay the hat flat on a dry towel and roll it to remove excess moisture.
Reshape the hat while damp and allow it to air dry completely away from direct heat sources to prevent shrinkage.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the rows to prevent the rectangle from bowing or becoming wavy along the edges.
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row to ensure you do not accidentally skip the final stitch, which causes the edges of the hat to slant.
Weave your yarn tails in multiple directions through the stitches on the inside of the hat to ensure they do not pull out during wear.
Adjust the size by adding or subtracting chains at the beginning to change the height, or by adding or removing rows to change the circumference. Note that changing the number of rows will require more or less yarn accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, you can use a different weight, but it will significantly change the size and texture. If using a thinner yarn, add more starting chains to get the height you want and work more rows to achieve the correct circumference.

Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?

Absolutely. This pattern relies entirely on the single crochet stitch and the back loop only technique, which are among the first skills taught to new crocheters.

How do I know if the hat will fit correctly?

The hat should be roughly 2 to 3 inches smaller than the total head circumference to ensure it stays in place when worn. Measure the width of your rectangle as you work to confirm your fit.

Can I sell the hats I make from this design?

Please check the designer’s specific terms regarding commercial use. If the pattern does not explicitly forbid it, you are generally free to sell finished items as long as you use your own photographs.

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Seeing your finished project come to life is a satisfying moment, especially when you add those little button eyes and a touch of color to the scarf. You could make a whole family of these in different sizes by simply changing your hook and yarn weight. Please share a photo of your creation with us on social media so we can see how your version turned out. If you enjoyed this project, check out our blog for more free patterns to fill your afternoon with yarn and creativity.