Making Big Chunky Hats My Way
17February 21, 2018 by Robin @ Imperial Crochet
So… I jumped on the Olympic style hat making bandwagon.
I’m talking about the cute hat that Chloe Kim was seen wearing at her interview after winning the Gold. (See it here,)
It started the other day when I found a pattern for one. I didn’t have the correct yarn so I decided to make do with some yarn that I already had on hand along with a big crochet hook I already had.
Then, when I started making it, I realized there was a problem in the way the pattern was written out. Thankfully I’m experienced enough to figure out what was wrong. The pattern writer had forgotten to share that the HDC stitches should be made into the back loop only.
They also had a different kind of pompom on theirs. So I went looking for additional instructions for making big loose floppy pompoms.
Anyway, after putting all the information together, here’s how my hat turned out.

The back of my hat showing the big floppy pompom I made.
I used a double strand of Bernat Softee Baby Chunky yarn in the color, Fluffy Cloud White. I used a size US L crochet hook.
I made the pompom by wrapping my yarn around a 9-inch book about 30 times and then cutting the loops and fastening it in the middle with a tight tie.
I didn’t count my rows and this isn’t intended to be a crochet pattern but if you know how to crochet then I’m sure you can figure it all out to make one for yourself.

Here’s another view of the hat.
How about you? Have you ever found a mistake in a pattern you were following? Do you ever improvise for yarn or hook size? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. I love hearing from my readers!
Thanks for stopping by!
PS… This hat is available in my Etsy shop. Visit HERE.
Your hat looks nice soft and warm, Robin 😀
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Thank you. It really is!
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I think I might make some of these in prep for this Autumn/winter stalls!
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Good idea! I think they’re really cute!
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Such a cute hat – and looks like it would be really warm! Congrats!
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Thank you!
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I love it. It looks so cozy and warm.
I have found that sometimes things gets lost in translation, but I am normally able to understand in the end.
🙂
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Thank you!
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Loved your post and the hat pattern. I bought a crochet book a few years ago (I won’t name it) that had some lovely patterns; that is, until you started making them. I found at least three in which the instructions were incorrect. I later found corrections online and was amazed this book was even published–nearly every pattern had something wrong with it. Luckily, I am an experienced crocheter and was able to figure one or two out, but the third one? Forget it. Had no idea what the pattern designer was trying to do. I’m half afraid to try any other patterns in this book! The best crochet advice I ever received: “Sometimes patterns are wrong. It’s not you. Go with what you think is right and don’t worry about it.”
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Excellent advice! I realize pattern designers are human and can make mistakes, but for a book to be printed with so many mistakes, that is really a shame. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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