You’ve heard of the puff stitch hat before, now let’s make one! Puff stitches are excellent for hats because they are soft and dense (not to mention quick to work up!)
The puff stitch hat only takes a few hours to crochet and only one skein of Red Heart Unforgettable yarn. You’ll be wearing your new hat in no time!
Crochet Pattern by B. Hooked Crochet, Copyright 2015.
Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern. If you wish to share this pattern, link to this page only. You may sell items produced using this pattern. Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
This pattern is written in US crochet terms
Gather Supplies for your Puff Stitch Hat
I recommend using Red Heart Unforgettable for your puff stitch hat. This yarn is on the thinner side of medium weight yarns making it perfect for puff stitches. It is 100% acrylic and very soft to the touch. You can make one puff stitch hat for each skein of Red Heart Unforgettable.
You will also need a 5.5 mm crochet hook to complete your puff stitch hat. I’m a huge fan of the Tulip Etimo crochet hooks. They are so smooth to work with!
To weave in your ends, you will also need a yarn needle. I recommend Clover Chibi Bent Tip Needles because they make weaving in the ends a lot easier.
If you would like help keeping track of your stitches as recommended in the tutorial, try a set of Clover locking stitch markers or a good ol’ fashioned bobby pin will work too!
Lastly, you will need a pair of scissors. Any pair will do but I just can’t resist a cute pair of Gingher Stork scissors! Here is your round up of supplies for the puff stitch hat:
- 1 skein Red Heart Unforgettable (Tidal and Petunia shown) *NOTE: Vickie Howell Sheep-ish yarn has been discontinued
- 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Darning needle
- Scissors
- Optional: Stitch Marker
Disclosure: Please note that the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase your supplies online. Please understand that I have experience with these products and I recommend them because they are optimal for this pattern, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy them online. If you have received valuable information from me at any point, this is one easy way to pay it forward and say thank you for a job well done!
Puff Stitch Hat Size and Stitch Gauge
The Teen/Adult Small version of the puff stitch hat will fit up to a head circumference of 21″ and measures 8″ from crown to base. The Adult Large version of the puff stitch hat will fit up to a head circumference of 23″ and measures 8.5″ from crown to base.
Gauge, or the size of stitches and rows, is pretty important when working with puff stitches. In order for your hat to measure the sizes indicated above, you will need to make sure your gauge matches mine. Before you start your hat, crochet a gauge swatch and measure your stitches and rows.
You should measure 3.5 stitches x 4 rows = 2″
If not, adjust your hook size to obtain that gauge.
Abbreviations
- Ch – Chain
- Pf – Puff Stitch **See stitch description
- Sc – Single Crochet
- Slst – Slip Stitch
- Sts – Stitches
To print a list of all crochet abbreviations to keep in your crochet notebook, check out my quick guide here:
Pattern Notes
This pattern works puff stitches in between the stitches of the previous round. You will not work into the v’s of the stitch until you’ve reached the band.
This pattern is worked in the round from crown to band. The band is worked in a spiral fashion.
This pattern is also available in baby and toddler sizes!
For the baby and toddler versions of the puff stitch hat, please visit:
Puff Stitch Hat : Baby & Toddler
Stitch Description:
Pf – YO, Insert hook into designated stitch, YO and pull up a loop. YO, insert hook into same stitch, YO and pull up a loop. Insert hook into same stitch, YO and pull up a loop (7 loops on hook). YO and pull through all 7 loops. Chain 1.
How to Crochet a Puff Stitch Hat Video Tutorial
This video is also available in a left handed version. Click here to be directed to the left handed tutorial on YouTube.
Written Instructions
Teen/Adult Small:
Round 1: Ch 3 and join to form a ring. Make 6 Pf stitches in center of ring. Join with the top two loops of the first puff stitch with a slst.
Round 2: Make 2 pf stitches in between each stitch in the chain 1 gap spaces. Join with a slst to the first puff stitch. (12 sts)
Round 3: Make 1 pf stitch in the first ch 1 gap space, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next ch 1 gap space, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (18 sts)
Round 4: Make 1 pf stitch in the first 2 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next 2 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (24 sts)
Round 5: Make 1 pf stitch in the first 3 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next 3 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (30 sts)
Rounds 6-14: Make 1 pf stitch into each ch 1 gap space. Join with a slst to complete each round. (30 sts)
Round 15: Ch 1. Sc into first pf stitch (place stitch marker), sc into ch 1 gap space. *Sc into the next stitch, sc into the next ch 1 gap space. Repeat from *. Do not join, continue working in spiral. (60 sts)
Rounds 16-18: Sc into every stitch. Once you have reached the stitch marker on the 18th round, slst into the next 2 stitches to finish up the round.
Bind off and weave in your ends.
Adult Large
Round 1: Ch 3 and join to form a ring. Make 6 Pf stitches in center of ring. Join with the top two loops of the first puff stitch with a slst.
Round 2: Make 2 pf stitches in between each stitch in the chain 1 gap spaces. (12 sts)
Round 3: Make 1 pf stitch in the first ch 1 gap space, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next ch 1 gap space, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (18 sts)
Round 4: Make 1 pf stitch in the first 2 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next 2 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (24 sts)
Round 5: Make 1 pf stitch in the first 3 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next 3 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (30 sts)
Round 6: Make 1 pf stitch in the first 4 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. *Make 1 pf stitch in the next 4 ch 1 gap spaces, make 2 pfs in the next space. Repeat from * and join with a slst. (36 sts)
Rounds 7-15: Make 1 pf stitch into each ch 1 gap space. Join with a slst to complete each round. (36 sts)
Round 16: Ch 1. Sc into first pf stitch (place stitch marker), sc into ch 1 gap space. *Sc into the next stitch, sc into the next ch 1 gap space. Repeat from *. Do not join, continue working in spiral. (72 sts)
Rounds 17-19: Sc into every stitch. Once you have reached the stitch marker on the 18th round, slst into the next 2 stitches to finish up the round.
Bind off and weave in your ends.
Thanks for wonderful pattern and video. The video helped to clarify some of the beginning and end of row stitches. This was so easy to make, and your tip about increases in the same area everytime really helped. My Knitwits group are making hats for the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. This will be my second contribution. I foresee making a lot more with this pattern.
Thanks again for your wonderful site and all the lovely work you do here.
I love this stitch but am wanting to make a scarf. Will this stitch make a good scarf? If so, do you have a pattern? I’m a new subscriber and love your work! Thanks!
I LOVED this but as it turns out, my hat is huge. I am going to take it apart and start over again. I am using a bulky yarn. Perhaps I should use a smaller hook?
Hi Keli! This is a harsh lesson in gauge, I’m afraid. When you substitute yarn, it’s best to stay within the same weight category. Using a heavy yarn as you’ve just discovered will make your project turn out much bigger, even if you use the same hook. I’d recommend using a worsted weight yarn if you can. If not, try using the same hook but only make four rounds of increasing, rather than 5. This should help!
Hi Brittany,
I am a German diy blogger and for my latest crocheting post I was looking for a tutorial how to make a puff stitch the way I do it. You won’t believe how many different kinds of puff stitches there are out there!!! And they were all not how I do them. Until I found your tutorial. Funny thing is, we’ve almost made the same hat. Although mine is slightly larger as I am a big fan of beanies.
I linked to your YouTube-Video so my followers can learn how to puff stitch from you. I hope that is ok with you?!
In case your interested: http://wp.me/p89sNt-40
Lots of love,
Habiba
Hi Habiba!
Wow, how cool! I don’t mind at all if you link to my tutorial from your post. I hope your readers find it as useful as you did 🙂
Thank you so much for all of your great tutorials! I have made multiple puff hats and fingerless gloves for gifts from your pattern, and they all have come out so nicely. I am hoping to start your teddy bear tutorial after I finish up some other projects. Can’t wait, thanks!
Wow, that’s great! I’m so glad to hear that you’ve put this pattern to good use 🙂 You’re in for a real treat with the teddy bear. It was one of my favorites to design!
I was wondering if you have written up an infants pattern for this hat
Hi Crystal!
I sure do. You can find the infant/toddler sized pattern here:
http://www.bhookedcrochet.com/2015/09/08/crochet-puff-stitch-hat-infant-toddler/
Yes, you’re absolutely right! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I have updated it 🙂
Is it possible to turn this pattern into a slouchy puff stitch hat?
Hi Brittany
I love this hat. I would love to make it a slouchy hat. Any advice?
Hi,
I’ve just just made this for myself. Your pattern was really simple to follow and the video tutorial was fab too.
I would LOVE the toddler and child sizes please! I have a 3.5 yr old and a 19 month old.
Thank you.
That’s wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed the tutorial too. Here is the written pattern for both infant and toddler sizes 🙂
http://www.bhookedcrochet.com/2015/09/08/crochet-puff-stitch-hat-infant-toddler/
Were you able to post the kids pattern?
I love this pattern. However, I made the hat according to your instructions but my gauge is way too small. I have tried making swatches with different sized hooks but I’m still haven’t found one that makes the correct gauge. Please help!
In was wondering if you had a pattern in this style of this hat but for a small child?
I have a niece who really loved this hat when I was making one foeb friend. But I have no idea of how I would make one for her….
Would I use the same pattern but with a smaller hook? Or, would I need to make less stitches?
Please help.
Because I wear glasses, I added on a brim and it looks fantastic! Thanks for the easy pattern
Brittany, I’ve just started crochet in the round and I’m wondering why one would choose a chained loop versus a magic circle to start a pattern like this?
I am trying to make this in an infant size. Can you guide me as to how much to decrease for infant? Thank you
This is a very nice pattern, quick and easy for a novice if you watch the tutorial, which is so nicely done. I should have come and looked at the pattern before starting because mine is the smaller size and I would have done the larger adult size if I had looked here first. My problem is the weight of the yarn I think. I used a regular worsted weight because I wasn’t sure what weight the Vickie Howell yarn was. I used a 5.0 hook and my puffs are pretty and consistent but they are not filled in and have gaps between them. I would like the hat to be more solid looking like yours. Any suggestions on what hook size and yarn weight I need to get that look? Or like the one Jenny Lee posted a few months ago? My daughter wants a solid color fuzzy beanie in winter white.
Hi Brittany! I made your puff stitch hat and a snowflake sugar cookie scarf for my 6 year old niece for Christmas! The scarf was too long and the hat just a little bit big, but she loved them. 🙂 I added a snowflake sugar cookie and icing ruffle embellishment to your pattern so it would kind of match the scarf. (Scarf pattern is by Twinkie Chan.) Thank you so much for the pattern and tutorial! 🙂
Happy New Year to you!!
Hi Brittany, I found this pattern on Ravelry and made it today as part of my goal to crochet a hat a day. This is my first time crocheting any sort of puff stitch. I found your tutorial and pattern very easy to follow. I love how quickly it crocheted up. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, awesome job! The color is just gorgeous. I love the idea of crocheting a hat a day. Keep it up! 🙂
Yes, Jeannie, that is a great question! We are supposed to slst at the end of round 2. I will add that into the pattern. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!
Brittany do you mind providing the final number of puff stitch increases and rows before beginning single crochet for Toddler size
Brittany I too am waiting on the Puff Stitch Hat pattern for Infant/Toddler size ?
Good news!
I have them in progress now. The infant and toddler sizes will be posted this month! Stay tuned here or on my social pages for details 🙂
I am one of your YouTube subscribers. I love your videos. They’re so easy to follow. Absolutely love this hat. Have you written a pattern for infant and toddler size?
Hi Liane!
Thank you very much for being a subscriber and for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
I have not posted the infant or toddler size for this hat just yet, but since we are entering the fall season, you should see it posted on this page soon!
My head has a 22 to 22 1/2 inch circumference and I’m not sure if I should go with the large pattern or the smaller pattern. Any suggestions?
If you make your puff stitches pretty long and loose, you can probably go with the small pattern. However, if your gauge (puff stitch size) is fairly small, I would recommend the large size. 🙂
Brittany,
I have made many a broomstick scarf since seeing yours on Pinterest and now am on my third puff stitch hat. Thank you! If you could do a pattern for a child’s puff hat I would greatly appreciate it.
That’s fantastic! I plan on posting a child size and baby pattern for the puff stitch hat. I just need to work up the demos!
I would love to have a pattern for a baby of the puff stitch hat. Thank you.
You’re very welcome! I hope to have a baby size up real soon. I’ll make an announcement about it on B.hooked’s Facebook page!
I used bernat super value. I am a beginner crocheter and have a hard time understanding gauge. I followed the directions for small and hat seems large, more like a slouch hat. Help.
Puff stitches vary greatly from person to person since you create then by pulling up on the stitches rather than letting the hook create the size of the stitch. It takes a little practice to get it consistent. If it turned out like more of a slouch hat, it sounds like your stitches may be too long. I have the measurements of my hat posted. You can compare the size of your hat to that too see if gauge was the culprit.
Thank you for a fun pattern, can’t wait to try it out! Happy Birthday (coming up)!
Thank you so much Merry!
I donate items for children in hospitals. including babies. Any simple projects that I can use please advise.
I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I currently have a simple newborn beanie pattern available with video tutorial that you may enjoy. You can find it on the Patterns page!
I love this pattern and can’t wait to try it out! Thank you for providing your patterns for free. I love your site. You are a very good teacher.
Thank you so much Sharla, I really appreciate that 🙂
All the work you put into your posts is appreciated! I cannot wait to go buy yarn to make this
Thank you so much! I love providing everyone with fun new things to crochet. It’s always very nice to hear your appreciation!
Would LOVE to see this pattern in infant size, so I can make one for my son 🙂
I hope to have it up soon! Just need to make a demo for the sizing. I’ll make a post about it on B.hooked’s Facebook page when it’s ready!
Can’t wait!
I absolutely love this puff stitch hat pattern. I enjoy your tutorials and appreciate your ability to teach in such a simplistic way that even I can follow! Thank you and after finishing my first hat I look forward to making many more for everyone I know.